Written by For many people, the idea of being naked in public is a nightmare scenario. But for us The Naked Nomads, selling our home and traveling to nudist resorts along the east coast and southern United States has been a liberating and life-changing experience.
We are Steve and Steph, the founders of The Naked Nomads. After years of working in the corporate world, we decided to sell our home and give most of our possessions to our kids and the community, then hit the road to explore a new way of living. For us, embracing the naturist lifestyle on our travels was an absolute must.
One of the biggest draws of nudist or clothing-optional resorts is the freedom they provide. Without clothing to worry about, one can focus on simply enjoying the surroundings and the company of others. Because everyone is naked, there’s a sense of equality and openness that’s hard to find elsewhere.
It’s not just about the freedom to shed your clothes. There is an incredibly strong sense of community at nudist/naturist resorts. People from all walks of life come together in a welcoming and inclusive environment, forming friendships and connections that last far beyond a single vacation.
Why we did it
Having been members and seasonal residents at Sunny Rest Resort near the Pocono mountains in Pennsylvania for almost 10 years, we couldn’t help but wonder whether the strong sense of community and feeling of complete freedom was possible elsewhere.
We had met some of the most fun, non-judgmental, happy people of our lives and forged deep, lasting friendships with so many who share our need to escape the textile world and be who we are, au natural. Could other people be experiencing the same thing? Does this utopia exist elsewhere?
What we discovered
We found in our first year of travel that it absolutely does. Booking short stays at over a dozen clothing-optional resorts and parks the first year, we found that though each place is unique in some ways, there are universal truths that exist in each one, and there are options for everyone.
To share our experiences and spread the word about the naturist lifestyle, we started The Naked Nomads blog and website. We also maintain active social media accounts, where we share photos and stories from our travels and provide tips and advice for others who are interested in exploring naturist resorts themselves.
In our second year we booked extended stays at some of our favorite places like Indian Hills in Slidell, Louisiana and WhiteTail Resort in Ivor, Virginia; and discovered some new favorites in Suwannee Valley Resort in White Springs, Florida and Paradise Valley Resort in Dawsonville, Georgia.
It is difficult to make recommendations or rate the resorts, because it is really about the individual person or couple’s expectations and desires. What is fun and exciting for one couple may be too much for another, and vice-versa. We can only tell you what to expect and the general vibe – its up to you to choose the vibe that suits your needs.
Another consideration is the time of year in which you visit. Since we are docked at Sunny Rest each summer, many of our visits may be considered “off-season” depending on the location. You can get an idea of a resorts “high activity” dates by looking at the events list on their website, so you can either attend or plan to avoid the high-traffic dates depending on your preference. In general, all resorts and parks are more high-energy on the weekends, and weekdays are more relaxed. Most resorts south of Virginia are open year-round, while those north are usually open May-November, with access for those resorts with residents, but no water available for non-residents. Most clothing-optional resorts and parks are busier in the summer, with some exceptions in warmer climates.
What to expect
So, what can you expect if you decide to visit a naturist or clothing-optional resort? As you will see when exploring The Naked Nomads website and social media pages, each one is different, with its own unique vibe and set of rules. But in general, you can expect to find well-maintained facilities, friendly staff, and plenty of opportunities to connect with others.
Some resorts and parks are rustic and focused on the camping experience, where people gather around campfires or in common areas for potluck dinners, drinks and good conversation. Others have more resort-like offerings with on-site dining, live music, cashless bar, and professionally landscaped surroundings. Since naked people can’t easily carry cash, most places allow you to charge food and drinks to your room or campsite account.
Most every park or resort will have planned activities on weekends (some during the week), camping facilities, friendly staff and patrons, a pool and hot tub, some type of community area for gathering and events, and most require some type of membership or day fees for entry. When booking a stay, be sure you are clear on the charges, as many charge day fees separately from camping or room fees, but others combine the fees for simplicity to guests. 
One trend we have noticed when sharing our adventures with others is that naturists are generally more friendly, welcoming and open than the general population. While some report that some resorts seem “clique-ish”, a closer look reveals that most of the time the people in these groups have become so close that they don’t always take notice of others. If you feel this is happening on your first visit to a place, don’t be afraid to ask a question or introduce yourselves. Ask for recommendations on what to see in the area, or how to dress or undress for a planned event – or what drink specials or menu items they recommend. It is very rare to find a naturist who is unwilling to be helpful.
Of course, not everyone is ready to jump into the naturist lifestyle headfirst. But for those who are curious, The Naked Nomads encourage them to give it a try. Most all naturist resorts are safe, friendly, and welcoming places, where people can explore their bodies and their sense of self in a supportive environment.
Whether you’re looking for a place to relax and unwind, a new adventure, or a chance to explore your own sense of freedom and identity, naturist resorts may be just what you need. Thanks to The Naked Nomads, you can explore this world vicariously through our blog and social media accounts, or even join us on the road for an experience you’ll never forget.
The Naked Nomads blog and website (www.thenakednomads.com)
The Naked Nomads On Instagram
