State & National Parks

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• BB

  

  Bill Bowser

  Jul 8, 2015

  The best source of legal advice would surely be a lawyer in the area of interest, but I understand there are no federal laws prohibiting simple nudity on federal property. However state and local authorities are generally empowered to enforce state and local laws on federal property. State and local laws regarding public nudity vary widely. While very few states specifically prohibit simple public nudity, they instead prohibit indecent exposure, which applies only when some lewd act is also involved. In order to issue a citation for simple nudity authorities will usually issue one for disorderly conduct, or disturbing the peace. If you protest too much they might arrest you for resisting arrest. I believe that being convicted of indecent exposure gets one put on the sexual offender list and enduring all the restrictions that entails while disordely conduct citations do not. What I've described ignores all the local restrictions that may also apply wherever you happen to be, and local laws might have a lower threshhold for subjecting the offender to sexual offender restrictions. Being discovered nude in the wrong public place can have great risk. If confronted do not antagonize the authorities or they might make your life miserable. As nudists we are extremely vulnerable to arbitrary discriminatory laws because we lack political power.
  

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• NA

  NatureBoy24

  Jul 8, 2015

  I suggest you check out the Naturist Action Committee (NAC) at naturistaction.org. They have a large list of laws and regulations regarding nudity.
  
  But as Bill pointed out, localities have their own laws, and individual rangers/officers can cite or arrest you regardless of your true legal standing.
  I suspect there are people within The Naturist Society or a local affiliated group who know the real situation where you are.

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• ME

  Member

  Jul 10, 2015

  I don't have anything to add to this but I do appreciate the information.  There are a few parks in the area and I would love to be able to take a nice hike in one of them.  John
  

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• DA

  

  David

  Jul 10, 2015

  If you're careful and considerate of others, there are numerous places you can recreate nude in State and National parks.
  
  Forget nude camping in any of the developed camp grounds, you're asking to be ticketed or worse yet arrested. There are however many parks where dispersed camping is allowed. The harder it is to access these areas, the more likely you can enjoy some naked time without offending others and getting yourself into trouble. Key is to use judgement and confine your nude activities to the back country.
  
  
  

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• ST

  

  Steve

  Jul 10, 2015

  Consider National Forest land - except when there is a so-called "closure order" - usually issued when some kind of event is going on - nudity is not prohibited at campsites in undeveloped areas.Undevelopedmeans, practically speaking, that no one can drive or take a marked trail to within sight of you. You are, of course, subject to whatever restrictions the forest service is putting on remote camping in the particular forest.
  

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• JS

  

  Jim ShortsOriginal Poster

  Jul 15, 2015

  [quote]I suggest you check out the Naturist Action Committee (NAC) at naturistaction.org. They have a large list of laws and regulations regarding nudity.
  
  But as Bill pointed out, localities have their own laws, and individual rangers/officers can cite or arrest you regardless of your true legal standing.
  I suspect there are people within The Naturist Society or a local affiliated group who know the real situation where you are.[/quote]Thanks for the tips.  There is no locally affiliated group accept the one I just created.
  
  

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• SU

  sunnmaxx

  Jul 17, 2015

  Also understand that many state parks are managed by counties which make any county laws enforce.  Check the sign going in, it usually states if it managed by another entity.
  

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• ST

  

  Stephen

  Jul 20, 2015

  [quote]What are the laws regarding recreating nude in state and national parks?  Have you had any problems doing so with the authorities?
  
  How do you feel about recreating in the nude there, too?
  
  The reason why I ask is because there are no nudist facilities anywhere near where I live, but there are state and national parks nearby, and some are quite beautiful, including the second largest canyon in America right behind the Grand Canyon.
  
  Jim Shorts
  Texas Naturists Group (like here and on Facebook)
  Amarillo, Texas
  [/quote]
  

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• AZ

  

  azjacks

  Aug 30, 2016

  I went to the local National Forest and Parks office today to get a map for a free hike I am going on tomorrow. So I asked the people behind the counter what the policy is for free hiking and skinny dipping in the Tonto National Parks. Both of them had been with the park service for several years. They looked at each other and said that they had never been asked that question but they said the rangers they knew wouldn't be concerned as long as it was all adults and not naked in front of children. So for what that is worth. It was worth a smile having them look at each other and try figuring out what to say.
  

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• BB

  

  Bill Bowser

  Aug 30, 2016

  Asking if free hiking or skinny dipping is permitted is not a good idea for two reasons. 1.) It is always easiest and safest for the person being asked to say no, even when that's not the correct answer. 2.) Once you've been told something is not permitted you can't do it and then plead ignorance. And when it's a matter of law no government bureaucrat will take a stand on what is, or is not legal. Only a court can make that decision.
  
  My few experiences with park rangers have been good. When they indicated that nudity was inappropriate I got dressed and that was that. At other times nudity was not a problem. As you get further from civilization your chances of encountering a ranger decrease, and when you're in remote areas with no cellphone coverage anyone who might want to report you for being nude would have a hard time doing so. People I've met on trails have never indicated that they had a problem with my lack of attire, but I'm ready to cover up when necessary, and I'm non-confrontational.

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• SU

  sunnmaxx

  Sep 23, 2016

  I once asked a county conservation director if our nudist group could have an event in one of the parks.  He pointed out which one would work and said he would direct the ranger on duty not to go there if we told him what weekend.  We said we would post a sign indicating private event and suggest no visitors in that area.  The picnic went off without a hitch.
  

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• BO

  

  Bob

  Apr 2, 2018

  [quote]Asking if free hiking or skinny dipping is permitted is not a good idea for two reasons. 1.) It is always easiest and safest for the person being asked to say no, even when that's not the correct answer. 2.) Once you've been told something is not permitted you can't do it and then plead ignorance. And when it's a matter of law no government bureaucrat will take a stand on what is, or is not legal. Only a court can make that decision. My few experiences with park rangers have been good. When they indicated that nudity was inappropriate I got dressed and that was that. At other times nudity was not a problem. As you get further from civilization your chances of encountering a ranger decrease, and when you're in remote areas with no cellphone coverage anyone who might want to report you for being nude would have a hard time doing so. People I've met on trails have never indicated that they had a problem with my lack of attire, but I'm ready to cover up when necessary, and I'm non-confrontational.[/quote] I agree. Although the old saying "It is easier to ask for forgiveness, than for permission." is often misapplied, I believe this may be a case where it is prudent. I have hiked naked and skinny-dipped in various locales, on both public and private land. for nearly forty years. I have had days where I didn't encounter anyone, and days when someone happened along. I have been politely but sternly instructed to get dressed and be on my way, I have been ignored, and have been laughed at, cussed at, scolded, told to watch put for others, and everything in between. I have encountered private citizens, as well as LEO's and other authorities. I have never been detained, arrested, or charged with anything. I have been alone, and with company. I believe that there are a few issues to consider: a) stay away from popular or frequented areas, the fewer people around, the less likely to cause offense. b) be aware of your activity -- simple skinny-dipping is generally considered harmless, having sex (which I think is natural and fun to do outdoors as well, and I have been "caught" a few times) should be undertaken only in the most private locations. c) the attitude you present will often dictate the outcome of the encounter. If you are approached by anyone, be polite and respectful. It is usually best to start finding some clothes and putting them on -- whoever you've encountered will generally tell you right away if they don't mind and intend to allow to to continue your activity naked. And if they ask you to get dressed and go, do so; if you feel you are within your rights you can always appeal and petition your cause later, but escalating an encounter will just engender negative responses and ill will toward you and the lifestyle. That's my three cents.

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