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There's something gloriously liberating about shedding your clothes and diving into cool water under an open sky. Whether you're looking for a moonlit dip in a hidden cenote or a bold plunge into Nordic ice waters, skinny dipping is one of those experiences that makes you feel completely, unapologetically alive. And let's be honest, it's also pretty damn fun.
For the LGBTQ+ community, these moments of freedom take on extra meaning. Finding spaces where we can be ourselves, bare in every sense of the word, is a gift. So grab your towel (or don't), and let's explore some of the world's most stunning spots for a secret naked swim.
The Magic of Mountain Waters
Skinny Dip Falls, North Carolina
Yes, it's actually called that. Located about 45 minutes south of Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway, this spot delivers exactly what the name promises. The waterfall cascades into gorgeous swimming holes surrounded by lush forest, and the hike to get there is just a one-mile roundtrip with wooden staircases and bridges making it accessible for most fitness levels.
Fair warning: weekends get crowded, so if you're looking for a more intimate experience, aim for a weekday morning. The early bird gets the… well, the whole waterfall to themselves.
Lake Lure, North Carolina
This stunning mountain lake has been a beloved spot for decades. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lake Lure offers secluded coves where you can slip into the water without an audience. The water stays refreshingly cool even in summer, and the mountain views are absolutely breathtaking: almost as breathtaking as you'll be without your swimsuit.
Coastal Escapes for the Bold
Topsail Island & Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
The North Carolina coast knows how to treat beach lovers right. Topsail Island ranks as one of the top skinny dipping destinations in the state, offering miles of shoreline with quieter stretches where you can enjoy the ocean au naturel. Wrightsville Beach follows closely behind, particularly at dawn or dusk when the crowds thin out.
The key to beach skinny dipping? Timing and discretion. Find your spot, wait for that perfect moment, and take the plunge.
Bald Head Island, North Carolina
Accessible only by ferry, Bald Head Island feels like stepping into another world. The island's remote beaches provide natural privacy, and the lack of car traffic means you can find your own slice of paradise. The lighthouse, Old Baldy, stands as a silent sentinel while you enjoy the Atlantic in your birthday suit.
International Adventures Worth the Flight
Riviera Maya, Mexico
The sacred cenotes of Mexico's Riviera Maya are absolute magic, especially at night. These natural sinkholes filled with crystal-clear water were considered sacred by the Mayans, and swimming in them: particularly without clothes: feels like a spiritual experience. The way moonlight filters through the jungle canopy and dances on the water creates an atmosphere you won't forget.
Many cenotes are surrounded by lush vegetation that provides natural privacy, making them ideal for those who want to connect with nature in the most literal way possible.
Bagby Hot Springs, Oregon
A 1.5-mile hike through Pacific Northwest forest leads you to this naturist paradise. Bagby Hot Springs features hand-hewn cedar tubs fed by natural hot springs, and the entire experience feels like stepping back in time. The springs are open 24/7, and overnight guests can enjoy the pools under starlight: an experience that's equal parts romantic and rejuvenating.
Pro tip: weeknights are far less crowded than weekends. Pack a headlamp and some snacks, and make an evening of it.
Nordic Ice and Heat
Lapland, Finland
For the truly adventurous, ice hole swimming in Lapland offers an experience unlike any other. The Finnish tradition of alternating between sauna heat and icy plunges is legendary, and doing it in the nude is considered the proper way. The shock of cold water after sauna heat creates an incredible endorphin rush: it's invigorating in ways that are hard to describe.
Helsingborg, Sweden
Sweden's bath houses along the Öresund Strait combine accessibility with privacy. Easy-access ladders lead into the water, and traditional saunas provide warm spaces between dips. The Swedish approach to nudity is refreshingly casual and accepting, making it easy to shed your inhibitions along with your clothes.
Hidden UK Gems
Black Moss Pot, England
Tucked away in England's Lake District, Black Moss Pot is a sheltered lagoon surrounded by rocks that double as perfect cliff jump platforms. The location is remote enough to offer genuine privacy, and the dramatic landscape makes you feel like you've discovered your own secret swimming hole.
Lady Falls, Wales
This secluded waterfall in Wales carries an almost mystical atmosphere. Surrounded by ancient woodland, Lady Falls provides a peaceful escape where you can connect with nature completely. The water is bracingly cold: typical for Wales: but that just makes the experience all the more memorable.
Greek Island Bliss
Evia Island, Greece
With over 80 mineral lagoons featuring medicinal hot springs, Evia Island is a skinny dipper's dream. The combination of warm, mineral-rich water and stunning Mediterranean scenery creates an idyllic setting for clothing-optional relaxation. The Greek islands have long embraced a more relaxed attitude toward nudity, particularly in natural settings away from developed beaches.
Safety and Etiquette Tips
Before you strip down and dive in, keep a few things in mind:
Know the local laws and customs. What's acceptable in one location might be illegal in another. Research beforehand to avoid awkward encounters with authorities.
Respect other people's boundaries. Not everyone at a swimming hole wants to see naked bodies. Be aware of who's around and act accordingly.
Pack out what you pack in. These beautiful natural spaces stay beautiful because people respect them. Leave no trace behind.
Go with trusted friends. Skinny dipping is more fun with good company, and there's safety in numbers, especially in remote locations.
Stay safe in the water. Without a swimsuit, you have even less protection from rocks, plants, or cold temperatures. Know your limits.
The Freedom to Be Yourself
At Read with Pride, we celebrate spaces where the LGBTQ+ community can be authentically ourselves. Whether you're diving into a mountain lake with your chosen family or exploring international hot springs with a partner, these moments of freedom matter. They remind us that our bodies are beautiful exactly as they are, and that nature welcomes everyone equally.
So whether you're into MM romance novels or real-life adventures, consider adding a skinny dipping expedition to your bucket list. Sometimes the best stories aren't the ones we read: they're the ones we live.
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