2015.07.22 New York Upstate
The best way to beat the summer heat is to strip away your clothes. Unfortunately, there's only so many layers you can take off...unless of course you're in the privacy of your own home or at one of Upstate New York's nudist retreats!
Upstate is full of nudist--also known as naturist--resorts, camps and clubs, not to mention several locations where nude bathing and sunbathing are endorsed or generally acceptable.
It's important to note that these locations are not intended for lewd behavior and peeping Toms. In fact, that type of activity is generally grounds for removal. They are simply secure places for people and communities who enjoy nude recreation.
That said, here they are, laid bare, in one convenient list!
Nudist/naturist specific resorts, retreats and camps
Empire Haven, Moravia: Empire Haven invites you to get away from it all at this relaxed, casual and friendly nudist park in the Finger Lakes. Lounge in the pool, get in touch with nature or play a game of skins vs. skins volleyball.
Full Tan Sun Club, Sprakers: "Something magical happens to our guests when they take off their clothes: they put on a smile!" That's according to Full Tan Sun Club, just an hour outside Albany, which claims you can experience a week's worth of relaxation over the course of one naked weekend.
Steph's Pond Nudist Park, Williamson: Experience nature as nature intended it. "65 acres of woods, meadows, trails, sunning, picnics, volleyball, camping and showers," and a welcome environment for families, couples, and singles just a short drive from Rochester.
Bare Lake Nudist Club, near Corning: If you want to visit Bare Lake, you'll need to call and make a reservation before you can get the address. Once you're there, you can find boating, fishing, yoga and other fun activities, all clothes-free.
Brushwood Folklore Center, Sherman: Brushwood is not strictly a nudist or "sky clad" retreat, it's just part of what they do. The campground and events center "supports and encourages a community focused on creative and spiritual growth." Enjoy potlucks, camping, festivals and other events at this spiritually-inclined Western NY resort.
Nude-friendly beaches and swimming holes
Alice Falls, Keeseville: If you this is your first nude sunbathing adventure, Alice Falls is said to be a great place to begin. This family oriented spot near Lake Champlain often has fully clothed swimmers, as well as the occasional nude visitor.
Split Rock Hole, New Paltz: While bathing suits are required at the main swimming hole, you can cross the bridge to find a tree-limb stairway and a short path to another hole where bathing suits are a personal choice (rarely worn). A sign on a tree will notify you that you may encounter nude bathers at this spot just south of the Catskills.
Stony Kill Falls, Wawarsing: Just a short trip from Split Rock Hole, on the edge of Minnewaska Preserve are the picturesque Stony Kill Falls. Hiking above the falls will bring you to a a small pool known as "Nudist Pool." Views from the top of the falls are expansive, and on clear days you can see as far as Sullivan County.
Nudism/Swimming commonly accepted, but technically prohibited
Potter's Falls, Ithaca: Thousands of people flock to Six Mile Creek all summer long despite the fact that swimming, and nudity, are technically not allowed. The gorgeous and deep Potter's Falls has plenty of large, flat boulders perfect for nude sunbathing. You will see both nude and clothed visitors, but be prepared to don clothing if ordered to do so by patrolling rangers.
Spier Falls, Gansevoort: Nudity isn't the norm at this gorgeous lake above a dam just south of Glens Falls in the Hudson Valley, but it is generally accepted. The state owns the land, and "No Swimming" signs are posted, but there is reportedly very little enforcement. More private bathing areas can be found downstream.
Lakeview WMA, Henderson: This undeveloped sand beach on the eastern shores of Lake Ontario is traditionally nude, though patrolling Dune Stewards can give you a citation if you don't cover up. You can typically see them coming from far away, giving you plenty of time to cover up.
Nudist/naturist clubs
Naturist Rochester: This club gathers for open nude swimming weekly in the Rochester area. Enjoy naturism year round with Upstate's oldest non-landed nudist club.
Niagara Naturists: This club celebrates thousands of years of nudist heritage in Western New York. They view nudism as a natural state and believe that nudity is healthy and acceptable for social interaction. They also gather for monthly clothed dinners.
Northern Exposure Sun Club: This clothing-optional travel club in the Capital Region visits with other landed and non-landed clubs throughout Upstate, and hosts other fun activities like nude swims, nude picnics and nude bowling.
Young Naturists America: This multi-state club takes trips to nudist destinations throughout the Northeast including to sites in Upstate NY. They are also positive body image and censorship advocacy group.
