Enjoy the Clothing Optional Lifestyle!

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

• What special preparations should I make before visiting a nudist park?
  Generally none at all, apart from those you would normally make to go anywhere.

• Are children likely to be shocked by their first sight of nudists?
  No. Children are natural nudists and usually take to it with minimum adjustment.

• What should I bring?
  Bring towels, comfortable footwear, suntan and sunglasses. You might also want to bring lounge chairs, a hat, something to read and any sporting equipment you desire.

• What is the cost?
  This varies from park to park and generally costs less than public RV campgrounds.
  See Cottonwood Country Club Fees.

• Will I be embarrassed by my surgical scars?
  No, you will not. Approximately one nudist in three carries some mark of surgery; these marks make no difference at all. Ignore them - everyone else will. Your personality will be noticed more than any scar.

• My figure, to say the least, is less than perfect. Will I feel out of place?
  About one figure in twenty seen at a nudist park will be exemplary; the rest will be like people everywhere. Actually, a person's physical proportions mean less in nudist parks than they do elsewhere. Many nudists (male and female) will never take any prizes for physical beauty. Ladies who are disturbed by the thought that they might be less than ideal in this regard should put aside their concerns. The problem doesn't exist.

• What about periods of menstruation?
  Menstruation is looked upon as a normal, healthy function. The wearing of shorts or the use of tampons enables women to enjoy most of their nudist activities. It is not a subject of notice or comment.

• Are there any religious implications involved in nudism?
  None whatever. Nudists represent all major faiths and most of the lesser ones.

• Do men become visibly embarrassed during their visits to a nudist resort?
  This is a perennial question. The answer is "No" because nudist parks are not sexually stimulating. Many men fear this problem but instances of such embarrassment are extremely rare.

• If I visit a nudist park, will I be subject to publicity?
  Of course not, unless you deliberately seek it out. Privacy is fully respected in nudist parks, and Cottonwood Country Club membership roster is never made public. People who are known as nudists usually announce it themselves. No park will ever publicize your presence without your explicit permission.

• Is it likely my wife would be improperly approached at a nudist park?
  Of course not. If such a thing were to occur, you'd notify the manager at once. The offending individual would be ejected and their membership card would be cancelled.

• May a married person visit the park without his/her spouse?
  This is rarely permitted. Family nudism is exactly that. Your first visit to a nudist park should be a shared experience.

• Are unmarried adults eligible for membership?
  Yes, but limited.

• Will my picture be taken?
  Photography in nudist parks is very closely controlled. No one is ever photographed at a club without specific permission in each instance. Children may never be photographed without their consent and that of their parents.

• Can I expect any real health benefit from nudism?
  Yes, if you take part in the normal sports activities, which are within your capabilities and don't overdo them. You will probably also benefit from the notable air of relaxation at most nudist parks. People who suffer from life and business pressures normally find nudist living a highly effective antidote.

• Unacceptable Behavior:
  Persistent staring, stalking, or following; voyeuristic positioning; crowding of personal space; unauthorized photography/videography, masturbation, other public sexual acts or displays; any aggressive acts or threatening body language.

• Unwelcome Communications:
  Any unwanted advances, remarks, suggestions, solicitations, propositions, gestures, threats, ridicule or jokes of a crude or sexual nature (especially if directed toward obviously unwilling or underage persons); persistent attempts to engage another person in a clearly undesired conversation; unsolicited comments about someone's body or sexual parts thereof.

• Unpermitted Touching:
  Any intentional touching of another person's body without prior, mutual consent (including presumptuous hugs, massages, or other familiarities); any touching of a minor person without additional parental consent; any public fondling of a sexual nature.
  Members and guests are encouraged to help us maintain a relaxing, family ambience by reporting on a timely basis any situation which feels like sexual harassment as defined above. Club management will investigate and respond to all legitimate complaints. Requests for confidentiality will be respected.  Acts of sexual harassment will result in expulsion, suspension or termination of access to the Club and, if warranted, criminal prosecution.

• Should I worry about my appearance at a nudist resort?
  As a first-time visitor to a nude beach or nudist resort, you might ask “Should I be embarrassed about my body at a nudist resort?” The basic answer is… No. Absolutely not. Real nudists are one of the few havens of body acceptance in modern western society. It is a basic nudist principle that you should not judge others based on their appearance, but if anything, should admire them for their courage to join you despite their possible insecurities and issues. For many, it takes a tremendous amount of courage to try a nudist location or event for the first time. You’ll see that many of your fears are needless, and that’s certainly the case with concerns about your appearance.
  With nudists, you’ll see all shapes and sizes, all ages, men and women, and those with all manner of scars and abnormalities. Appearance is just a non-issue at any real nudist place…so go, be free and be without worries. The size and shape of your breasts, penis, butt, belly or anything else just doesn’t come up. Nudists are a more sophisticated bunch than that!

List of Common Concerns

• Body Weight/Body Shape:
  You will see all shapes and sizes. You’ll certainly see a more realistic picture of body diversity than you’ll ever get from the mainstream media. So don’t be thinking “I’m too fat” – you can be anything from very “overweight” to very skinny and you’ll fit in fine regardless!

• Scars/Abnormalities/Skin Conditions:
  Nudists have just as many scars, abnormalities and skin conditions as everyone else. The difference being it’s not hidden, of course. Nobody is “perfect” and you’ll see everyone has some scars or something they could be self-conscious about, if they chose to be. The bottom line is… don’t worry – you’ll likely see several others much like you, all happily enjoying nudity as well!

• Age:
  You’ll see all ages at a nudist resort. And I mean all! In the U.S., most locations are demographically weighted toward older people, but that’s just because more young people haven’t mustered up the courage yet. Think about it - statistically, some of those shy younger adults will eventually become declared nudists themselves, by the time they have gray hair. And if you are younger and concerned with the age distribution, remember, the only way to balance it out is to do your part – attend and invite your friends!

• Piercings/Jewelry/Ornamentation:
  In general, any tattoos, piercings or jewelry are just fine, probably common and so likely won’t even raise an eyebrow. Years ago, when new kinds of piercings were not so widespread, some resorts banned genital piercings, but that’s less common today. The main concern seems to be with genital piercings, jewelry or ornamentation that flaunts or calls attention to the genitals. This is mainly an issue for men, since their genitals are more out in the open and obvious. Women might wear such jewelry without it being viewable, and therefore it wouldn’t be an issue. For men… a good guideline is…if you might imagine it appearing inappropriate, or creepy to other nudists, don’t do it or at least ask management first! The bottom line is… even nudists have some taboos, so be considerate and take into account the likely feelings or taboos of those around you – some crowds are more liberal or conservative in this regard than others.

• Gender:
  Some nudist locations have more males than females. As with the age issue above, the way this can change is by doing your part. If you are a female, attend anyway; bring one or several female friends with you if possible.

• Race:
  This is not something to worry about in the least. Nudists love diversity and welcome all, regardless of race, ethnicity or cultural background. If anything you’ll probably experience even more social warmth as a racial minority.

• Pubic Hair:
  In recent years, the shaving of all or part of one’s pubic hair has been fashionable. This is another non-issue. You will see those who are all natural (don’t shave or trim a thing), to those who shave all, and all variations in-between. Remember, nudists are a diversity-friendly bunch, and whatever style of pubic hair you have, it’s fine and not a concern. Likewise, distribution of other body hair, male or female, is a non-issue.

• Genitals and Breasts Appearance:
  Here again, you’ll see how pop culture badly lies and misrepresents about the true diversity of genitals and breasts. Do not be concerned about the size, shape or general appearance of yours. For one thing, you’ll probably see others like you. In addition, your appearance, of any body part, just doesn’t matter. Nudist locations aren’t pageants – just a place for you to be free, comfortable, happy, healthy and social if you want!

• Tattoos:
  Tattoos are essentially not an issue. And as common as they have become, they barely raise an eyebrow. The only problems I could imagine is if someone had a tattoo said something very offensive, like “I hate nudists”!
  Other non-appearance body concerns

• Arousal/Erections:
  Some are concerned they may become aroused at a nude resort. While this is certainly possible, many don’t find a nudist environment particularly arousing once they get there, depending on the person and the environment. Even then, you’ll be surprised how much you can keep your thoughts and feelings under control if you really try. Women are luckier in this regard, because their signs of arousal are usually not as obvious as with men. Men should take care to hide an erection if it occurs, and psychologically suppress it as soon as possible. This is one of the few nudist taboos, the seriousness of which depending on the actual crowd or resort/club policies.

• Body position:
  Most nudists aren’t offended by any particular position or view of the body. I mean, nudists are prepared to see the full reality of the human body and therefore it doesn’t make sense for them to be offended or bothered by someone bent over or legs spread apart. Some older nudists, from a previous generation, often 60 or older, may be offended by “un-lady-like” positions, but they are in the opinion minority, so be comfortable and have no worries in your nude relaxation and recreation!

• Mainstream reputation:
  Will the word get out, to friends, family, co-workers and your community, that you are a nudist? This is a legitimate concern for many, but in practice, nudists rarely “tattletale” on who they saw at a resort or club. They wouldn’t want you to tell on them either. Unless you tell your acquaintances, they usually don’t find out, unless you give big clues. Even then, most people don’t have the nerve to ask or bring it up. If they do, you could always tell a white lie or downplay your nudist experience if you need. Some people don’t feel the need to hide it and freely tell anyone they know that they’re a nudist. Whichever type you are, it’s fine, but respect the privacy of other nudists.

• Photographs:
  Will someone take my picture at a nude beach? It’s unlikely. It’s highly taboo to photograph nudists without their permission, and this is one reason a nudist resort is a safer place than a public nude beach

• Gawking:
  Will you be gawked at, flirted with or otherwise harassed at a nudist place? Probably not, but again, nudist resorts are much, much better, for this concern, than public nude beaches.
  You’ll see that, though many people have fears about trying nudism for the first time, most of the fears are unfounded, and the rest usually worth the benefits. So get out and there and feel the freedom today!