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If you’re planning a camping trip, you’re likely to have a checklist to prepare for your outdoor expedition. Tent? Check. Sleeping bag? Check. Attire? Not required.

This applies if you’re engaging in naturist camping.

The practice of naturism, which is nonsexual nudism, might sound strange to some, but it has historical roots dating back to the late 1800s with the establishment of the first naturist club, the Fellowship of the Naked Trust, in British India. Originally, “naturism” referred to a lifestyle focused on health, but it has now evolved to represent nudist culture.

Nudist beaches, resorts, and camps have proliferated across Europe and the U.S., including Arizona, Colorado, and Virginia.

In July, there was an 85% increase in searches for naturist campsites in the U.S. compared to the same period in the previous year, as reported by U.K.-based park booking service Pitchup.com.

But there’s much more to clothing-free camping than it seems.

“People who haven’t experienced the naturist lifestyle often view it as indecent or scandalous, which is a complete misconception,” remarked Austin Redgrave, a naturist camper and former warden of a historic naturist site in England known as Broadland Sun, in an email to YSL News. “Once they give it a try, they discover the true essence of naturism.”

Removing clothing and connecting with nature can offer significant mental health advantages. A 2017 study from the University of London found that naturists, including those who occasionally go partially naked, like sunbathing without a top, reported improved body image and self-esteem, along with greater life satisfaction. Another study conducted by the same researchers revealed that participants experienced “immediate and significant improvement” in how they perceived their bodies and their general satisfaction with life after attending a nude event.

Additionally, naturists appreciate the relaxation and liberation that comes from living in harmony with the environment, as noted by The Naturist Society.

Continue reading to discover more about naturist camping.

What is the experience of naturist camping?

Redgrave and his partner first explored naturist camping a few years ago. The couple had embraced camping during the pandemic, and after experiencing the heartbreaking loss of a child, they sought something “different” from their bucket list to help them heal. Naturist camping appeared on his partner’s list. “We found a lovely location just twenty minutes from home and decided ‘nothing ventured, nothing gained,’” Redgrave shared. They quickly became enthusiastic about it.

“Mental health is a significant aspect – it feels liberating and natural,” Redgrave noted. “Everyone enjoys the sensation of the sun on their skin; imagine that without any fabric between you and the sun. It truly benefits people.”

Fellow naturist enthusiast Harry Hanbury agrees, stating, “For many, the initial reaction is the sensation of freedom, and that’s accurate.” He and his wife, Theresa, first encountered naturist activities at a nude beach in Saint Martin and were delighted with how free they felt. Since then, they acquired a camper and have visited over 70 campsites across the U.S.

Essentially, naturist camping shares similarities with any standard campsite, with the distinction that campers fully embrace the outdoors without clothing. Amenities typically include restrooms, laundry facilities, and a clubhouse, allowing for various recreational activities such as jet skiing, kayaking, tennis, or swimming. Many locations also promote a family-friendly atmosphere.

If you’re wondering about the discomfort of being nude around others, Redgrave acknowledges that it is common to feel a bit uneasy at first, but this quickly dissipates. “You soon realize that no one looks like the photos in magazines; everyone is unique, and that’s okay.”

Most campsites prioritize safety and the nonsexual essence of naturism. In the U.S., many are gated and conduct background checks on visitors, as Hanbury mentioned. Broadland Sun, for instance, has a security gate where guards verify each camper’s identity and maintain a log of who enters. Other sites may require visitors to be members of recognized nudist organizations. Inappropriate behavior or photography is strictly prohibited.

“The biggest myth is that everyone assumes we are into swinging, but that’s simply not true,” Hanbury stated.

There is not much connection between this and nudist activities. Everyone ensures the resort’s reputation remains spotless and takes care of one another.

According to Redgrave, naturists tend to be “much friendlier than regular campers,” aiming to create a nonjudgmental and welcoming environment. “Everyone looks out for each other,” he emphasized.

That’s one of the reasons Hanbury keeps returning to naturist campgrounds. “You make friends right away,” he noted, explaining that people feel more relaxed and liberated in naturist settings compared to traditional campsites. “The social freedom is what draws people in most.”

Advice for First-Time Naturist Campers

• Choose your camping days based on the weather. Redgrave recommends selecting sunny and warm days for a more comfortable nude experience.
• He advises newcomers to “go at their own pace.” If being nude in public is a new experience, it might feel a bit intimidating at first. Watching others embrace nudity helps ease anxiety, but there’s no need to rush. Visitors are encouraged to take their time adjusting.
• Pack towels or sarongs. For hygiene reasons, it is advisable to have a towel to sit on in common areas.
• If the weather is cool, you might wear something, like a poncho, or a hat for sun protection.