Nudist Campsites

There is a philosophy that comes with camping in the nude. People recognize that bare is beautiful regardless of body size, color, or gender. As long as people are not infringing on the rights of others, nudists believe that they have a right to camp in the nude. They enjoy the freedom of relaxing and not having to worry about covering themselves with clothes.

Where to Find Nudist Campsites

One thing to keep in mind about nude camping is that in order to pitch a tent and enjoy all of the activities provided, most nudist campsites require visitors to join the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR). The membership fee of $224 entitles you to the AANR newsletter, among other benefits. Once a member, you can find a campground that is affiliated with the organization, and camp. The overnight camping fees are about the same as they are at traditional campgrounds, ranging from $15 to $20 per tent per night. Many sites allow for RV camping as well and have electric and water hook-ups. Generally, campsites are open from April to October.

Some of the more popular nudist campsites include:

• Berkshire Vista Resort is located in western Massachusetts
• Blue Lake Nudist Club is in northwestern Illinois and focuses on being a family-friendly campground
• Gymno-Vita Park is family-friendly with a nude circus on the second Saturday in July
• The Riverboat Nudist Club, north of Tampa, Florida, offers workshops on holistic health, spirituality, relationships, massage, and meditation.
• Sunnier Palms in Fort Pierce, Florida, is open year-round, due to the warm southern climate
• Sunny Haven National Park near South Bend, Indiana, is a private, family-oriented nudist park
• The Sequoians Family Nudist Park in Castro Valley, California boasts of "no tan line tanning" and has 80 acres to hike in the nude
• Hidden River Resort, home of the Nudie Blues, is located 30 miles west of Jacksonville, Florida and holds an annual 5K Hidden River Trail Streak.

Activities

Along with enjoying a campfire, nudist campsites also offer a variety of activities. These often include:

• Volleyball
• Swimming
• Boating
• Shuffleboard
• Swimming in the outdoor pool
• Sunning on the sundeck
• Relaxing in the whirlpool
• Enjoying meals and drinks at the snack bar (alcohol is often sold on the premises)

Many of the parks feature interesting annual activities such as talent nights, bike rides, or magic shows. All of these, of course, are performed without clothes.

Rules to Follow

As with any campground, there are rules to follow to ensure that all visitors are responsible in keeping the campsite clean and safe as well as making it enjoyable for everyone. These include:

• No weapons, firearms, or fireworks are allowed on the premises
• Parents are to supervise their children
• Nudity is often required in the pool and sauna
• Before sitting, place a towel under you
• Trash must be bagged and placed in the dumpsters on site
• Observe the quiet hours
• Overt sexuality and voyeurism are not allowed

What to Pack

As you pack for your camping adventure, here are some items to consider taking along:

• Tent
• Sleeping bag
• Toiletries
• Cooking stove
• Folding chair
• Lantern
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen
• Casual clothing (it is permitted sometimes in the camp and also needed for leaving the camp)
• Food for grilling

Since privacy is a priority, despite the freedom of not wearing clothing, picture taking is often prohibited. Therefore, it is probably best to leave your camera at home.

Come Back Next Year

Friendships develop as families spend time at the same campgrounds each year. Families meet like-minded people, people who believe in the wholesomeness of nude camping, and all are eager to return the next season to enjoy the benefits of camping in the buff.