Trip report: Bare Valley Family Nudist Camp
David Willcox
Last weekend I was on a two-day trip from there to here along I-70, and
central Ohio was reasonable place to stop for the nite. I learned about
Bare Valley from the World Guide to Nude Beaches and Resorts, and called
ahead for directions. (They have a web site:
http://www.geocities.com/barevalley.)
Due to a late departure and my rather "creative" route, I didn't arrive
until late evening. But there was plenty of time to set up my tent,
explore around, and visit the pool and hot tub. (I tented on a nice
grassy spot by the pond. Big mistake. Pond and rushes means bullfrogs,
and I was serenaded all nite.)
Bare Valley is very small, with room for maybe a dozen trailers plus
some tent camping. There are also several small sleeping cabins that I
think can be rented.
There is a small pond, but it's weedy and muddy. Once the trees grow up
it should be nicer. There is a new pool, which is very nice, and a hot
tub. There's a sheltered area with picnic tables and gas grills that
guests can use.
The grounds are quite attractive. They are on 50 acres of land bordering a
state forest. I explored some of the trails thru the woods, and was
told that there are trails into the state forest that people use nude.
Since I only had a few hours to explore, I didn't get very far.
The main camping area is right near the facilities, but there is a
"remote" camping area, too, well away from the main area. I was told
that it is used often by couples where one partner is uncomfortable with
nudity in a group setting.
They are definitely family friendly. There were a few younguns around,
but due to the small size I wouldn't take your kids there expecting
there to be someone to play with.
The atmosphere is very laid back. The owners and regulars were all very
friendly and outgoing. The rules are also quite a bit looser than I've
experienced elsewhere. For example:
- Singles are welcome.
- If you come as a group, *one* member of the group must be nude. This
would be a good place to take that SO who is unsure the s/he is
comfortable with going nude.
- "No overt sexual activities will be tolerated." but "Innocent expressions
of affection among family members and friends are commonplace."
- Photographs are allowed with explicit permission of all those photographed.
I just wish that they weren't a seven hour drive from home.
--
David Willcox
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