Naked camping, also known as naturism or nudism, can be a great way for a naked camper to connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors without worrying about what you’re wearing.

But before you take your first steps into the world of naked camping, there are some things you need to know. In this post, we’ll cover everything from the basics of naturism to finding places to be a naked camper.

So if you’re thinking about giving naked camping a try, keep reading!

What Is Naked Camping?

Naked camping is pretty much what it sounds like: camping without clothes. It’s the ultimate in minimalist living.

There are locations all across the United States where you can participate in naked camping. Even so, there are a few things you should know about naked camping before you start shedding your clothes.

Is Naked Camping Legal?

When it comes to naked camping, there’s no definitive answer as to whether or not it’s legal. This is because there are laws at the federal, state, and local levels to consider regarding public nudity.

In some places, naked camping is allowed as long as you’re on private property and out of public view. In other places, naked camping is only allowed in designated areas, such as nude beaches or naked resorts.

And in some places, it’s completely illegal. So if you’re planning on going naked camping, be sure to research the laws in the area beforehand.

Where Can You Legally Enjoy Naked Camping?

There are lots of private clubs and resorts, RV parks, and other businesses that allow for naked camping. 

You can also camp naked on many public lands, though the laws regarding public lands can be difficult to navigate. You’ll need to check local, state, and federal laws if you want to be a naked camper.

The American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) website is a good resource to find out more about naked camping locations.

Can You Camp Naked on BLM Land?

Yes, and maybe no. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has no outright regulation addressing public nudity. So the answer in that regard is probably yes, you can be a naked camper on BLM land.

But (there’s always a “but” isn’t there?), while the BLM doesn’t ban public nudity, it does allow state and local officials to enforce state and local laws on BLM-managed lands. Almost every state and local municipality has laws that address public nudity to one degree or another. 

So, even if you are out on BLM-managed land, you may not be free and clear to wander around in the buff. You must still know the local and state laws regarding public nudity, or you may have a run-in with local officials, such as a county sheriff.

Pro Tip: Make sure you know these 20 Golden Camping Rules Every Camper Should Know before you go!

What You Need to Know About Naked Camping

Even if you know you’re safe for naked camping, you should know a few things. Whether you’re in a privately owned area or a public space, here are some tips that will help you enjoy embracing nature in the nude.

Do Your Research

Always do your research first. As we mentioned, there aren’t really any federal regulations banning public nudity on BLM land. However, you could run into local laws. It’s better to know your limits than to face hefty fines or awkward run-ins with authorities.

Even if you’re going to a private resort or club, you should do your research. Some private businesses and locations have different cultures built around why or how they embrace the nudist lifestyle. Make sure the culture you intend to partake in fits your lifestyle.

Respect Others

This is a good rule of thumb regardless of where you are or whether you’re clothed or not. It’s just common decency to respect others. However, it can become a much bigger deal. Some folks are fine with naked camping. Others aren’t. Some folks just aren’t comfortable with the human body being on display in public.

That’s especially if you’re in a public place that doesn’t fully embrace public nudity but doesn’t regulate against it either. It’s a good idea to respect your neighbors. You don’t necessarily need to flaunt your nudity or act in a way that makes others uncomfortable. 

In fact, if you push the limits enough, it can go against regulations that aren’t specifically addressing public nudity but could be construed as obscene or causing a disturbance. This could land you in legal trouble even though being naked wasn’t violating a specific law.

Join the American Association of Nude Recreation

The American Association of Nude Recreation (AANR) has roots dating back to 1931. The AANR provides lots of resources to help folks find resorts, clubs, RV parks, and other private businesses that embrace the nudist lifestyle.

In addition, the AANR also works behind the scenes to help protect the people and businesses that opt for nudist lifestyles. It protects nudists and naturalists from governmental policies interfering with the right to enjoy clothing-free recreation.

They also work to promote nude recreation by educating government leaders, employers, and the general public.

Carry a Towel with You

Bring a towel with you wherever you go at a nudist camp. No, this isn’t because you have to cover up. It’s common courtesy to place a towel down before you sit down. This helps keep surfaces clean and sanitary for your fellow campers. 

Don’t Take Pictures

Don’t take pictures when you are at a nudist camp. Naked campers have a hard time relaxing if they think they might be filmed or have photos taken of them. 

In fact, many private nudist locations, such as resorts and RV parks, may require a sticker over the camera lens on your phone or ban the use of cameras and cell phones altogether. Many will consider it grounds for removal from the property.

Pro Tip: Ready to join the nudist life? Find out Are You Allowed to Drive Naked?

Best Places for Naked Camping

While there are some public lands where you can get away from it all and camp in the buff, running the risk of ruffling the feathers of other nearby non-nudist campers isn’t our idea of getting the most out of naked camping.

For our money, we’d rather have a more comfortable experience at a place where we know we’re going to be around like-minded people that aren’t put off by naked campers. With that in mind, we’ve got the details on three of the best places for naked camping.

Emerald Lake Naturist Resort

Address: 23198 TX-494 Loop, Porter, TX 77365

About: Located in Porter, Texas, just north of Houston, Emerald Lake Naturist Resort is a 21-acre year-round nudist resort, great for naked camping. They have the only legal nude beach in the Houston area. The resort offers sunbathing, swimming, camping, kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing.

Campground Features: On the shores of Emerald Lake, the campsites offer spaces for RVs and tents and some Lake House rooms with waterfront views.

Cost to Camp: $35 per night in an RV, plus a $40 day pass for single non-members or $50 for a non-member couple.

Hidden River Resort

Address: 223 Reynolds Bridge Rd, St George, GA 31562

About: Hidden River Resort is on 88 acres in southeast Georgia, not far from Jacksonville, Fla.  The resort features a social center, a large fire pit, 12 exercise stations, volleyball, yoga, a 2-acre enclosed dog park, and miles of trails and roads for hiking, horseback riding, and biking. There’s also a white sandy beach along the St. Mary’s River.

Campground Features: Hidden River has RV sites and tent sites, a bathhouse with indoor and outdoor showers, a hot tub, and a pavilion with a full outdoor kitchen for its naked campers to enjoy. They have 30-amp and 50-amp RV sites, tent sites with and without power, and a dump station. 

Cost to Camp: $25 per night in an RV, plus a $25 per person grounds fee per day.

Valley View Hot Springs

Address: 64393 County Rd GG, Moffat, CO 81143

About: Non-profit and charitable organization, the Orient Land Trust, owns Valley View Hot Springs. The site is mostly off-grid and focuses heavily on sustainability. It is a 2,200-acre area that combines camping, hiking, and natural hot springs, not far from the Great Sand Dunes National Park. 

Campground Features: The Valley View campground requires reservations and has no hook-ups. It is fully dry camping. In addition to no hook-ups, they try to keep things as natural as possible, so there are no generators allowed, no fires, and no dump sites. There’s minimal light pollution, so you’ll have spectacular starry nights in addition to stunning daytime views.

Cost to Camp: RV sites are $15 per night, plus a $34 per person overnight access fee during summer. Additionally, it’s $10 per night for the RV site and a $30 per person overnight fee during the winter months.

Will You Be a Naked Camper?

Will you get back to nature and be a naked camper? It’s certainly an experience that will initially get your heart racing, but if you can overcome the initial nerves, it’s an incredibly liberating and rewarding way to spend your time.

Just make sure you follow our essential etiquette tips for naked camping and check out our top three private locations for an intimate and clothing-free getaway.

Would you ever give naked camping a try? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!

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