Whether you like roughing it in the woods or prefer the luxuries of a well-equipped cabin, these inclusive campgrounds, resorts and retreats have something for everyone. Let’s gear up the Winnie and git along, little doggies.
The Mule Mountains at sunset, photographed from Desert Oasis Campground
Desert Oasis Campground
Situated on a 120-acre ranch, the gay-owned and -operated Desert Oasis in sunny Arizona — located just seven miles outside historic Brisbee, well-known for its year-round temperate climate — caters to sun lovers and snowbirds of all persuasions. Set up shop in a mountain-view tent, RV or cabin, then kick up your feet in the Tombstone-style recreation center that includes a mini-gym, billiard table and electronic darts games. Hike more than three miles of trails, or take a dip in the hot tub under the Southwestern sky. 5311 W. Double Adobe Rd., McNeal, Arizona, (520) 979-6650, campatdo.com.
Rainbow Ranch’s 2016 Womyn’s Fest
Rainbow Ranch
Open rain or shine year-round, Rainbow Ranch, nestled on Lake Limestone just outside Groesbeck, caters to gay and lesbian campers of all ages. Pull in an RV, pop a tent, or reserve a cabin to enjoy a rustic getaway that includes activities like off-pier fishing, volleyball on sand courts, canoeing, swimming, basketball, indoor games and a quintessential campfire — complete with your self-led sing-along and requisite s’mores. 1662 LCR 800, Groesbeck, Texas, (254) 729-8484, rainbowranch.net.
A rainbow brightens the sky over Rancho Cicada Retreat
Rancho Cicada Retreat
Nestled on 44 acres within the Sierra Foothills, this mostly male retreat along the Cosumnes River provides platform camping near the water’s edge, a swimming hole, gorge tubing, sunbathing, volleyball and fishing. When you’re all tuckered out, enjoy a homemade meal before slipping into a bubbling Jacuzzi-style tub. 10001 Bell Rd, Plymouth, California, (209) 245 4841, ranchocicadaretreat.com.
Fall at Roy’s Hideaway Campground
Roy’s Hideaway Campground
Gay and lesbian anglers will delight at the abundance of fishing opportunities at Roy’s Hideaway — a private, members-only campground in rural Georgia — offering six lakes filled with a wide assortment of daily catch. Landlubbers can stay occupied at the pool and spa area, hiking several tree-covered trails that wind through the property, canoeing, kayaking, duck watching or enjoying a snack from the cafe. 268 Catfish Ln., Collins, Georgia, (912) 225-3900, royshideaway.com.
A warm welcome at Windover Women’s Resort, situated in “The Thumb of Michigan”
Windover Women’s Resort
Lady-loving ladies can find camaraderie and perhaps companionship at Windover, a private, members-only resort on the Pigeon River of Michigan’s farm country. Open to women aged 18 and older, this tent- and RV-friendly destination offers a pool, nature trails, clubhouse and scheduled events with other exciting activities nearby, including golf, boating and recreational water sports. 3596 Blakely Rd., Owendale, Michigan, (810) 300-5689, windoverwomensresort.com.
The pool at Florida’s rustic Southern Comfort Campground
Southern Comfort Campground
If you prefer a more private, members-only (and age 18 and older) ambiance, check into the clothing-optional and aptly named Southern Comfort Campground in northwest Florida. Pick your preference of camp arrangement — tent, RV or cabin — before letting loose in the Southern Nights clubhouse, playing horseshoes or volleyball, visiting the beer garden or dressing up for one of the destination’s theme weekends. 50 SE 74th Ave., Cross City, Florida, (352) 498-0490, southerncomfortcampground.net.
Cabins at Stag Run at Overlook Farm
Stag Run Club at Overlook Farm
Gunning to get dirty? Don your boots and overalls to this Indiana resort for a weekend of camping among farm animals, including horses, cows, chickens, ducks and other wildlife with which you can interact. Tents, log cabins, bunkhouses and suites are available on this private, all-male property where, after you’ve put in an honest day’s work (like gathering your own freshly laid eggs for breakfast), you can bask on the clothing-optional sun deck, dive into the heated pool, engage in games in the lodge or ride your own stallion if you brought one — of the two- or four-legged variety. 2150 Overlook Dr., Mauckport, Indiana, (812) 732-8094, stagrunclub.com.
A view of the main lodge at Twin Ponds
Twin Ponds Lodge
It’s a bare-all free-for-all for naturists at Twin Ponds Lodge in Maine, a gated campground and resort for men age 18 and older. Strip down and hang out — literally — anywhere on the property, from the large heated pool and 14-man hot tub to the recreation hall outfitted with billiards, ping pong, and satellite TV. Day passes are also available if you prefer a shorter stint fishing or hiking, releasing toxins in the wood-fired sauna, scrubbing down in the communal shower room or catching rays in open sunning areas. Address provided with registration, Albion, Maine, (207) 437-2200, twinpondslodge.com.
Fun in the Alabama sun at Lizard Landing Camp
Lizard Landing Campground
Primarily catering to the gay community, but also welcoming of allies, Lizard Landing offers 11.5 secluded acres of primitive tent sites, no-frills sleeping cabins and deluxe cabins featuring in-unit hygiene facilities. A heated saltwater pool (your skin will thank you), fishing, canoeing and kayaking are available for adventurers, plus access to a boat ramp if you bring along your vessel. 586 Lizard Lope Rd., Columbia, Alabama, (334) 696-2047, lizardlanding.com.
The amusingly named “3-Way House” at Magnetic Valley Retreat
Magnetic Valley Retreat
Considering that Carroll County, Arkansas, is one of the gayest places in the south-central United States (approximately one-third of its population is “family,” according to The New York Times), it’s no surprise that this exclusive, private men’s resort is a popular destination. Catering to gents 21 and older, Magnetic Valley facilitates a vibrant social scene that transitions to an intimate atmosphere with amenities like a heated pool, hot tub, dry sauna, outdoor showers, fire pit and the Carrie Nation Bar. 597 Magnetic Rd., Eureka Springs, Arkansas, (479) 363-1143, magneticvalleyretreat.com.
