Top 10 Gay Campgrounds in America
From more rustic campgrounds to full-on resorts with nightclubs, the 10 best gay campgrounds in the United States have it all. Whether you’re planning a solo venture, a quick getaway with friends, or a vacation with a partner, these gay-friendly campgrounds provide the ideal atmosphere for you to escape life and be you.
But just what makes these campgrounds so special?
Let’s take a look.
What Is a Gay Campground?
A gay campground is a regular campground that’s welcoming to members of the LGBTQ+ community. Being gay is the norm at these campgrounds, rather than a minority.
Many of these campgrounds offer events that celebrate gay pride, and some are clothing-optional. Some campgrounds are for specific genders only, while others are gay- and lesbian-focused and include events for the transgender community.
Can You Only Stay at a Gay Campground if You’re Gay?
While these campgrounds focus on the queer community, allies are welcome at some.
A few campgrounds specifically mention that they’re open to allies and friends, and others have friends-and-family-specific weekends. If you don’t identify as gay and can’t find the policy on their website, call the campground and ask.
The 10 Best Gay Campgrounds in the U.S.
If you’re looking for an LGBTQ-inclusive getaway, check out these 10 campgrounds.
#1. Sawmill Camping Resort
Address: 21710 US Hwy. 98, Dade City, FL 33523
About Sawmill Camping Resort: Sawmill combines the best of both camping and nightlife while catering to the gay and lesbian community. Located in the southeast, this campground is 21+ only. Memberships are affordable at $35 per year, or you can pick up a day pass for $6 Monday – Thursday or $12 Friday – Sunday. Some holidays and special event weekends cost $18 per day. They’re also part of the Friends with Benefits discount program. You can stay in a cabin, RV, or tent.
Best Amenities: With four bars, daily activities, and themed shows like game shows and comedy shows, you’ll be living it up at this campground. Top amenities include Woody’s Nightclub with live DJs, a cigar bar, and the main stage for shows. And don’t forget about the heated, clothing-optional pool with poolside bar. You can also get in touch with nature via Ricki Lake and the trails around the campground.
#2. CreekRidge Campground
Address: 5250 Williamston Rd., Stockbridge, MI 49285
About CreekRidge Campground: CreekRidge Campground is Michigan’s first male-only campground. It’s only for campers age 21 and up. Located west of Ann Arbor, Mich., this membership-only community has designated clothing-optional areas. You can choose to stay in their RV lot that accommodates big rigs, in a tent site, or in one of their cabins, bunkhouses, or rental RVs.
Best Amenities: Take a dip in the heated pool or spend some time outdoors on CreekRidge’s 20 acres of land with hiking trails and fishing ponds. Enjoy themed events during the weekend, and then cap off the night at their dance club.
#3. Rainbow Ranch
Address: 1662 LCR 800, Groesbeck, TX 76642
About Rainbow Ranch: The largest LGBT campground in Texas, Rainbow Ranch sits on Lake Limestone in Central Texas. They’ve won the Dallas Voice’s Readers Voice Award for best weekend getaway seven times over. Children are welcome at Rainbow Ranch, so bring the whole family and stay in a family RV site. They also offer tent sites, cabins, an apartment, or a house.
Best Amenities: The Ranch features almost 700 acres where you can walk, bike, and hike. Fish off the pier on Lake Limestone or enjoy a dip in the resort swimming pool overlooking the lake. If you’re looking for a fun, party atmosphere, book your stay on an event weekend, like their Drag Bingo or “Chili Cookoff/Ho Down Weekend.”
#4. Roseland Resort and Campground
Address: 925 Nolte Ln., Proctor, WV 26055
About Roseland Resort and Campground: Roseland is a gay-owned and operated campground for men 21 and older. This clothing-optional resort sits in the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia. They have several lodging options, including RV and tent sites, cabins, rooms, and a house. Since Roseland is a private resort, you’ll need a day pass ($25 per day) or yearly membership ($25 per season).
Roseland Resort and Campground has won several awards. TripAdvisor named them #1 in Specialty Lodging five years in a row, and they received the Campers’ Choice award by Roverpass Blog.
Best Amenities: Enjoy a heated pool, two hot tubs, and 11 miles of hiking trails throughout their 222 acres. Head to Town Hall Bar for dancing and music, a bite of pizza, or a nice cold beverage. Then relax at Hayloft Lounge or treat yourself at the onsite ice cream shop. They have a convenience store, an onsite restaurant, and a swimwear and tack shop.
#5. The Highlands Resort
Address: 14000 Woodland Dr., Guerneville, CA 95446
About The Highlands Resort: If you’re looking for a peaceful gay resort, The Highlands is the one to pick. While The Highlands bills itself as a quiet resort, nightlife isn’t far. The resort sits among the redwoods and just 1.5 hours from Napa and San Francisco, plus it’s next to the Russian River. Stay in their television-free rooms and cabins, or glamp in their fully-furnished tents.
Another perk of this place is its focus on accessibility. They’ve made many changes to their website, facilities, and grounds to make them more inclusive. You can even bring your children along. However, The Highlands expects everyone to be quiet regardless of age in order to provide a relaxing environment.
Best Amenities: Take a dip in their heated pool and unwind in your relaxing, television-free space. Or let this be your home base and spend your time exploring Sonoma County. There, you’ll find 250 award-winning wineries and 76 miles of scenic coastline. You could also visit the nearby beaches or try some water adventures on the Russian River.
#6. Jones Pond Campground & RV Park
Address: 9835 Old State Rd., Angelica, NY 14709
About Jones Pond Campground & RV Park: There’s a lot of history surrounding Jones Pond Campground & RV Park. The original owner, Peter Jones, purchased it in 1829 from the first white settler in Allegany County. A later owner used a building on the grounds as a courtroom and wedding space and served as postmaster and justice of the peace. In 1991, new owners converted Jones Pond into an all-male gay campground for men 21 and older.
Today, this clothing-optional campground is part of the Friends with Benefits discount program. There are 175 campsites with access for large RVs. You can buy a day pass or become a seasonal camper. Aside from tent and RV camping, you can stay in one of their Guest House rooms, rental RVs, cabins, or bunkhouse rooms.
Best Amenities: Enjoy the 65-foot in-ground swimming pool or spend time near the three-acre pond. Hike on the many nature trails, or come on the weekend to enjoy the full-service restaurant and DJ and dancing. Use Jones Pond as your base camp to visit nearby Angelica Village. Or travel a bit farther to visit Niagara Falls, which is just 70 miles away, or gay-friendly Rochester, which is 65 miles away.
#7. The River’s Edge
Address: 2311 Pulliam Mill Rd., Dewy Rose, GA 30634
About The River’s Edge: The River’s Edge is a gay-owned and operated campground 110 miles east of Atlanta. Opened in 1994, the owners envisioned a place where gay individuals can get away and be themselves. Today, a board runs this clothing-optional campground for those 21 and older.
Since it’s a private campground, you’ll need a day pass or a $20 membership. Stay in one of the indoor accommodations, like a cabin, loft, sleepers, or campers, or reserve an RV or tent site.
Best Amenities: Take a relaxing swim in the heated saltwater pool and lounge in the hot tub or outdoor pavilion. Later, enjoy some downtime in the game room or clubhouse. Enjoy the walking trails throughout the grounds and along Beaverdam Creek. If you’re looking for more excitement, they also have event weekends, like Nude Gaymes Weekend and Transgender Weekend.
#8. Campit Outdoor Resort
Address: 6635 118th Ave., Fennville, MI 49408
About Campit Outdoor Resort: Campit Outdoor Resort – Saugatuck is the Midwest’s most popular gay resort for anyone who identifies as LGBTQ, as well as their allies and friends. Orbitz named Campit the best LGBTQIA hangout in Michigan. You’ll enjoy a 33-acre wooded campground and beautiful Lake Michigan beaches just minutes away.
Camp in a tent site or RV site, or stay at one of their accommodations, like the log cabins, bunkhouse rooms, or vintage trailers. You’ll need a membership, which starts at just $10. The campground offers family-friendly camping during certain times.
Best Amenities: Enjoy the large heated pool, clubhouse, and rec hall, plus many nature trails. Visit the Campit Store for anything you need during your stay. And be sure to check the schedule for weekly events and activities, like Women’s Weekend, Mardi Gras Weekend, and OctoBeerfest Weekend.
#9. The Woods Campground
Address: 3500 Forest St., Lehighton, PA 18235
About The Woods Campground: A clothing-optional camping resort in the Pocono Mountains, The Woods Campground is a membership-only, LGBTQIA+ campground. Bring your RV (big rigs welcome), set up a tent, or stay in one of their 30 cabins or three park model resort homes. Guests must be 18 or older. They offer accessible options, including an ASL interpreter most weekends.
Best Amenities: With 161 acres of streams, a four-acre lake, and nearly four miles of nature trails, you’ll have lots of room to explore the outdoors. They offer group hikes as well. Visit the Clubhouse, which features a café and dance club. Or lounge at the patio, lanai, pool, and hot tubs. Afterward, grab a quick bite at the poolside cabana. These areas will be hopping with DJs and music on the weekends.
#10. Copper Cactus Ranch
Address: 4516 North Elephant Butte Rd., Queen Valley, AZ 85118
About Copper Cactus Ranch: This clothing-optional bed and breakfast retreat is open to men of all types and orientations. Proudly welcoming gay, bi, and straight men, the Copper Cactus Ranch Men’s Retreat is one hour east of Phoenix, next to the Tonto National Forest. They strive to be a “safe venue to enjoy male bonding and camaraderie in a comfortable and fun environment.” Copper Cactus Ranch offers overnight rooms and camping. Since it’s a private community, you’ll need a day pass or membership for $25.
Best Amenities: The Ranch features a pool and hot tub, plus 40 acres of trails. Enjoy jamioke, a mix between a jam session and karaoke. And they have an on-site restaurant that serves homemade meals throughout the day.
The Ranch has a couple of features that set it apart. First, they host empowerment events to help men get in touch with their feelings. They also host discussion groups with topics like “How to be a better father,” “Life after divorce,” and Surviving childhood rape.” Finally, there’s a gift shop featuring items made by Copper Cactus Ranch men.
These gay campgrounds vary, but they all have one thing in common: They’re welcoming gay spaces where you can relax and have a great time. From quiet campgrounds to full-on party resorts, you’re sure to find a campground that fits your needs. Do you know of other LGBTQIA campgrounds and resorts? Which is your favorite?
If You Want the Latest Travel News, Join Our Mailing List
Don’t rely on biased RV industry news sources to keep you informed. Stick with Nomadic News. We publish articles and breaking stories that matter to you every weekday.
