The Nudist Club Starter Pack: How to Choose Your First Naturist Resort Without the Guesswork

I remember the first time I decided to visit a nudist resort. I didn’t even know what to Google. “Clothing optional club near me” felt too vague, “nude beach vacation” sent me down an entirely different rabbit hole, and “naturist resort” made me wonder if I needed to pack hiking boots or just sunscreen. The truth is, picking your first nudist club isn’t as simple as pointing at a map and stripping down.

I wish someone had told me that not all “clothing optional” spaces are created equal. Some are full-blown party spots with DJs and champagne at noon. Others are quiet, family-oriented naturist clubs where you’ll see toddlers toddling around the pool and retirees playing pickleball. Neither is wrong, but walking into the wrong vibe for your personality is like showing up to a black-tie event in flip-flops — memorable, but for all the wrong reasons.

So here’s what I learned: before you commit to that first visit, do a little recon. A true naturist resort will often be affiliated with organizations like the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) or The Naturist Society Foundation (TNSF). That little badge of affiliation can make all the difference — it usually means they follow established naturist values: body freedom, respect, privacy, and a non-sexual environment.

So here’s what I learned: before you commit to that first visit, do a little recon. A true naturist resort will often be affiliated with organizations like the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) or The Naturist Society Foundation (TNSF). That little badge of affiliation can make all the difference — it usually means they follow established naturist values: body freedom, respect, privacy, and a non-sexual environment.

But if you’re still in “where do I even find these places?” mode, you’ve got options. Many naturists swear by online directories like the AANR or TNSF member listings. Sites like Caloosa.com keep updated lists of nude beaches and clubs across the U.S., and there are countless naturist Facebook groups and Reddit threads where people share personal reviews, post event invites, and even organize meetups. Don’t underestimate good old-fashioned word of mouth either — I’ve learned about some of my favorite clubs because another naturist leaned over the pool float and whispered, “You’ve got to check out this place…”

For beaches, the Naturist Society Foundation’s beach directory is gold — it lists legal clothing-optional beaches with details on parking, crowds, and facilities. Caloosa.com also has solid listings, and naturist forums are great for local, up-to-date advice. Just make sure to double-check the legal status before you pack your towel — not every “nude beach” you hear about is officially sanctioned, and you don’t want your first day out to involve a chat with a park ranger.

Then there’s the crowd itself. Some clubs lean heavily toward retirees and snowbirds. Others have a mix of singles, couples, and families. And some — like the one I stumbled into once — are basically summer camp for grown-ups, with group hikes, lakeside yoga, and evening singalongs under the stars. Think about what feels like your happy place. Are you hoping for peace and quiet, or do you want to be in the middle of every volleyball match and pool party?

And please — check their photo policy before you go. A well-run naturist club will have a clear no-photo or photo-with-consent policy. This isn’t just about etiquette; for many people, being photographed nude without permission can have serious consequences. The safest clubs make it clear that your privacy matters.

I also recommend deciding if you want to go all-in with an overnight stay or just dip your toe in with a day pass. My first time, I bought a day pass. It gave me a chance to see if the environment was comfortable for me without committing to unpacking a suitcase. Spoiler: I ended up staying until they practically had to kick me out, but having the option to leave took away a lot of the anxiety.

Last but not least, pay attention to location. Some naturist clubs are tucked away in the middle of the woods with no cell service — great for disconnecting, not so great if you get lost trying to find the front gate. Others are closer to cities, which can be more convenient for a quick getaway.

The right nudist club should feel like more than just a place to be naked. It should feel like a place where you can exhale. Where you’re not thinking about your body in terms of “how it looks,” but instead in terms of how it feels in the sunshine, in the water, in the company of people who see you as a person first.

So do your research, trust your instincts, and remember — you’re not just picking a resort. You’re picking your first step into a whole new kind of freedom. And that, my friend, is worth getting right.