The Popular, Albeit Controversial, Outdoor Trend Many Campers Swear By

If you spend enough time in nature, you're almost certain to connect with your primal side. Outdoor recreation demands that we leave behind the comforts of home and get in touch with our inner wildness. You may decide to simply disconnect from social media for a few days while on a campout, or meticulously gather kindling for the campfire as your ancestors did thousands of years ago. Perhaps you'll choose to shower under a waterfall, or take a meditative barefoot stroll on the beach. The opportunities to connect with nature are endless, but some adventurous travelers are taking things a step further by spending time outdoors — in their birthday suits. It's called naturist camping, and it's one of 2025's biggest camping trends.

Yes, you read that right — getting naked in nature is becoming a popular pastime among a growing number of campers. Proponents of spending time outdoors in the nude say that it has some incredible benefits. For some, it inspires a feeling of freedom. For others, it contributes to increased confidence and a better body image. Some argue that it even makes them feel more satisfied with their life as a whole.

Nakedness outdoors may seem shocking and controversial if you're from a part of the world where nudity is viewed as taboo, but stripping down to your bare skin at your campsite could actually be an empowering experience. Nudity is sometimes referred to as being "in a state of nature," so maybe the naked campers are on to something.

Naturalists and naturists often share a common love for the outdoors, but be careful not to get them confused. A naturalist is a scientist who studies the natural world. They usually work as biologists and may focus on plants, animals, or both. Charles Darwin (the man who discovered the theory of evolution) and Steve Irwin (the Crocodile Hunter) are two well-known naturalists. Naturists, on the other hand, are people who enjoy being nude in public settings — including the outdoors.

Is it possible for a naturalist to also be a naturist? Sure — but don't show up for a naturist meetup and expect a bunch of khaki-clad birdwatchers. Naturists believe that nudity is natural and normal — and they don't view nakedness as sexual. Instead, they believe it's a great way to lead a more positive life. According to Arna, a naturist camping resort in France, naturism is, "a sociable, peaceful, fulfilling lifestyle. The body is liberated, and the mind freed with it. Completely naked, you no longer fear the opinion of others. You learn to love your body as it is, as well as respect the bodies of others. Completely naked, class differences are forgotten and we live in harmony, with serenity and liberty."

Naturist communities aim to be family-friendly and safe, so it's crucial that you are respectful of others. Offensive remarks and body shaming are absolutely unacceptable. Refrain from taking photographs of anyone without their permission. Some naturist campgrounds require background checks to ensure that the environment is safe for everyone. It is not appropriate to stare or to make advances on your fellow campers, and any intimate encounters should take place in private.

While it may seem shocking to some tourists, casual nudity is actually pretty common. Nude spas are the most relaxing experience, and nude beaches can be peaceful and liberating. You'll find clothing-optional beaches scattered all across the globe. They're located on almost every continent (with the exception of Antarctica for obvious reasons) and hundreds of people enjoy visiting everyday. Europe's nude beaches are the most famous, but you'll also find them in the United States, Canada, Australia, and many other countries. The lifestyle is becoming more popular, which has led to a rise in clothing-optional campgrounds that allow travelers to enjoy Mother Nature in a state of nature.

Pitchup, a leading online-booking website for camping, lists nudist campsites among the most popular features on their website, and predicted that naturist camping would be one of 2025's biggest travel trends. If you're interested in embarking on a naked camping adventure, keep in mind that you can't do it just anywhere due to public decency laws. Avoid facing legal repercussions or causing offense to your fellow campers by visiting a designated campground that allows and encourages nudity. You'll have plenty of options to choose from. Pitchup has 19 different naturist campgrounds listed on their website in destinations like California, Hungary, England, Peru, Croatia, France, and South Africa.

Wild camping excursions in beautiful U.S. national parks are also possible for naturists. There are no federal laws preventing nudity in United States national parks. There may be state laws, however, so you'll probably want to find a private place to camp unless you want to deal with having the authorities called on you by other campers. Naturist-resort.com is a great resource with a list of nearly 300 campsites that allow nudity around the world.