What is the future of naturist resorts in US?

This is a very good summary of the status of naturist resorts, and the reasons why they are facing hard times economically. The land value of their properties is greater than the revenue potential for their owners.

The answer seems to be that if we want resorts, they'll have to be in places were there isn't much economic value as urban real estate, farmland, or mineral extraction. Or the resorts will have to be much more popular and economically viable.

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I suspect it is both. I think another option is more boutique style resorts like Bare lake i upstate New York. They dont need to have all the bells and whistles but have enough for folks to do at an affordable cost.This is a very good summary of the status of naturist resorts, and the reasons why they are facing hard times economically. The land value of their properties is greater than the revenue potential for their owners..

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Nudist resorts seem to be fragmenting to different demographic focus groups. The "traditional" ones within a few hours drive of Chicago seem to be aging out and not attracting or seeking younger members in a sustainable fashion. There's at least onemixed adult only resort that has a more of a "anything goes sexually here" philosophy, but I don't know much about it. In addition there's at least one adult male only resort geared to a gay/bi demographic.
Since I enjoy camping I've noticed a growth sector in the one sector: RV camping near popular state and national parks. As boomers retire and enjoy travel to destinations but with more comfort than public facilities offer, I believe this sector will grow.

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StoneAndy wrote:
Since I enjoy camping I've noticed a growth sector in the one sector: RV camping near popular state and national parks. As boomers retire and enjoy travel to destinations but with more comfort than public facilities offer, I believe this sector will grow.

Good point, and one that leads me to another comment: Some nude resorts seem to want to compete with conventional resorts, with three swimming pools, two hot tubs, tennis and pickleball courts, a restaurant or two, and a large space for dances and such. There would be hotel rooms available for those who want to stay overnight, with all the amenities that a hotel would provide.

This may attract a certain number of us, but I personally would be happy with a camping area with swimming opportunities, either natural or artificial, a hot tub, and lavatories. A large communal area would be nice, but it could be rustic. All this would cost less than half of what the all-out resort would cost in maintenance, taxes, and so on, so it would be more affordable for those who are on a budget. Of the ones I've visited, Mountaindale Sun Resort and the Sequoians seem to be the closest to that model, whereas places like Laguna del Sol's business plan is for all-out resort facilities.

I should note that Mountaindale and the Sequoians are the only two places where I could look outside my camper and see deer families going by. I guess I should also mention that while the Sequoians will let you camp and even have a small house to rent, they are looking mainly for prospective members rather than casual guests.

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I personally would be happy with a camping area with swimming opportunities, either natural or artificial, a hot tub, and lavatories. A large communal area would be nice, but it could be rustic. All this would cost less than half of what the all-out resort would cost in maintenance, taxes, and so on, so it would be more affordable for those who are on a budget.

This model is the closest to the original nudist model established about 100 years ago in the US with terms such as "a physical culture" and "gmnosophy." Much of it was egalitarian/communal in nature: team sports and exercises and shared prepared and served meals. Living standards have changed and "recreation" usually is more passive than active re-creating. Maybe I'm too tradition, but sharing work, exercise and meals - all naked and across generations - is wonderful means of community building, which we have a lot to learn from in today's fragmented society.

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I think we need a range of opportunities from resorts to parks to camps. And even what I call boutique c/o venues. That seems to work well in Europe.

The day of the big nudist community across the country has passed and I dont think it is coming back. But small venues on private lands close to residential areas might be one way to to counter the trend of declining options. Many Americans have large homes on large plots of land that they could adapt.
There are people who want the resort experience and there should be options for them too more regional than local where you travel for extended vacation rather than a day trip. Just some thoughts inspired by your comment.
Good point, and one that leads me to another comment: Some nude resorts seem to want to compete with conventional resorts, with three swimming pools, two hot tubs, tennis and pickleball courts, a restaurant or two, and a large space for dances and such. There would be hotel rooms available for those who want to stay overnight, with all the amenities that a hotel would provide.I should note that Mountaindale and the Sequoians are the only two places where I could look outside my camper and see deer families going by. I guess I should also mention that while the Sequoians will let you camp and even have a small house to rent, they are looking mainly for prospective members rather than casual guests.

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