Would you stay at a clothing-optional or nudist RV resort? That was a question we posed in this recent poll, and a surprising number of you said you would. In fact, based on the comments, a surprising number of people said that they had! This lead to questions by us about the experience and motivation, so we sought out a few people to find the bare facts and get the naked truth about clothing-optional RV resorts.
What are nudist RV resorts?
Clothing-optional RV resorts are as varied as any other type of place to take your RV. Some of these feature a huge variety of premium amenities, others are just spots in the desert. We found that some of these resorts offer both transient (overnighting) accommodations and also the opportunity to live there full-time in either your own RV or in park models and such.
Several of the resorts we found also offered primitive spots for tents or RVs without hookups.
What makes these different from the place you may be staying right now is that there is the opportunity to exit your RV without any clothes on. This varies, as well. Some have specific clothing-optional sections of the resort; others are not restricted at all.
Who stays at clothing-optional RV resorts?
The people who stay at these resorts and their motivation are as varied as any RV campground.
“It’s about getting back to nature and letting the sun kiss your skin and relax and rejuvenate,” said Kari Wood, who now lives at a park called Laguna del Sol near Sacramento, California.
Before some of you dismiss the place as just for Californians, know that there are clothing-optional resorts all across this great land. Indeed, one of the camping spots that pops up in Arizona is in Quartzsite. It is called Magic Circle.
“The BLM loves Magic Circle because the campers leave the place cleaner than they found it,” said Kari of the experience. In fact, the site has grown over the past few years simply because of the condition it’s left in. You may have read here that there seems to be a rash of people leaving places in disarray, so the BLM is going to look favorably on sites that are left in good condition.
Though, you know, the BLM is going to have to look carefully so as not to stare.
The motivation for campers is also varied.
Who wants to see that?
One of the things I read is comments like, “Why would you want to do that? Nobody wants to see you naked.” There are plenty of opinions shared about the condition of people’s appearance when not fully clothed.
I get that.
But the experience isn’t to show off what you have. “Most people don’t understand it unless they’ve experienced it,” said Kari. “We’re a huge community and family.”
From all the people I got to speak with for this article, and also in the past, who practice clothing-optional recreation, the idea is freeing. It’s not about showing off, it’s about personal freedom.
This might be like choosing to wear specific outfits, or the type of shoes you wear. Or whatever personal choices there are.
“This is paradise—leave the outside crap on the outside and this is paradise.”
One doesn’t go to the beach or swim in a lake to show off your anatomy, whether that’s covered with a swimsuit or in the original factory condition you were delivered in. You go there to enjoy the water and nature and the surroundings.
“There are people here of all shapes, sizes and ages,” continued Kari.
There’s an association
I think every hobby, lifestyle and ideology has at least one association, and there’s one for Nude Recreation. Specifically, the American Association for Nude Recreation. The organization lists places for nude recreation and also offers guidelines for going to places like a nude beach or nude campground.
On their website, they state, “Nude recreation embraces the joy of living and experiencing nature in the most natural way possible. To relax and be nude is to let yourself be totally free. Although we enjoy clothing-free activities in appropriate settings, we also choose to wear clothes when practical.
“Nudists respect each other’s individuality. Our own self-esteem is enhanced by our ability to accept ourselves as we really are. We find it easy to accept others regardless of physical size, shape, or body condition. Moreover, social class distinctions, often indicated by clothing, disappear.”
Furthermore, as reported in USA Today, The Yankelovich National Travel Monitor is one of the most respected polls in the travel industry. The 2006 edition of that poll found that 15% of adult Americans would consider a resort that offers a nude recreation experience or a clothing-optional beach experience either extremely or a very desirable part of a vacation.
That correlates well with our own poll about going to a clothing-optional resort.
More alternative lifestyles
Let’s face it, there are certainly some campers who ask if the reason people go to these resorts is to meet others for more intimate encounters. But this same question could be asked of almost any gathering of humans.
There are, in fact, some resorts that cater to swingers, or lifestylers, as they’re now called. There are naturalist resorts. And there are people likely in the campground you’re staying at tonight who may be into alternate lifestyles.
But there are plenty of people who just go there for the sake of enjoying camping in the buff.
“This is the safest place my wife feels,” said Kari’s husband, Bob.
“Are there lifestylers here? Absolutely. But if someone approaches you here and you’re not interested, they just leave you alone.”
Their first time
I thought I’d share a bit of Kari and Bob’s first experience at Laguna del Sol. Bob’s mom was a naturalist for years, so their first backpacking trip that got them started on the idea of camping in the altogether wasn’t a big stretch for him.
Eventually, they started learning about resorts that featured clothing-optional camping, but some of those were just very unfriendly. Once they found Laguna del Sol, the experience was very positive.
Well, except Kari was very, very nervous about her first trip there.
Meanwhile, Bob laughed about paying for the stay, noting that his mom did the same thing most of her life for free.
Kari’s nerves truly got the best of her, but their tour guide set them up with a spot that was secluded. After just one night, they booked another. And then another.
Over time, they became part of Laguna del Sol such that they offered tours.
The resort offers a lot of amenities including archery, pickleball, a restaurant, a conversation pool, a lake with fishing and much, much more. It’s pretty lavish and Kari and Bob have now taken up residence there.
Nudist RV resort conclusions
Nobody could convince someone opposed to the idea of camping in the skin you were born in that this is a good idea if you’re opposed to it. As with any sort of personal belief system, you either are open to the idea or not.
If you are curious, many of the clothing-optional and/or nudist RV resorts have tours and ways to try out the experience for yourself.
Further, there are public lands and other places where you can experience this style of camping.
I would say women, in particular, might be concerned about clothing-optional camping just because of the reactions of the opposite sex. To that, Kari said, “I’m naked and men are talking to me looking me in the eyes, not at my chest.”
Oh, and I know Kari and Bob personally as I have camped with them—and they’re delightful.
##RVT1076
Well being 80 I have pretty much been everywhere and seen a lot (pun intended). When we were much younger we traveled a lot. Europe, Australia, many islands in the Carribean and all the US and Hawaii. I will never forget our first experience on a French Island. The very nice resort brochures made no reference to nude beaches and we arrived late at night after several long flights. The first morning we slept in after the exhausting trip. About 11am I stepped out on our balcony and was shocked to see a beach full of nude people. I am talking mom, dad, kids, grandparents, young old, some very lovely, some very elderly. It took a day or two but being a young physically fit couple ourselves we soon began going to the beach with our towels and sandals and not much else. After that positive experience we occasionally stayed at resorts and rv parks that had clothing optional areas. I would rate those facilities as generally more friendly, polite and well behaved than public camping
This reflects exactly the experiences I have had in my travels.
Have stayed at several naturist rv parks and I prefer them over regular ones. People are nicer and place is cleaner. Try it, you may like it. I did.
By the way, these are naturists, not naturalists.
Thank you. You saved me from saying the same.
So does the campground store sell sunscreen by the gallon?
😆 Good one, Nanci. They’d make lots of money on that, and probably on bug repellent, as well. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane
I would think I might cause the entire place to be in hysterics if I went bare all. Lol
We live at a clothing optional resort, twenty years plus, and I can assure you that we have better things to think about and so would never expend any energy laughing at you, or anyone. It’s all about body acceptance and mental discovery.
Good one!
There isn’t anything you’ve got (or don’t have…) that we haven’t seen before…
And it’s nothing we would laugh at anyway.
also as a fair skinned former red head(now white) I sunburn easily and don’t do well in the sun. So my time is very limited in the sun. And no sunscreen doesn’t help much I still burn!
I don’t think “the naked truth” is being revealed in this story!
Been there (several), Done that. The article is true.
Yeah, there might be a very few exceptions at any resort/rv campground, but trouble makers at a nudist resort are quickly booted out. Safety and acceptance at a nudist rv resort IS universal.
I’d probably get kicked out.
Never would I consider going to a nudist RV resort. Would be embarrassed to reveal my shortcomings!
I wish people wouldn’t knock it unless they’ve tried it. It isn’t what they usually think it is. It seems certain elements of our society program you to think it’s a bad thing from early life on and it’s a shame because I find it to be a very positive experience
Ladies, if the idea intrigues you even a little bit I recommend that you give it a try. What seems to work here at Natures Resort is to wear a sarong. This way you are not over dressed and not truly naked either. Nearly all that try this loosen their grip on the edges and soon let it fall away. That first exhilarating walk to the pool sans clothes is magic.
The water and sun on your skin is divine. A truly memorable and repeatable experience.
We hope to see you here is south Texas.
Where in South Texas. Would like more information.
Where in South Texas? We are presently in Mission.
Unfortunately The one near me is men only.
After 168 basal cell skin cancers, 18 squamous cell, and 2 melanomas I would have to be nuts to go to a clothingfree campsite.
Why? I’ve seen ladies with unreconstructed single or double mastectomies (others with reconstructions), one with a colostomy bag, one with only 1 leg. Scars just show some of us have been on a rougher road, and survived.
Scars?? Over the years I’ve collected around 30, mostly small and/or fading, big deal.
I think Mitzi’s point is that she is done with skin cancer. The more of your body that is exposed to the sun, and the longer it is exposed, just leaves you open for more skin cancer. Some more than others.
Most of the nudist resorts I’ve been to are nice as far as facilities go. Obviously, a range like all RV parks, but what really sets them apart are the people. Very open, accepting and fun to be around!
Heck, if people saw me naked they’d probably go blind…Lol. It’s not my cup of tea.
maybe 20 years ago, now I don’t think so
Thank you, Tony! I did not know any of this.🤔
to the author of the nudist story: a “naturalist” is one thing. A naturist is another. A nudist may also be a naturalist. A naturalist might be a nudist. But the two words are not interchangeable.
First … Raise your hand if you zoomed in on the pool photo. 👋 LOL!
Second, in my experience (and I do have quite a bit), people who enjoy nudity with others are some of the most fun and sociable folks you will ever meet.
Third, once people a publicly nude there is NO indication of class or wealth and every one is equal, and no interested in judging others by their style of dress or body type. Most first timers become totally relaxed in a matter of minutes and have a delightful social experience.
OMG that’s funny.🖐