NC beaches

My wife and I just got back from another wonderful visit to Cypress Cove. Unfortunately, every time we go there or to Club Orient, it has the effect of strongly reinforcing our intense dislike of bathing suits. In July we are going on a family vacation to Wilmington, NC and spend 7 days on Carolina Beach.

Would someone please tell us that North Carolina has seen the light and now permits and encourages nude bathing on its beaches (at least Carolina Beach). If not, where can we go to avoid sand in the suits?



Thanks!

I don't think Carolina Beach is c/o friendly.

No it's not legal in NC but there are a few places you can get by with it. There a place close to Carolina Beach called Bird Island at Sunset Beach. I've only read about it but never experienced it. I've always gone to the Outer Banks. Pea Island just south of Manteo was and still is a very secluded place to go nuding but recent patrolling by a few fish and wildlife officers have reaked havoc on some of the relaxation factor. The last few times, we've gone to Ocracoke Island where you can drive on the beach and find yourself a spot. This is National Park land and I'm sure it's not legal but suprisingly, the rangers don't have this high on their priority list. May not have enough resources to worry about it. The only problem with Ocracoke is the amount of traffic on the beach which consists primarily of fishermen. See this link for more info: http://www.geocities.com/TheTropics/Shores/6059/index.html

I don't recommend Bird Island. My understanding is that the atmosphere has changed and C/O is not permitted. However, just off of Wrightsville Beach is Masonboro Island. You can take a water taxi from in front of the Blockade Runner Hotel. It makes a trip in the morning and picks up sometime later in the day. The island is not inhabited and if you walk a ways up the beach away from other groups you can be nude.

tanjohn

Try whispering Pines Nudist Resort in Ocean Isle, NC. It's near Myrtle Beach, SC. It's not a beach, but has a nice pool.

As the other posters have indicated, there are no official nude beaches in North Carolina. Curiously, topless sunbathing is not prohibited in several beach communities, including the Town of Topsail Beach on Topsail Island. Those of us who live in the area can sometimes go by boat to Masonboro Island or Lea Island and there is an informal nude spot on Ocracoke Island (a good distance, however, from Carolina Beach). For a legal, full nude experience, Whispering Pines would be the only choice.

Bird Island is great. My wife and I and alot of our friends have gone for years.The dunes are great for couples you can be alone or get on the beach and be social when there are no clothed people coming up the beach,you can see them a mile away.Park at the pier at sunset beach Bring a bike a backpack full of your things and a towl to lay on. We are so glad that we have this Island.

Thanks for the information on Bird Island. Unfortunately, your link does not go to the site. Where is Bird Island?

Ken & Karolee

Bird Island is adjacent to Sunset Beach - both in North Carolina just north of South Carolina. If you find Sunset, which is easily found on any map, you have found Bird Island. I do not think local authorities are looking for trouble with nudists on Bird but I also think they will come down very hard on anyone they think is causing a problem there.

A very very good beach. Never had a problem there with anyone.Laid back. The nude section is from the kindred spirit mailbox to just before the rock jetty.Never even heard of the beach patrol giving anyone a hard time,It's just common knowledge where the nude section is.Been here since 1986.

Can you please be more specific on Bird Island and the Nude portion-can you please give directions

Bird Island is western point of Sunset Beach, North Carolina - they are connected - you can walk or bike down beach from Sunset - of you could get there by boat. Sunset is first beach community north of South Carolina line. Google "Sunset Beach Bird Island". Location of Kindred Spirit's Mailbox ("landmark" on Bird Island) is at 33 51.293 N; 078 32.116 W; plug that into Google Earth; there is geocache further west on island that many people visit.

I have family friends with a beachhouse at Sunset but until this subject came up on this thread, I did not know that Bird Island was known for a nude beach. After seeing that said here, I asked some folks and, sure enough, it is known for that, although the impression I was given is that there never are very many people there total and very few nude beach goers, if any. I do know that the mosquitos can be ferocious at times there so you need to bring an appropriate amount of DEET.

this is true...you can also rent a bike and they provide parking....bird island is very c/o friendly...just cover up for non nudists , kids ,and the 4 wheeler patrolwhich rides down maybe 2 times a day..they just started going down that far..fun time!!!! a totally secluded beach is on the other side of the inlet at the jetties...accessible from the north end of cherry grove at low tide or a short swim across at high tide..no one is there....

go to sunset beach pier....walk south on beach to end or rent a bike across the street for 8 dollars....long walk!!but worth it...

Hi,we live in Wilmington, and there is another place in Tabor City, however that is about a hour away. The resort is called Coventry, we haven't checked it out, but intend on doing so this summer. They do have a website......it's in the country, I understand, but they do have a pool.

I saw this old post today. I posted this message last year, and after our trip (without finding a nude or topless beach - sad to say) I forgot about it. Now I'm just curious about how or why it returned to the top of this thread?

No problems - just technologically curious.

Someone's found it, probably through searching, and posted a reply - that brings it back to the top of the list.

Bill n I just moved down to Leland ( 8 miles south of Wilmington) from L. I. and we hope to try Whispering Pines this summer or maybe head over to Paradise Valley for a long weekend..

Philly n Bill

Give us a trip report when you return. Also when you have a chance, drop us a PEM with your new address and phone.

Lots of love,

Your only choice is Whispering Pines Nudist Resort in Ocean Isle, NC(40 minutes from Wilmington).It's not a beach, but has a nice pool, and large deck for sunning.

Masonboro Island near Wilmington is a good place for nude sunbathing. Take the water taxi from in front of the Blockade Runner Hotel. When you get to the island, walk down the beach until you run out of other people. The island is uninhabited, so there are no services available. Occasionally, a fishing boat may spot you and you might have a lot of company out in the water for a few minutes, just cover up and they will go away.

tanjohn

Hi, saw your post. Have been to Bird Island couple of times. Almost deserted. Would like to go when more people are there. Going to Myrtle coming Saturday for a week. Any idea what day there would be most (or some!) people at Bird Island?

If you want to go a little further and go towards Tabor City, NC, there's a nudist resort called Coventry Resort <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/circle.gif" alt="" /> which may be in the process of changing hands. It's a great club with a friendly group of people who will make you feel welcome. There a nice L shape pool and a club house with a DJ for Saturday night dances

I go to Bird Island aka "Jay Bird Island" up to 30 days a year by boat. While I don't mind the nudists there as long as they are discreet, I'm troubled by the creepy guy(s) I sometimes see popping out from behind the dunes and looking around with binoculars. People come there by boat that don't know this is a known nudist spot and walk with their children East down the beach toward Sunset beach, and I've seen some folks get quite upset about what their children saw.

Now, before you start giving me the business, I'm on your side -- I'm just saying that some folks need to be more discreet otherwise they will ruin a good thing for everyone -- including me and my dog when the State cops start patrolling there.

My $.02

There are some nude beaches as posted before...some do take their four wheel drive truck all the way to FOrt Fisher and go all the way down (approximately 4.5 miles) the beach is near deserted. Other than that..just like the other posters stated...Lea Island, Masonboro Island or WHispering Pines in Ocean Isle. Avoid Bird Island...too many families and gawkers!

Compliments of (http://www.topfreedom.com/okra.html)


9/03

My girlfriend and I recently spent 4 days on Ocracoke Island after researching the beach on this site and other online forums. We were not disappointed to discover that the reports were true. Besides enjoying the wonderful island community, we spent 3 days tanning on the beach at several different locations. The first day, she wore a bikini and quickly shed her top to tan while laying down. When people walked by, she rolled over. For our remaining visits, she wore just a thong bottom. We felt comfortable walking the beach and swimming in our skimpy attire and no one had a problem with it. Several guys blatantly stared at her but no problem. We met a great lady, also from NC who was also topless every day and visits often for the freedom of Ocracoke.

--Jay, North Carolina

8/02

This time my wife and I spent a week in Ocracoke, NC. She went topless every day on the beach between ramp 70 and 72 (south point road). Didn't seem to be much of a big deal. The last day we were there, we were about 1/4 mile north of the south point road beach access, and there were 2 other topless ladies on the beach (within view), plus my wife. Totally laid back atmosphere, as usually you have some distance between you and anyone else. No problems at all. Hope others will enjoy Ocracoke like we did.

--Jeff, Richmond, Virginia

8/02

My wife and I just got back from a week's stay on Ocracoke Island North Carolina. The whole beach on Ocracoke is national seashore. It is legal to go topfree anywhere on the beach. This was confirmed by a park ranger who stopped and talked to me while my wife was roaming the beach looking for seashells, topless and in her thong. This was her first experience topfree and in a thong. She loved it and enjoyed it all week. She wants to go back this summer. We saw other topfree and thong people while there. You can be as discrete or open as you like. There is plenty of beach for privacy.

Cape Hatteras which is just north of Ocracoke is also national seashore. About 25 miles of beach is driveable with 4 wheel drive.

--Andy, North Carolina

8/00

My wife and I went to Ocracoke this summer and she went topless everyday on the National Park Service beaches that run the length of the island. We used the beach areas that 4-wheelers are not allowed on primarily between the Hatteras ferry and the Pony Pasture. Did not see many other topless women. Other clothed beach walkers looked at my wife topless but did not seem to care. Topfreedom seems to be pretty well accepted on Ocracoke. Even saw one other topless woman at the lifeguard-protected beach near town. Park Rangers totally ignored topfree women and men in thongs.

--Rick, Asheville, North Carolina


1/00

My husband and I go to Ocracoke, and are never bothered when I go topfree. The rangers will wave when they ride by. They will however cite you for full nudity. It is a wonderful place to go topfree . . . no one cares.

--Elaine, North Carolina


1/00

My wife and I love to go to the Outer Banks, NC. We go 2 or 3 times a year. We ride the ferry over to Ocracoke Island and park at the 1st parking area and walk south. My wife can go topfree and not worry about any thing. We will go back in May.

--Dman


11/99

Last year we stayed a few days in Ocracoke (an island) which is very deserted. I ask at the motel if it was okay for Jason and me to just wear our thongs at the pool, and the manager didn't have any trouble with that. We also spent several hours a day on the beach in just our thongs.

--Traci, Ohio

Don't mean to hijack the original post....but....
My wife and I will be heading down to this general area this July, actually will be staying on Topsail Island. Looking for someplace we can sneak away from the crowds and sunbathe. I noticed on the map about 4 miles of undeveloed beach just south of Topsail Island and north of Figure Eight Island. Looks very secluded from Google Earth, anybody have any info on it?

Thanks

It's Lea and Hutaff islands. They were joined together several years ago when the inlet between them silted in.

This link should help.

http://www.wilmingtontoday.com/Nature/Preserves/LeaHutaffIslandMain.html

Thanks for the info. Are you familiar with this area? Is it a good place to do some nude sunbathing and skinny dipping? Where can I catch a boat ride across the inlet? We'll be staying just south of Surf City.

Thanks,
The Greenhorn

It actually is legal for ladies to go topless at Topsail Beach, south of Surf City, on Topsail Island. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

Debbie from NC

Legal.... Yes, Popular... No.
Have been there many times and have never observed any top freedom. Maybe it is reserved for just certin areas? Don't know.

Wife likes to be descrete and fit in with the croud, plus, I don't like to be left out!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" />

The Greenhorn

Anybody else have any remote spots you could reccomend in this area?

Thanks,
The Greenhorn

Coventry is not open any longer. Most of those people have moved to Whispering Pines.

We live on Topsail Island. Sadly, I cannot say that there are any places on the island isolated enough where you could safely go nude. Some friends will visit Lea Island (accessible only by boat) and it may be possible, particularly during the week, to be nude there without danger.

Rich and Sandy

Are there any reasonable transportation options to Lea for those of us that don't have a boat?

Here's the most recent info on Bird Island. Within the past couple years the island was sold to the state of NC. While Sunset Beach has local ordinances against topless, thongs, & nudity, Bird Island is governed by state law. Thus it's legal to sunbathe topless & in thongs on Bird Island. However, it is illegal to be totally nude there.

Even though the area isn't enforced by state patrol, there are the rather rude folks from the Bird Island Preservation Society taking turns patrolling. I had one old-timer from the Society start yelling at me that it's not a nude beach then I turned over and showed him I was wearing a thong and he just said "OK, you're covered up". While the B.I.P.S. has no legal authority they are a pain in the butt. I don't mind them informing those who are nude that such an activity is illegal, but when they start harassing women who are topless and/or in thongs then next time I won't be so courteous back to them.

Richandsandy, we will be in your area this weekend for my sons soccer tournament. Looking for some good kid friendly dining. Any suggestions????? Thanks, Eric

It used to be that the naturists stayed up by the dunes and the families walked by the water. Severe beach erosion took away the buffering distance, and I could see that it was only a matter of time before there was a confrontation. Is it possible to sunbathe discreetly, between or up in the dunes? Can I carry a towel to the water's edge, drop it for a dip, and re-cover as I come out? Maybe I should borrow a canoe and paddle over to Masonboro Island? Wish I had a motorboat!

We had a pleasant surprise on Topsail this past week. My wife and I walked out to the southern tip of the island at the inlet and happened upon another couple with the female half going topless. There were a couple fishermen in the distance, but my wife immediatly removed her top.
We moved closer to them, but respected the other couples privacy and kept our distance and enjoyed the morning, her topless and me in my speedo.

The next morning we went to the same location, but were alone except for the distant fishermen, so again she went topless and I in my speedo. It wasn't long before another couple came past and set up their towel and gear not too far from us. My wife was a little irritated since there was plenty of beach to spread out on, and they set up just down from us. I reminded her, "Isn't that what we did yesterday???" And sure enough, within minutes the female of the couple removed her top. We both enjoyed a laugh, shared a glance and a wave with the other couple and continued to soak up the sun, sand and waves of the beautiful Carolina coast.

The Greenhorn

Greenhorn.......you know what they say about 'safety in numbers'...even if it's only '4'! I think it's safe to say there is courage in numbers as well.

Somebody knows about topless in Avon?

If you are asking about topless in Avon, NC, it is not a known topless area, depends on the time of year and what part you are in as to whether or not you can get away with it, but it is not legal.

Are you sure it's not legal? Topless is legal in many more jurisdictions than people think. In NC, the Indecent Exposure statue is 14-190.9. Like many states, it uses the term "private parts" and in most states, courts have held that breasts are not "private parts".

Quoting from the NY case that overturned the law against being topless there:


Something is legal unless there is an explicit law making it illegal. It doesn't appear that it's illegal under state law in NC. Is there some local ordinance that makes it illegal there?

I am not aware of any ordinance against nudity on NC beaches; however, as a frequent traveler to the Outer Banks I am not aware of an CO beaches. Most of the beaches in Hatteras are national parks, not sure what the rules are there.

Sorry about the confusion: I was not responding to the queries about nude use, but topless use.

Speaking of which, apparently, today is "National Go Topless Protest Day" according to this organization.

Okay, so let me state that I am not aware of any topless beaches in the OBX either, not sure if it is legal in a National Park as most of the OBX is part of the National Park system. There are lot's of dunes (not as many as there used to be due to erosion) so if you wanted to be CO or just topless you should be able to find a place, but still not sure it is legal.

Why not? The only rules regarding clothing in National Parks that I'm aware of relate to Cape Cod National Seashore and one of the National Parks in Hawaii. Other than that, state (and possibly local) law controls.

You ask a lot of questions Richard! I don't know why not, you would have to stop a Ranger or Police Officer down there and ask. I am just letting you know from my experience in the area it is not "Known" as a CO or topless area.

I've said this before: the way our legal system works, something is legal unless there's some law making it illegal. There's absolutely no evidence that topless is illegal on any beach in NC. Given that, I wouldn't expect any "known" topless area any more than I'd expect there to be any "known" areas where purple polka-dot bikinis are accepted: both are accepted anywhere and asking a law enforcement officer where a woman could go topless would have the same legal significance as asking where one could wear a purple polka-dot bikini. In the absense of a law to the contrary (and I have looked for one and asked here numerous times), those two activities are exactly the same in the eyes of the law.

Topless women are like barefoot drivers: many people assume it's illegal when, in fact, it's usually not. See this FAQ entry for a debunking of the "barefoot driving is illegal" myth. As to topless, there indeed are some places where it's illegal (St. John's County in Florida is perhaps the most famous), but it's in far fewer places than most people think.

If you're going to go topless on a beach that's patrolled by rangers or other law enforcement, it's indeed not a bad idea to let them know what you plan to do if you don't see others doing it, but if they say it's illegal, ask for a reference to the statue making it so because a lot of law enforcement officers are as naive in this area as the general public about what's legal and illegal. (E.g., women keep getting paid tens of thousands of dollars in NYC for falsely being arrested for being topless.)

You'd think with all the coastline here in NC and a 12.5% county unemployment rate in February, the Brunswick County Commissioners would find something more productive to do than focus on a remote area at the end of Bird Island.

www.starnewsonline.com/article/20090406/ARTICLES/904069955

........Amen............
I wonder how that affects the SC side..............

Bird Island is not an option; nudity is no longer allowed and you will be ticketed. Whispering Pines in Ocean Isle, NC is the only nudist resort in the area. It is under new ownership and is "still a dump". It is very expensive for what they offer. Save your money and visit Caliente!

It IS legal to be topless at Topsail Beach and on Okracoke in the National Seashore.
The National Seashore area has a campground (also legal to be topless THERE!)and it is large enough that if you drive way up the beach, away from the fishermen, then you can be nude as long as you are ready to cover up quickly if needed! (sit on a wrap!)

I am a lifelong North Carolinian and those are the only places I am aware of on our entire coast.

Can you show any case law that supports that position? The relevant statue in NC is 14-190.9. Just reading paragraph (a), I'd agree with you because "private parts" normally does not include breasts. But then there's paragraph (b). Although likely added to protect the rights of a woman to breastfeed, it changes the interpretation of paragraph (a).

A standard principle of statutory contruction is that a "statute should be constructed so that effect is given to all of its provisions, so that no part will be inoperative" Hibbs v. Winn. If we interpret (a) as having the conventional meaning where "private parts" excludes breasts, then what effect does (b) have in that statute? Since it's presumed to have some effect, then "private parts" in (a) must therefore be read to include the breast.

Do you know anything about the legislative history or case law that would preclude interpreting 14-190.9(a) as making a women being topless illegal in NC? (For example, is there an ERA-type clause in the state constitution?) Otherwise, I'd say it most likely is illegal and thefore of course would therefore apply in any park (Federal or otherwise) or other location within the state.

But, having said all that, I want to remind people that when thinking about being topless or nude, although it's definitely valuable to know the law (or as much as one can about the law, since here a case may well be decided either way), it's much more important to know what's accepted than what's legal. Two examples from NY:

(1) It's unquestionably illegal to be nude at Lighthouse Beach, but it's so well-accepted that law enforcement from all levels (county, state, and federal) won't bother anybody who's nude there.

(2) It's unquestionably legal for a woman to be topless walking down the street in Manhattan. But it's not well accepted and a woman doing so shouldn't be surprised if the police speaks to her about it.

So if BlondieNC had said it was accepted to be topless in those areas, I couldn't disagree (or agree, for that matter: I don't have any information on that at all) and that might well be the more important issue. But it's nevertheless important to be careful when talking about the law.

No, I cannot cite the exact "top-free" laws for either location, but I believe it is specifically written into the local law at Topsail Beach...and I know that the Park Rangers at the National Seashore are told that top-free is legal under National Laws at the beach and at the campground and there are no local laws proscribing it...someone who was a Ranger there told me that.

I am NOT willing to go to jail to be topless...so I have paid attention to this issue here in NC and I have been topless in both areas with no repercussions.

Here is a link to an old "news" report about Topsail Beach from a paper in SOUTH Carolina (Gaffney):

http://www.gaffneyledger.com/news/2005/0520/Local_News/037.html

Not sure WHO this police chief is referring to as "perverted"...I expect is is US!!

I thought that the Federal Government left all clothing laws to State and Local Governments and that those laws do not apply on Federal Property. That's not to say that the National Park Service can't stop nude sunbathing by rule, but it does allow it to happen. So is it really illegal to be nude at Lighthouse? Or is it just allowed by the National Park Service because of custom, subject to change at their will?

Correct. The Superintendent could decide to enforce the law tomorrow if he so choses (which is, by the way, why it's important not to allow lewd behavior because that might cause him to make that choice).

As to your first sentence, I'm having trouble parsing it, so I don't know what you mean. I really ought to write a "Naturist Law 101" FAQ one day because there's so much confusion on these points.

Simply put, being on a National Park doesn't make you subject to less rules, but to more.

If I'm on the street in NYC, I'm subject to:

- Federal Law
- New York State statutes
- New York City minicipal ordinances

If I'm in an unincorporated part of New York State, I'm subject to just the first two (plus possibly any county ordinances). If I'm in a National Park in New York State, I'm subject to those two (Federal + NY State law) plus any general regulations that apply to National Parks and any specific regulations to that park (whether county laws would apply in that situation is very unclear legally, but isn't relevant to Lighthouse Beach, though it might be at Playalinda in Florida).

In the Fire Island National Seashore (similar to a National Park) that contains Lighthouse Beach, an activity is illegal if it is prohibited by any of the following:

- Federal Law
- New York State law
- general National Park regulations
- regulations specific to FINS

In the case of nudity, the first of these and the last two are silent. There is a law in New York State, however, specifically NY Penal Law Section 245.01, that prohibits nudity. Thefore, nudity is prohibited there.

To see the opposite situation, let's look at Cape Cod National Seashore in Massachusetts. There, we have the same four sources of law. Massachusetts doesn't have a clear law prohibiting nudity (Chapter 272, section 16 merely prohibits "open and gross lewdness or lscivious behavior"). However, there is a specific rule that applies to Cape Cod National Seashore, specifically 36 CFR 7.67(13)(e), which prohibits public nudity within that Seashore (see this page for copies of all those laws and regulations). So nudity is also prohibited there, but for an entirely different reason.

I guess what I was trying to say is that the Federal Govt. leaves all nudity laws to State and Local Govts. to enact. The Federal Govt. can enforce State and Local nudity laws if they so choose, but can allow nudity on Federal property because they don't enact those laws. They do make the park rules though and at anytime can enforce NYS law and say no more nudity. Under NYS law, we are illegal, but not under Federal law on Federal property unless they decide to enforce NYS law. I guess the point I'm trying to make is that we're not illegal until they say we are.

There's nothing special about nudity laws here! The Constitution leaves almost all criminal laws to the states. With very few exceptions, what makes robbery, rape, assualt, and similar crimes illegal are state laws. A piece of land being "Federal property" is no different than a piece of land being part of some city: neither affects the applicability of State criminal law within that land.

Nudity is illegal in New York State. Lighthouse Beach is in New York State. Therefore, nudity is illegal on Lighthouse Beach. It's that simple. If a New York State police officer (who does patrol the beach sometimes) sees somebody nude, that person can be arrested. Because they've been granted "concurrent jurisdiction", a Park Ranger can also make the arrest.

Now, it's certainly true that these people have decided not to enforce the law. But a decision not to enforce the law doesn't suddenly make that thing legal. Let's look at another example. Some beach regulars smoke pot. The rangers know this. Unless somebody walks up to the ranger with a joint in their mouth (yes, this actually happened!), they aren't going to enforce the drugs laws on the beach. Does that mean that drugs are now legal? Of course not!

Here's yet another example to show the difference. Let's suppose a new ranger transferred to working at Lighthouse Beach. He knows he's supposed to ignore the law against nudity, but let's suppose he's very much personally against nudity and decides to give a citation to every nude person he sees. He'll likely get reassigned (or even fired) pretty quickly for that action, but are the citations valid? Of course they are (though a prosecutor may nevertheless decide to dismiss the charges).

One would hope that if the law enforcement agencies decide to start enforcing the law, they'll let us know in advance. But there's absolutely no requirement they do so. And there's also no sort of estoppel in criminal law, so the fact that a law enforcement officer chose to ignore some violation of the law today creates no obligation for the officer to ignore the same violation tomorrow.

How do you get to Bird Island?
I read you can bike there from Sunset Beach. Do you ride on a trail or on the sand?
Is there a charge to park your car in Sunset?

Thanks

Since this post is nearly a week old and no one has answered, I'll try. But, be advised that my last visit was a couple of years ago before construction of the mega-bridge began.

Once you cross the old bridge into Sunset Beach, I've been able to find limited free parking along the road before you get to Main St. Across Main is the fishing pier and a parking area. I seem to remember a charge there but that may be a seasonal or even day of the week thing. Bird Island is, of course, to the right. If you follow Main all the way to the end, I think there are one or two free spots at the end of the road. Probably already taken and not worth it if you have a bike.

The ride/walk is along the beach. Every time I've been, the beach has been wide and the sand hard near the surf. But, here in NC, the tides can change dramatically with moon phases, weather, and the season of the year. So, YMMV. Remember, it was an island separated from Sunset by an inlet at low tide not that many years ago.

Good luck!

Havent been there ourselves but have heard friends say you can walk past Fort Fisher there near Carolina beach and theres lots of nude people out there. Not sure how far down the beach you need to go...Just go untill you see nakied people I guess

Just got back from my first visit in 14 years to Bird Island. It's no longer an island, but it's connected to Sunset Beach. During my four-hour visit, there were many walkers, some bicyclists and a few joggers who went all the way to the end at the rock jetty. Only about five people were nude, and they were discreet. It was almost impossible to go into the water nude with so many people around. A better option is taking the water taxi from the Blockade Runner at Wrightsville Beach for $20 and riding over to Masonboro Island. For the last two years, Pea Island has been a good spot, too.
<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />

Well, that explains my total inability to get in touch with them despite seeing references, links and phone numbers on numerous web sites. Supposedly they were associated with another resort of the same name in Vermont but their (again, supposedly) joint web site had nothing at all about the NC location. Published phone numbers get to only out of service recordings. Guess I can give up now. Whispering Pines and Jasmine Trails are both in southern NC. What should I know about each of them before going to visit?

It's good know that there are others out there. Me and my wife go to n top sail and take the truck on the beach. She allways takes here top off. If it is really empty we will both go nude.....never had aproblem. If you see us out there please feel free to stop by. We have been doing this for years. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" />

Harley,
When you say North Topsail, do you mean West Onslow Beach? I haven't been there in about 12 years, but there are condos and a hotel at the north end, if memory serves.

I have no problem with people being nude if they are discreet. But sometimes on weekends there are many people out there (on Bird Island) that are acting just plain creepy. If nudists want to keep the complaints down and the cops away, then try to be discreet. If it is a good thing then don't ruin it.

And no, I'm not a prude or homophobic, but I don't need to see a guy standing on top of a dune bith binoculars (Naked) looking around for other naked dudes.

Huhm, how do you know he's looking for other naked dudes with the binocs???

OK, I don't know that. Maybe they are bird watching? I'm just asking them to be discreet as the beach is *not* C/O.

Agreed, I would think bird watching would be a better guess..

Bird Island is not a Island due to storms years ago.But if you park at the Sunset Beach pier and ride your bike south or to the right, pier at your back and go.One mile or so watch the four wheeler tracks in the sand. They patrol the Sunset Beach City limits then turn around, unless they have a complaint. But if your outside that area your in a good spot i can't say safe because its not legal. But you can see people from along ways off. And in the summertime the heat waves make it difficult to see if a person is nude. Stay out of the dunes thats trespassing and another ticket.If your on the beach or in the water you can see and have warning. If you enter the water before walkers get to you they did'nt see anything. If you have a speedo on when you exit the water when people are there your covered. Use a small fannypak.Bring water plenty of sunscreen one can that sprays for your back.Maybe a cabana, and a snack. You can ride a bike here at low tide if you stay to long you will have to push it back. Becareful of lightning from sudden storms. If you see a storm coming leave in a hurry.

It's always a good idea to stay out of the dunes anywhere on the shore in the east. Dunes are very fragile ecosystems and often they are the only thing holding the beach in place.

I've seen posts here (and elsewhere) that say the dunes are a nice place for couples to go for privacy. Not only is that bad for the dunes but, if you're caught by a law enforcement officer you will be in a world of trouble and likely destroy what might have been a topfree or clothing free beach for all time. It's simply not worth the risk.

There are precious few free beaches and no one should do anything to risk their closure.

Good info. Would just like to add that the facts regarding the state laws which govern Bird Island. The North Carolina code does not make illegal "nudity", but rather exposure of "private parts". The state supreme court ruled in a recent case that buttocks are not considered private parts, only the genitals. So thong and g-string swimwear is legal on Bird Island and is a good way to stay legal but yet be as close to nude as possible. Sunset Beach, which is next to Bird Island, has additional local ordinances prohibiting exposure of the buttocks, breasts, etc. However the local ordinances don't apply to the state owned Bird Island.

I would agree that thongs clearly are legal on Bird Island, but the legal issue is not quite as clear as you suggest (they never are - that's how lawyers make a living after all) and I would hesitate to say as clearly that "g-strings" are "legal" without being sure what is meant by "g-string" in a particular case. Just the "buttocks" are OK - but you have to be careful about collateral exposure. State v Fly is the key NC Supreme Court decision from 1998 (348 NC 556, 501 SE2d 656 for the inquiring minds out there) (not sure 1998 qualifies as "recent" but I am unaware of more recent SCt decision that defines "private parts" for 14-190.9)(BTW: Fly was convicted). From the opinion: "We have already concluded that the phrase "private parts" includes the external organs of sex and excretion."

My friends in Sunset tell me that apart from any "law" you would have to be acting like a jerk to get arrested for your state of dress on Bird.

I'd send a bill but I am not licensed in North Carolina.

Yes, you're correct about needing to watch for collateral exposure, however that applies to any swimsuit not just g-strings. For example, see-through boxer trunks could be deemed illegal if the genitals are plainly visible.

Regarding g-strings, the chief justice in the case you site made it abundantly clear regarding the legality of g-strings and thongs under North Carolina statutes. The language from page 3 is below. Here's the link:
http://academic.cengage.com/resource_uploads/downloads/0534619509_37754.pdf

BTW, the county police passed by 4 times last weekend on Bird Island, each time I was wearing a g-string. He didn't say anything to me but gave a warning to a woman who he spotted topless.
--------------------
"We have already concluded that the phrase “private parts” includes the external organs of sex and excretion. On the facts of this case, it is unnecessary for us to determine what, if any, other parts of the female or male anatomy may be included within the phrase “private parts,” as used in N.C.G.S. § 14-190.9, in light of the legislature’s expressed preference for an “expansive” interpretation. However, given the posture of this case, we think it wise to note our agreement with the conclusion of the majority below that buttocks are not private parts within the meaning of the statute. To hold that buttocks are private parts would make criminals of all North Carolinians who appear in public wearing “thong” or “g-string” bikinis or other such skimpy attire during our torrid summer months. Our beaches, lakes, and resort areas are often teeming with such scantily clad vacationers. We simply do not believe that our legislature sought to discourage a practice so commonly engaged in by so many of our people when it enacted N.C.G.S. § 14-190.9. To make such attire criminal by an overly expansive reading of the term “private parts” was not, we are convinced, the intent of our legislature. The difference, however, between defendant’s conduct and someone wearing a bikini is that the former is a clear-cut violation of recognized boundaries of decency, which the statute was intended to address, whereas the latter is a matter of taste, which we do not believe our legislators intended to make criminal."

you might want to try a place called Bare Island NC. It's not named that because it's c/o...but rather because of the fact it really is pretty "bare". It's in the Swansboro/Jacksonville area and you need to catch a fairy to it. Once there, the only amenities are a beach house with limited facilites. You can walk for miles and not see a soul...just lots of sand and dunes. Been a few times and have maybe seen 1 or 2 patrols drive by...for the most part..you're on your own...specially if you miss the fairy back to the mainland. Keep that in mind if you go there...if you walk a few miles down the beach...you really are alone so if there are any emerginces you're kinda stuck. But,...plenty of dunes right on the beach where you can "hide" and do as you wish. Hope this helps somewhat...
PS: Carolina beach is definetly NOT clothing Optional. Sorry

Headed to Hatteras for a week starting Oct 9.
so as I read all of the above if we go far enough south we might find some secluded areas for clothing optional sunning (presuming that the weather is even suitable for wearing less than jeans, wind breaker and mittens)

The house we have has its own private pool and hot tub. How do the nudity laws work down there with respect to nudity in and around your own pool areaÉ

Thanks

NC is a socially conservative state! If the pool and tub are screened from public view, you are OK. Otherwise wait until after dark!
If you have a 4X4, take the ferry to Okracoke and drive down the beach until you are out of view of other people and have fun. Dear wife and I have spent many a happy day skinny dipping on Okracoke. Just keep an eye open for other people driving by in their 4X4. Weekdays are the least traveled.

Oops that was me talking about Okracoke. I forgot to log in. As my name implies, I am a resident of the Great North State. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />

Since Whispering Pines was purchased a couple of years ago, many improvements have been made. While it is still not a deluxe resort, it is comparable to most other "textile" campgrounds. The people are extremely friendly and welcome guests. There are activities of some kind just about every weekend.You can bring your own rv or tent or there are a few rental units. Or if you're staying in the area you can pay day fees for a relaxing day by the pool and not have to worry about covering up when people approach or law enforcement officers issuing you a citation. www.whisperingpinesnudistresort.com

wow... gotta be some sort of record here...
This thread was started 05/25/06, almost 5 years ago!

You're right. I asked this question five years ago. Unfortunately, not much has changed in North Carolina. Life is tough all around. Thank goodness for Club O, Cypress Cove, Gunnison Beach, Juniper Woods, etc.

Just a quick comment about the post on 6/2010 about "Bare" Island. It's actually BEAR island and is a state park. The reason it is called Bear island is obvious. The area on the mainland is called Bear Creek, Get it? We have some bears around, but not as many as there used to be. I wouldn't suggest trying to go topless or nude there since there are several wildlife agents on the Island most of the time.

Yeah, check out Whispering Pines in Ocean Isle. It's become a really good resort with lot's of nice people.

I've heard good things about whispering pines and paradise valley from folks at cypress cove.

Whispering Pines and Paradise Valley are worlds apart when it comes to accommodations.

WP is quite rustic. Folks bring campers and there are camp sites and a few somewhat old trailers you can rent. PV has many very nice condos you can rent.

At WP there is one fairly small pool and you must be nude to be in or even around it. If you got too much sun and would prefer to keep a t-shirt on or have a reluctant spouse/guest who wishes to remain partly clothed, you'll be asked to leave.

PV has several pools to choose from and they are all clothing optional.

Depends on what you're looking for.

OK, this must be a record. This thread was begun almost 7 years ago!!!

If we could only generate this level of interest to support a nude beach here!

Well, thank goodness for legislators focused on truly important issues of the day like Rayne Brown and Tim Moffit who are going to put a stop to those female sociopaths at Topsail who would dare to expose their breasts on the beach - 'course it is the sociopaths of Asheville who needed to be exposed - I mean stopped. Reading House Bill 34 makes me ashamed that I had not realized before now just how dangerous this showing of breasts had become in North Carolina.

The problem with bird island is that there are birders (people who go to see the birds) and they are offended by nudists. So my suggestion is to look for a legal nude beach.

With the exception of Haulover, there is not another nude public beach where one can shed clothes legally in the US...is there?

I'm talking about legally nude by the law, not the pie in the sky wishful thinking of "don't worry we have an agreement with law enforcement stuff". That kind of bad information can get folks in trouble.

Actually, there are some other officially nude beaches in the US. Here's the ones I could find:

Rooster Rock State Park in Oregon, which claims to be the first official nude beach in the US. I think there is one other in Oregon.

Hippie Hollow near Austin, Texas. Amazing that this has survived in such an extreme red state.

Mazo Beach in Wisconsin. This one is endangered.

These are ones that are officially sanctioned. Yes, there are a few other places where there is an (often unwritten) agreement and you do take a risk, though I would suggest that there is safety in numbers.

That is an incorrect, derisive, biased, statement of nudism based strictly on which representative was elected. Our tolerance should extend to personal political choice also. Politics do not determine the existence of nude recreation locations. That's why The AANR has a Camp Locator instead of a red and blue political map. Certainly we are publicly tolerant of a persons race, their choice of religion and national origin.

The Politics of New York State tend to be more liberal than in most of the United States, in recent decades a solid majority of Democratic voters, concentrated in New York City and some of its suburbs, and in the cities of Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Albany have retained control. Yet the Beach at Fire Island has lost its Clothing Optional status.

This is an excerpt from an AANR study conducted a few years back:

Two years ago, A.A.N.R. paid the marketing firm Claritas Inc. to analyze the membership of the 72-year-old group. Claritas found that the cluster most likely to renew A.A.N.R. membership is a group it labels "God's Country"--primarily executives from the exurbs who tend to be Republican. Their key issues are tax reform and terrorism; they like Golf Magazine and GMC Safari vans. And most have kids at home.

Basically nudists, naturists and skinny dippers come from all walks of life and we are as diverse as the great country in which we live. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/usflag.gif" alt="" />

"Politics do not determine the existence of nude recreation locations." You've got to be kidding! A primary function of AANR is lobbying and government relations. Politics absolutely determines where nudity will be legal and where it will not.

It was not the politicians of New York State who revoked the clothing optional status of Fire Island, it was the federal government (national park service).

We are tolerant. We are diverse. We are not the problem. The fact that there are some of "God's Country" (I can't believe they used that term) in AANR does not imply anything about the majority of conservatives. You'll find lots of commentary online about America being more prudish than European countries and it will be usually couched as conservative Americans vs liberal Europeans. Anyone who does not realize that the majority of conservatives would shut down every nude beach in the country is naive. Every year legislation is proposed in Florida to ban all nude beaches. Want to guess what party the proposers belong to? Hint: they didn't vote for Obama. A republican in North Carolina has proposed a bill that makes it a felony to expose a nipple. AANR is in a constant battle and it's pretty clear who the problem is. So, don't tell me red vs. blue doesn't matter.

For the record, the greater Austin area, where Hippie Hollow is on Lake Travis, is extremely BLUE in a extremely RED state

And also for the record, Gunnison Beach in NJ (East Coast) IS officially sanctioned clothing optional and there are signs posted to that effect. Thousands are there on summer weekends! The rangers and volunteers who worked hard to open the park this year pos-Sandy deserve nothing but praise!

What?????? National Park service did that? Who is in charge bud? Prez, Senators from that state -NOT CONSERVATIVES.

I KNOW A TON OF CONSERVATIVES IN AANR ----- I'M AMAZED AT HOW ALL THE LIBERALS ARE LETTING A TON OF OUR FREEDOMS DISAPPEAR DAY BY DAY THE LAST FEW YEARS.

AANR AINT ANY PARTIES GROUP - IT IS THEMEMBERS.

WAKE UP LIBERALS AND GET Y O U R GOVT OFF OUR BACK.

New Jersey??? ---- Come on ---- Wake Up America.........who really stands for freedom

I'm not a supporter for either party. BUT, please, tell me. How's that whole Obama thing working out for ya? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

PLEASE, people, this is not a venue to discuss political matters. Plenty of other venues to do that.

We were at Playalinda Beach at the Canaveral National Seashore at Titusville, Florida last month. Used the north end of the beach nude with about 200 others on Memorial Day weekend. Almost everyone was nude. The park rangers road by on their quadrunner a few times without problems.

Whispering Pines is a great place to visit. The grounds are amazing and beautiful. Friendly people and great owners. The best part is the friendly people. Great place!

You are at the mercy of the ranger(s) on duty at any given time. If the personel (rangers) change, which happens quite often at federal parks and property, YOU could be given a citation or arrested for being nude. That's a fact that I experienced at Canaveral National Seashore. SO BEWARE!
YOU ROLL THE DICE AND TAKES YOU CHANCES ANYWHERE THAT NUDITY IS NOT ALLOWED BY LAW.

Have there been any citations issued this summer? We will be visiting the area after Labor Day for the first time. Is one more or less likely to have a problem with rangers at Apollo or Playalinda?

I don't know if citations were issued this summer or last summer or the summmer before that. It's a guessing game. No one can say positively that you will or will not have a problem. If nudity is against the law and you are nude, you are breaking the law. It's really that simple.

It's like speeding in your car past the posted speed limit. Sometimes we can get away with it, but sometimes we get a ticket. It's all fun and games until an intolerant cop is having a bad day. That's the best analogy that I can think of.

Becareful what you read on the internet. I was on the AANR site and found the Canaveral area designated as nude friendly and tolerant. I took this to mean that I would not have a problem. I was wrong. We were warned by a ranger that nudity was not allowed or tolerated while he was on duty...and he wasn't very nice about it. That was before we attempted to disrobe.

After the experience I contacted the AANR. I told them what and who we encountered. They acknowledged that, yes, they knew of this ranger and he was a problem.
But! They did not post of any problems of this area on their website, before or after the incident. WHY?!?! A simple disclaimer of being nude at these places is at your own risk should be present on all websites with an nude agenda to protect the unsuspecting.

This incident was a few years ago, but the bad experience has been burned into my memory banks.