Gay naturist camping

Even individuals who are typically wary of rugged outdoor experiences might find themselves developing an affinity for camping excursions geared towards gay men. 

Although certain exclusively male camping sites offer a more immersive natural experience compared to others, universal among them is the fostering of social interaction, facilitated by activities and a prevailing atmosphere conducive to effortlessly connecting with others. Furthermore, given that these establishments serve a demographic (primarily gay men) often perceived as maintaining elevated expectations, the majority are equipped with reliably well-appointed restroom facilities. In contrast to some venues that retain a rather rudimentary charm, a considerable number boast swimming pools, communal buildings where celebratory events take place, and various other conveniences. Lodging in cabins is frequently offered, with options spanning from exceedingly simple accommodations at certain sites to those resembling hotel suites at others.

Presented by Wander+Lust, this compilation highlights exclusively male camping destinations throughout the United States and Canada, specifically emphasizing those tailored for gay and bisexual men, which are either entirely or partially apparel-optional. Indeed, patrons at these locales are welcome to traverse the natural surroundings completely unclothed. While numerous LGBTQ2S+ inclusive camping spots exist across North America, some of which do allow nudity, each of our chosen 11 selections is singularly dedicated to serving individuals who identify as male.

However, it does not imply constant nudity among all attendees, nor does bared skin invariably signify a sexual context. A playful demeanor does not uniformly equate to impropriety, nor does impropriety necessarily translate into nocturnal revelries. Certain camping facilities exhibit a greater degree of discretion than their counterparts. A majority enforce regulations concerning areas suitable for nude bathing or exposure. To illustrate, it is frequently mandated that a towel, at minimum, be placed between one's posterior and any seating surface. Furthermore, the majority of these establishments maintain explicit guidelines regarding sexual activity; typically, engaging in such acts is proscribed in shared public zones (unless within, for instance, a specified recreational area) or where visibility to others is possible. Similarly, the capture of images through photography is frequently disallowed, with the sole exception being within one's personal camping plot.

During their operational period, most camping venues organize a specific theme for each weekend, which serves as an indicator of the expected atmosphere. For instance, an event designated as 'Friends and Family Weekend'—permitting the attendance of children and other relations, including female guests—is generally anticipated to be a more subdued affair. Conversely, weekends focusing on leather, denim, or fetish themes—or any period suggesting a dress code of undergarments or less—tend to offer more provocative experiences. While numerous weekends are specifically dedicated to bear themes, individuals identifying as 'bears' are, in fact, commonly present at gay campgrounds virtually every single weekend.

A majority of gay camping sites necessitate memberships, obtainable either digitally during the booking process or upon your physical arrival; these memberships typically remain valid for the entire season, thus reducing the expense per visit for frequent patrons.

While alcoholic beverages are permitted at all these establishments, it is noteworthy that even those hosting dance events frequently do not offer such beverages for purchase. Regulations concerning alcoholic sales and consumption differ significantly across various legal territories. Therefore, it is prudent to thoroughly review all site policies, which encompass information regarding food provisions, prior to your arrival equipped with only a tent and a Speedo in your vehicle's storage compartment.

Proceeding from the western regions eastward, presented here are the premier destinations for gay naturist camping.

Harrison Mills, British Columbia

(East of Vancouver)

Shadow Falls(17575 Morris Valley Rd., Harrison Mills). Although this particular camping site provides a more limited array of exclusive gatherings and facilities compared to other listed locations (a noteworthy point: showers require payment!), the unparalleled natural magnificence of British Columbia is truly difficult to surpass. This venue presents an idyllic, unadorned aesthetic, complete with an expansive verdant area conducive to communal interaction and sun-worship. Encompassing a wooded expanse of forty acres, the estate is bisected by a flowing creek, and it lies merely a twenty-minute car journey from Harrison Hot Springs, a celebrated spa destination since the 1800s. What necessity is there for a swimming pool? Its clientele tends to be a more mature demographic. Shadow Falls is situated approximately 110 kilometers (or roughly 68 miles) to the east of Vancouver. 

Queen Valley, Arizona

(East of Phoenix)

Copper Cactus Ranch Men's Retreat (4516 N. Elephant Butte Rd., Queen Valley). We particularly appreciate the Western-themed ambiance at this exclusively male sanctuary, providing lodging options such as ranch-style dormitories alongside traditional tents and recreational vehicles. Its stated objective emphasizes emotional connection: 'Males require a secure environment where they can experience connection and companionship, free from the apprehension of derision, regardless of their sexual orientation.' Moreover, they organize interactive activities such as communal drum sessions and craft-focused weekends. However, this retreat, accessible for the entirety of 2024 with the exception of August, also reveals its more uninhibited character through themed weekends dedicated to 'bear' culture, uniforms, military aesthetics, and masquerades. Additionally, a swimming pool is available. Copper Cactus is situated roughly 95 kilometers (approximately 59 miles) to the east of Phoenix.

Navasota, Texas

(Northwest of Houston)

Grizzly Pines(16930 Whippoorwill Rd., Navasota). Despite its nomenclature, which might imply a stronger 'bear' focus, this camping facility draws a diverse demographic of attractive adult men spanning various age groups. With a policy of optional clothing throughout the whole premises, its curated events present a blend of provocative gatherings (e.g., two 'puppy' weekends, a fetish-themed week) and more subdued affairs (e.g., drag performances, 'white elephant' present swaps, lū‘aus). Intriguingly, the internal pathways bear evocative names such as Feltch Curve and Copafeel Switch. A selection of cabins is available for lease, some providing a view of the swimming pool—ideal for monitoring the poolside activities—in addition to spaces for tent and trailer camping. Grizzly Pines is located approximately 100 kilometers (around 62 miles) to the northwest of Houston.

Morgantown, Indiana

(South of Indianapolis)

Camp Buckwood (8670 Spearsville Rd., Morgantown). The majority of social gatherings occur within the vicinity of the two heated swimming pools at this welcoming and meticulously kept camping ground (notably, their official website explicitly declares them to be trans-friendly, a distinction unique among the sites featured in this compilation). Naturally, they host a 'bear' themed weekend, but their calendar also includes events such as a 'Hoosier Daddy' weekend, a 'Hanky Code' weekend, and a 'fetish' weekend. The attendees represent a broad spectrum of age groups. Opportunities for kayaking are available on the property's 2.5-acre (or 1-hectare) lake. Camp Buckwood is situated approximately 65 kilometers (roughly 40 miles) south of Indianapolis.

Mount Olivet, Kentucky

(Between Cincinnati and Lexington)

River Ridge Campground (1385 Harding Rd., Mt Olivet). Positioned alongside the Licking River amidst the undulating terrain of Northern Kentucky, this destination, which openly welcomes 'bear' and leather enthusiasts, unequivocally states on its web portal that it is 'not a sex club or brothel.' Indeed, consistent with every other camping site enumerated herein, sexual acts are forbidden in shared public zones—with the exception of specially designated recreational spaces, conveniently situated in close proximity to the swimming pool and hot tub. The entire property observes a clothing-optional policy, excluding only the immediate vicinity of the riverbank. They not only organize 'bear' and leather themed weekends but also host an annual Halloween celebration and a carnival. River Ridge is located approximately 95 kilometers (about 59 miles) south of Cincinnati, and around 75 kilometers (or 47 miles) north of Lexington. 

Geneva, Alabama

(Between Mobile and Tallahassee) 

CampOut Alabama (163 Campground Rd., Geneva). Since 2017, this tranquil, arboreal, and secluded property has been under novel (and relatively youthful) stewardship, making it an exemplary choice for a serene, understated getaway. The clientele is notably amicable and unhurried; while a 'bear' themed weekend is held monthly, the site maintains a consistently 'bear-friendly' atmosphere throughout the year. Given its position as one of the more southern camping locations mentioned in this compilation, the climate permits its operation continuously throughout the entire year. CampOut is situated approximately 190 kilometers (roughly 118 miles) northwest of Tallahassee, and around 250 kilometers (about 155 miles) east of Mobile.

Proctor, West Virginia

(Between Columbus and Pittsburgh)

Roseland Resort and Campground (925 Nolte Ln., Proctor). Throughout the entire year, visitors to this scenic establishment can take pleasure in its swimming pool, dual hot tubs, expansive trekking paths, and various recreational amenities; however, it is the specially themed weekends—reaching their zenith during the summer months—that render the journey particularly worthwhile: these include 'Kinko de Mayo,' 'Nude,' 'Take It Off,' 'Bear Meets Leather,' and 'Skin' events. Disrobing is allowed across all areas of the property, with the sole exception of the restaurant; even the winding hiking paths are considered clothing-optional. Roseland is located approximately 255 kilometers (about 158 miles) east of Columbus, and around 145 kilometers (or 90 miles) southwest of Pittsburgh.

Vittoria, Ontario

(Between London and Buffalo)

The Point (906 Charlotteville Rd. 2, Vittoria). Attracting mature campers across all age demographics from both the United States and Canada, this camping destination achieves an impeccable equilibrium among sociability, tranquility, and excitement. The communal bonfires held on Friday evenings, offering a safe opportunity for a bit of cheeky fun at a respectful distance from the blaze, present an excellent avenue for encountering new individuals; moreover, one is free to approach virtually any campsite and initiate a dialogue. The pathways within the property can become exceedingly animated during nighttime hours, particularly following the Saturday evening dance event. Beyond its leather and 'bear' themed weekends, it is quintessentially Canadian to also feature a lumberjack weekend. The Point is situated approximately 160 kilometers (about 99 miles) southwest of Toronto, and 120 kilometers (or 75 miles) southwest of Buffalo.

Angelica, New York

(South of Buffalo and Rochester)

Jones Pond (9835 Old State Rd., Angelica). Initially established as a children's summer camp during the 1960s, this site has operated as a haven for gay and bisexual men since 1991 and is presently managed by a pair of Canadian proprietors. Encompassing an expansive area exceeding 100 acres, the estate provides ample space for exploration. In addition to organized weekend thematic celebrations (including 'onesies,' 'gaymers,' 'bear,' 'leather,' and 'Speedos' events), this camping ground, akin to multiple others cited here, maintains a long-standing custom of long-term residents hosting their own unique gatherings. It is consistently advantageous to engage in conversations with fellow campers beside the apparel-optional swimming area to ascertain what informal events or social gatherings might be taking place during your visit. Jones Pond is located approximately 115 kilometers (roughly 71 miles) south of either Buffalo or Rochester.

New Millford, Pennsylvania

(North of Scranton)

Hillside Campgrounds(948 Creek Rd., New Milford). Serving as the principal location for the Northeast Nudist Society, this venue provides an exceedingly welcoming environment for those wishing to camp without clothing. While a predominant theme is designated for each weekend (such as 'bears,' 'fantasy fetish,' 'leather,' 'Latin,' or 'flannel' events), typically multiple social gatherings occur throughout any given week—and, more often than not, bingo is a staple. Might it be reiterated that the game of bingo holds considerable significance within gay camping communities? Hillside is situated approximately 65 kilometers (around 40 miles) north of Scranton.

Sainte-Marthe, Quebec

(West of Montreal)

Camping Club Resort Plein Bois (550 Chem. Saint-Henri, Sainte-Marthe). Should one surmise that a camping ground situated in such proximity to one of North America's most vibrant gay cities would be teeming with attractive gay campers, that intuition would prove correct. However, your admiration will extend beyond merely your fellow tent-dwelling companions. The on-site facilities are equally remarkable, featuring a gymnasium, a pair of swimming pools, and an outdoor, sheltered spa. The designated party themes align with common expectations—encompassing 'bear,' 'leather,' 'disco,' and 'Mexican fiesta' events—yet, it is notable that these are predominantly conducted in French. A single cautionary note: the designated apparel-optional zone constitutes merely approximately one-fourth of the entire premises. Plein Bois is located approximately 70 kilometers (roughly 43 miles) to the west of Montreal.