About Us

Rock Lodge Club was founded in 1932 as one of the first permanent nudist communities in the United States and remains a vibrant community to this day.

As a member of the American Association for Nude Recreation, Rock Lodge is a non-profit social club run by its members as volunteers. We operate like a cooperative where members are responsible for the club’s governance, activities and facilities, with the help of a professional caretaker.

The Grounds at Rock Lodge

The Forest

Located on more than 140 acres of forest, adjacent to additional forested areas and protected watersheds, Rock Lodge is a hiker’s paradise with several well-maintained and marked trails. Come and explore the hiking trails of RLC (where clothing is optional) and hike further into the adjacent land (clothed, of course).

We consider the preservation of our environment a priority.

The Lake

The lake sits at the heart of Rock Lodge, where people gather to enjoy the view, watch the elegant herons, cool off in the water, relax on non-motorized boats and boards, and even fish. Fed by more than a dozen underground springs and a couple of seasonal streams, the water is refreshing and rejuvenating and has two floating docks, perfect for sunbathing.

The Buildings

There are two main structures at Rock Lodge - the Stone House and Bungalow, both of which have private rooms and communal space. The Stone House is a magnificent, historic structure built by A. L. A. Himmelwright in 1907. The Bungalow has a shared kitchen with large refrigerators, restrooms, indoor and outdoor showers, a living room and recreation room. It’s fronted by a large patio with barbecues and picnic tables, where everyone comes together to eat and socialize. There are also about 40 private cabins tucked into the surroundings. Overnight accommodations are available on a limited basis in all of the structures.

More about overnight accommodations here.

Amenities at Rock Lodge

  • Sun Bathe

    There are two beach areas with access to the lake. The Sandy Beach has a grassy area, perfect for sun bathing, sitting space under the trees for shade, and a small beach with lots of sand toys for the kids. Adirondack and lounge chairs are available, but it’s a good idea to bring your favorite beach chair. The smaller, quieter Rock Beach also has lake access so you can find your sweet spot!

    Artwork by Fernanda Peralta

  • Swim

    We swim in the spring-fed lake all season, with many of the club’s children learning to swim here. Kayaks, a row boat, sail boat, pedal boat and various floating devices are available for all to use. There is no life guard, so we ask that everyone mind the safety rules.

    Clothing is not permitted in the lake.

  • Hot Tub

    The hot tub is a great place to relax and extend the “warm” season into late fall. Clothing is not permitted in the hot tub and a soapy shower is required immediately before entering the hot tub.

    Artwork by Fernanda Peralta

  • Sauna

    A new Swedish-style sauna sits near the lake so you can cool off quickly before you settle into a chair to rest.

    Clothing is not permitted in the sauna.

  • Kayaking/Boating

    Visitors and members are free to use the club’s kayaks, rowboats, sailboat and pedal boat on the lake.

  • Hike

    Rock Lodge Club is home to more than 140 acres of forest right on the property with several well-maintained and well-marked trails. Maps are available at several starting points. Small impromptu hiking groups gather most weekends, with a large group hike planned every October.

  • Tennis and Pickleball

    The club has two well-maintained, full-sized tennis courts – a very desirable clay court and an all-weather court – along with many avid tennis players. Rackets and balls are available for use. An annual tennis tournament is held in September, with a pot-luck breakfast the following morning. Pickleball is played on the all-weather court.

  • Socialize

    We love to socialize whether it’s informally or as part of our planned parties and events that we hold all summer long from barbecues, to dance parties, to outdoor movie nights. Please check our event calendar for more information.

    Artwork by Fernanda Peralta

  • Yoga

    Yoga classes are held throughout the summer. Classes are outdoors and are clothing optional. Exhale surrounded by nature, be yourself, be free of layers. Namaste!

  • Forest Bathing

    While you do not need to take off your clothes to practice this enveloping connection with nature, a stress reliving method from Japan, you can! Taking this dive into the woods with all your senses brings forest bathing to the next level, giving you the freedom to experience your surroundings without any barriers.

    Artwork by Fernanda Peralta

  • Fish

    We allow fishing in the lake, as long as you release any fish you catch.

  • Draw or Paint

    Photography is highly restricted at RLC, to give members and visitors the privacy and anonymity we all expect. However, no one will stop you from sketching or painting, and the setting is truly beautiful and easily inspires.

  • Gardening

    We have a variety of outdoor areas that volunteers maintain. If gardening brings you joy, consider joining the beautification committee.

  • Children Playgrounds

    There are two small playgrounds on the premises. In addition, the flat surface of the Volleyball Court often doubles as a play area for scooters, bikes and more.

  • Build a Sandcastle

    Our artificial “sandy beach” is mostly used by our youngest members to dig, sift and build, though there is no age restrictions to dig in yourself. You’ll find the “tools” you need in the toy box next to the beach.

  • Barbecuing

    Use one of our many large, gas BBQ grills to fire up your lunch or dinner. No food for purchase is available on the grounds.

“Out of all the nudist resorts we have visited, we can't think of a more friendly bunch of people who made us feel very welcome right from the start. We will most definitely return.”

— Rich and Mary

Rock Lodge Club is incorporated under the laws of New Jersey as a non-profit membership association. We are affiliated with AANR, The Naturist Society, COLA (Coalition of Lakeside Associations), the NY-NJ Trail Conference, and the Friends of Sparta Mountains.

We consider the preservation of our environment a priority.

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