Clothing-Optional and Nudist Campgrounds in the U.S.

Usually, “no shoes, no shirt” means “no service,” but at nudist campgrounds, it means you’re doing it exactly right.

Nude camping is all about shedding more than just clothes—it’s about shedding stress, embracing nature, and feeling the breeze in places where the sun don’t usually shine. Whether you’re a seasoned naturist (that’s the cool kids’ name for “nudist”) or just looking to dip a toe (or, you know, everything) into the experience as a first-timer, clothing-optional retreats offer a judgment-free zone where you can strip away more than just the daily pressures of life.

Beyond letting it literally all hang out in a safe environment, nude recreation comes with mental health perks, like boosting your vitamin D intake (and your mood) and a new perspective on body positivity and self-confidence. Plus, many nude campgrounds and RV parks are both family-oriented and pet-friendly (as long as Fido is cool with leaving his fancy sweaters at home).

What is nude camping?

Nude camping, also known as naturism or nudism, is exactly what it sounds like—camping without clothes. Nude campgrounds vary in their policies—some are fully nude at all times, while others are clothing-optional. If you’re new to camping trips in the buff, it’s a good idea to choose the latter so you can ease into the experience. And though nude camping is definitely about freedom, be sure to familiarize yourself with general naturism etiquette, as well as the guidelines at each specific location. The important ground rules below should help.

Naturist camping etiquette

• Put the camera away. Campers at clothing-optional campsites expect a level of privacy. Check with each campground for specific rules, like if you’re required to put a sticker over your smartphone camera.
• Keep affection private. Nude camping is about freedom, not exhibitionism—holding hands is okay, but save the overt PDA (or anything more) for your tent.
• Eyes “up here.”  Making eye contact is always polite, but in a nudist camp, it’s especially key. Keep things comfortable and respectful—this isn’t the place for wandering eyes.
• Pack smart. Clothes are optional, but common sense probably shouldn’t be. A towel or sarong to sit on is pretty non-negotiable (for hygiene…and to avoid unfortunate splinters). Sunscreen, bug spray, a hat, and proper footwear (sandals or sneakers) are also must-haves.

Now that you’ve got the basics, we’ve compiled some of the very best campgrounds for nude enthusiasts. Let’s get you out there!

12 top clothing-optional and nudist campgrounds in the U.S.

Lupin Lodge, Santa Clara County, CA

• Pricing: From $12/night (tent camping) | $35/night (yurts)
• Campsites: 7 tent sites, 1 yurt, 1 RV site
• Pet-friendly? No

Perched above the Santa Cruz Redwoods, this woman-owned and operated resort sprawls across 110 wooded acres, all of which you can explore with nary a stitch of clothing (although not to be a buzzkill, you’ll want to keep in mind that poison oak is known to flourish in this area). The amenities are as good as the views: a swimming pool, hot tub, sun decks, yoga classes, tennis and volleyball courts, movie nights, and even an on-site restaurant. Stay for the day, or book one of Lupin Lodge’s cozy yurts, each with a queen or king bed, heating, A/C, and access to a shared fire pit. Clothing is optional everywhere except the pools, spas, and saunas—because what’s the point of a nude resort if you leave with tan lines?

The LODGE @ Runaway Bay, Volusia County, FL

• Pricing: From $53/night
• Campsites: 3 glamping yurts, 2 cabins
• Pet-friendly? Yes

Tucked in the Lake George State Forest, this secluded, self-proclaimed 420-friendly nude glamping site sits on a shallow but sprawling lake connected to Florida’s St. John’s River. Wildlife abounds—alligators, snakes, otters, manatees, and maybe even a bald eagle or two if you’re lucky. The lodge offers a variety of holistic wellness services, including yoga, moxibustion, tantra for couples, sound baths, and massage. Prepare your meals in the communal kitchen, or, even better, let a private chef do all of the cooking for you.

Vermont Freedom Campground, Caledonia County, VT

• Pricing: From $49/night
• Campsites: 20 RV/tent sites
• Pet-friendly? Yes (on leash)

This off-the-beaten-path nude campground sits on 21 rural acres and welcomes all adults 18+, with one caveat—the website notes that while it’s not technically a gay campground, “We do have a large percentage of gay men here. Don’t be afraid of them; they are very nice.” Basically, anyone who can coexist peacefully with others is welcome, which sounds exactly as it should be. Choose a tent site in the woods or out in the sun (first-come, first-served), enjoy hot showers, and pick up firewood on-site. There’s even a laundry facility, though, let’s be real—this might be the one place where you won’t have much dirty laundry to deal with.

Sunset Mountain, McDonald County, MO

• Pricing: From $35/night
• Campsites: 22 tent sites, 2 RV sites, 3 glamping structures
• Pet-friendly? Yes, on leash

A no-frills, reservation-only nudist retreat in the Ozarks, Sunset Mountain sits on a cattle farm overlooking the Elk River (ideal for canoeing, rafting, and floating). The vibe is rustic and relaxed, with hiking trails, a community fire pit, a seasonal cooling-off pool, a hot tub, and a sun deck—unlike many other nudist resorts, the latter two don’t require nudity, so do as you please. A standout feature? The onsite pickleball courts and regular indoor nude pickleball tournaments. There are multiple lodging options, but the real gem is the “Jesus Bus,” a repurposed church bus (a thing that exists, apparently) that’s almost a religious experience in that it’s the perfect mix of comfort and camping.

#JTRidge Sites/Clothing Optional, Jones County, IA

• Pricing: From $35/night 
• Campsites: 10 tent sites
• Pet-friendly? No

This 15-acre, family-friendly, clothing-optional campground is perfect for a day trip or an overnight stay at one of its secluded waterfront campsites. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, and free firewood. Set along the Wapsipinicon River (a 300-mile-long Mississippi tributary), JTRidge is perfect for exploring wooded nature trails, endless hammock lounging, and on-site massages.

Bare Lake House, Steuben County, NY

• Pricing: From $69/night
• Campsites: 1 cabin
• Pet- friendly? No

Nakation Group Booking, San Juan County, NM

• Pricing: From $32/night
• Campsites: 10 RV/tent sites
• Pet-friendly? Yes

This 20-acre retreat is surrounded by some of the most incredible archaeological sites in the U.S., including Aztec Ruins National Monument and Chaco Culture National Historical Park. Looking for something with a bit more of an adrenaline kick? There are also tons of places to go off-roading. The amenities are minimal—an above-ground pool, a fire pit (with provided wood), and outdoor showers—but thanks to the epic desert sunsets and rugged landscapes, you probably won’t even notice.

Parksland Retreat, Talladega County, AL

• Pricing: From $25/night
• Campsites: 1 cabin, 3 yurts, 3 campsites
• Pet-friendly? Yes, at campsites only

Set on 40 acres in the Talladega National Forest, this off-the-grid, family-friendly retreat has everything you need for a proper au naturel getaway: a swimming hole, hiking trails, a nearby waterfall, outdoor showers (with hot water!), a sauna, and a communal fire pit. There’s even a camp store in case your ultra-light packing gets a little too light and you forget your toothbrush at home.

Maryland Health Society, Anne Arundel County, MD

• Pricing: From $25/night
• Campsites: 3 cabins, 1 RV/tent site, 20 tent sites
• Pet-friendly? Yes

For over 90 years, this clothing-optional retreat has provided a summer escape just 25 miles from D.C.—ideal for stressed-out Washingtonians who need a break from suits, ties, and, well, all clothing altogether. Set on 98 wooded acres, it boasts seven miles of hiking trails, a pool, outdoor showers, BBQ grills, and a clubhouse with a kitchen and restrooms. The only politics you’ll find here? Debating whether to take a dip before or after your afternoon nap.

Bare RV Resort, Pasco County, FL

• Pricing: From $45/night
• Campsites: 10 tent sites, 1 houseboat, 7 RV sites with hookups
• Pet-friendly? Yes, except on the houseboat
  

This woman-owned and -operated 21+ resort has everything you could possibly need for a fun weekend getaway (day passes are available too). We’re talking a heated pool, in-ground hot tub, and a clubhouse with a pool table, dart board, corn hole, and flat screen TV, so you can watch the game with or without sporting your team’s jersey. But the real highlight? Saturday night poolside karaoke, so be sure to warm up those vocal cords (or at least embrace the fact that confidence is said to increase when the amount of clothing decreases)). And if somehow karaoke didn’t win you over, this clothing-optional resort is also home to a quirky houseboat, appropriately named the S.S. Bare Naked, complete with a queen-sized bed and bean bag chairs.

Masabaje Camp, Kittitas County, WA

• Pricing: From $24/night
• Campsites: 1 tent site, 4 glamping structures
• Pet-friendly? Yes

At this clothing-optional retreat, the wheels on the bus don’t go round and round—because the camp’s classic yellow school bus has been converted into a cozy overnight refuge with views of rolling hills and the Cascades. If a school bus feels a little too nostalgic, opt for an Airstream, retro trailer, “truck bed glamp pod,” or a tent. There’s also a main house with a guest-approved “immaculate” bathroom (a truly religious find in the camping world) and friendly pups available for optional cuddles. If you’re looking for adventure, the nearby Yakima River offers hiking, fly fishing, floating, and horseback riding—all of which do require clothing because while “bareback” riding is a thing, literal bare back riding sounds like a fast track to chafing in places that definitely don’t want to be chafed.

Ocotillo Acres, Brewster County, TX

• Pricing: From $18/night 
• Campsites: One campsite (accommodates up to 8 people)
• Pet-friendly? Yes

If you prefer to ease into your nude camping adventure without an audience—or just love going truly off-grid—this private campsite in the Chihuahuan Desert has you covered (or, well, uncovered). Sitting on 70 acres of rugged land, this spot isn’t for those who require creature comforts—there’s no running water, no cell service, and the only “creatures” offering “comfort” are tarantulas, coyotes, and the occasional rattlesnake. But for those who crave solitude, unbeatable sunsets, and a star-filled night sky, it’s a dream.

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