Bay County, Florida
Bay Bares
Bay Bares is a member-owned AANR-affiliated club tucked into the wooded low country of Florida's Panhandle, about thirty minutes north of Panama City Beach.
About this place
Bay Bares is a member-owned AANR-affiliated club tucked into the wooded low country of Florida's Panhandle, about thirty minutes north of Panama City Beach. It's a cooperative in the truest sense: members share maintenance duties, organize potlucks, and keep the grounds running without paid staff. The property is heavily forested, with trails threading through the pines and clearings for camping and lounging. You'll find a swimming pool, a clubhouse, RV hookups, and tent sites, but no restaurant, spa, or polished amenities. Most visitors are regional regulars who come for weekend camping trips or Saturday swims. The atmosphere is quiet, low-key, and neighborly—everyone knows each other's name. Day visitors are welcome if you call ahead, but this isn't a drop-in tourist spot. It's the kind of place where people help stack firewood and pitch in for a potluck dinner on Saturday night. The setting is pretty in a subtle way: dappled light through live oaks, the hum of cicadas, and plenty of space to spread out. If you're looking for a glossy resort experience, this won't be it. But if you want a cooperative club where naturism feels like a low-fuss backyard gathering among friends, Bay Bares delivers exactly that.
Visitor notes
Contributed by ClothingOptional.org Editorial Team
Who visits
Primarily longtime members and their families, with many repeat guests who've been coming for decades. The demographic skews toward middle-aged and older couples, though families with kids are welcomed and common during school breaks. Solo visitors are less typical at member-owned clubs like this. The atmosphere reflects a tight-knit community where people know each other by name.
How to find it
Bay Bares is located near the small town of Fountain in Bay County, about 20 miles northeast of Panama City Beach. The mailing address lists Fountain, though the property itself sits in a rural area accessible via local roads. Specific gate codes or check-in procedures typically require advance contact with the club. Expect a quiet, wooded approach off the main highways.
Things to watch out for
As a member-owned club, access policies likely favor members and their sponsored guests. Day-use or visitor fees may require advance arrangement—don't assume you can drop in unannounced. Summer heat and humidity in the Panhandle can be intense; the spring-fed lake offers relief but plan accordingly. Hurricane season runs June through November, occasionally affecting access and facilities.
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Etiquette & ground rules
Bay Bares requires AANR membership or a guest pass for entry. Nudity is mandatory in pool and lake areas during daylight hours, weather permitting. You can wear clothes in the parking area, office, and walking to your campsite initially. Carry a towel to sit on at all times—this is standard practice everywhere on the property. No alcohol in the pool or lake. Photography requires written consent from anyone who might appear in your shot, and most people prefer you don't take pictures at all. Kids are welcome, and families visit regularly, so keep behavior appropriate. Respect quiet hours after 10 PM since this is primarily a camping environment.
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