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Grizzly Pines
4 years ago
Grizzly Pines
Growing up, it’d always kind of been a fantasy of mine to be naked in the woods. When I was young and on a farm, I got a few seconds here and there to experience something like that, but it was never for long.
Something about the thought always allured to me, like being in a nature state like we were intended to be, completely free to the world and apart of nature instead of just existing in it. But it always seemed too impossible. I looked into some nudist resorts and beaches, but they were either too far away or very heterosexually family focused. Which didn’t feel very welcoming to a young gay boy.
I got older and toyed with the idea some more, but I always ran into the same roadblocks. But one day I was on twitter, and I saw a post from someone naked by a pool in the early morning, and it looked like a campground. I got curious and did some digging, and found out that near Houston there was a gay clothing option 21+ campground with a bitchin’ pool.
Weirdly enough it turned out they had a YouTube channel, and did some more research. I began to realize this was everything I’d ever wanted.
1. Clothing option
2. Beautiful location
3. Gay focused
4. And 21+
The 21+ only part was the biggest selling point, it was a safe space for adults where they could just be adults and not have to worry; a vibe cons don’t really have. The camp has some good rules in place to like you can’t bring in cameras other than your own, and if you do take photos, other people can’t be in the photos to respect other people’s privacy:
“Cameras are not permitted on the property other than those on your phones (your are not permitted to record, videotape or capture any other persons). Cameras includes drones, mounted cameras, remote controlled cameras or anything intended to view, record, or retain video or pictures. This is to protect everyone's privacy while inside the park.”
I saw all of this, and was instantly hooked. I started planning the trip. With the way my schedule worked out, I had to go for a non-event weekend. But those tend to be sold out way in advance anyway, so it worked out. They did look interesting: they have everything from lumberjack weekend, brisket cookoffs, leather pride weekends, pup days, and so much more.
Myself and the friend didn’t have a tent, so we decided to rent one of their RVs. This was fairly clean, the only dirty spot I can think of was a bit under the sink cover that had some leftover soda on it.
The place had a fake fire, a fridge, a microwave, stove, it’s own hot water, a washer and dryer, a working bathroom, two super powerful air conditioners, and every kind of cooking utensil you might need. There was even a Keurig and coffee grinder… you could kind of tell that many gays had been in this RV before us… The bed was kind of underwhelming, you’d sink to the boards when you laid down, but oddly, every day I’d wake up feeling super rested. I just sort of woke up naturally with the sun and it felt amazing. I was talking with some other folks there and apparently all the new cabins have brand new beds that are super comfy.
My favorite part was the porch outside. It was angled to overlook the rest of the campground and it always seemed just completely idyllic. In the early morning it was so beautiful to sit on, have a cup of morning coffee- the campground shared a fence with a horse farm, and if you’d look through the trees occasionally, you’d see horses majestically grazing in the morning sun… it was just too heckin’ pretty.
There were a couple of a permanent RV sites where people had added elaborate decks and gardens. The one next to use had palm trees and humming bird feeders, they’d constantly be flying around and so many butterflies got attracted to their flowers. I felt like I was in wonderland.
Oddly, I don’t think I had a single mosquito bite me the whole time, whatever they’re doing to mange those is clearly working. I was using bug spray just in case, but even then, one or two usually sneaks through.
The whole place just had this amazingly chill vibe, the whole campground was covered with pine trees that provided some wonderful shade while reminding you that you were out in the woods and in nature. There was some smart design work, and the pool is centered in the campground and is kind of the centerpiece of the whole place. That’s where the most gatherings seem to be, and the place people spend the most time at. It’s hecking beautiful early in the mornings when the sun is hitting it just right. There’s also a hot tub, which was very nice.
There is a food stand there that’s open weekend nights, so even if you didn’t bring food you have a place to eat. There’s also a Checkers/Gas Station/Corner Taco down the road, a small micro-Walmart within 20 minute drive (with a bunch of food fast food places around it), and Houston is only 45 minutes away. I brought way too much food, and we usually just ended up going out to eat; we went out to House of Pies twice to fill up on tendies and sweets…
I would really advise bringing some folding camp chairs, it’s the kind of place you just want to sit and chill and that keeps your options open and let’s you sit somewhere sans pants with a little more comfort. It took me a little while to get used to the nudity part, but because it was clothing-optional rather than fully nudist; it took all the pressure off and just let you do what was comfortable. I’m really going to miss just rolling out of bed and little the morning sun hit my nuts as I drink a cup of coffee. Then just dash to the pool and jump in.
Everyone was pretty friendly, but they usually kept to themselves – which was expected. It was like any campground in that regard. I don’t think I’d want to go alone, I think having someone with you makes the whole thing more enjoyable. However, I did go during a non-event weekend, so it might be more energetic during those times, but I honestly think it would just make it all the more fun.
I’m really looking forward to going back. I don’t think I’ve felt this relaxed in a really, really, long time.
Growing up, it’d always kind of been a fantasy of mine to be naked in the woods. When I was young and on a farm, I got a few seconds here and there to experience something like that, but it was never for long.
Something about the thought always allured to me, like being in a nature state like we were intended to be, completely free to the world and apart of nature instead of just existing in it. But it always seemed too impossible. I looked into some nudist resorts and beaches, but they were either too far away or very heterosexually family focused. Which didn’t feel very welcoming to a young gay boy.
I got older and toyed with the idea some more, but I always ran into the same roadblocks. But one day I was on twitter, and I saw a post from someone naked by a pool in the early morning, and it looked like a campground. I got curious and did some digging, and found out that near Houston there was a gay clothing option 21+ campground with a bitchin’ pool.
Weirdly enough it turned out they had a YouTube channel, and did some more research. I began to realize this was everything I’d ever wanted.
1. Clothing option
2. Beautiful location
3. Gay focused
4. And 21+
The 21+ only part was the biggest selling point, it was a safe space for adults where they could just be adults and not have to worry; a vibe cons don’t really have. The camp has some good rules in place to like you can’t bring in cameras other than your own, and if you do take photos, other people can’t be in the photos to respect other people’s privacy:
“Cameras are not permitted on the property other than those on your phones (your are not permitted to record, videotape or capture any other persons). Cameras includes drones, mounted cameras, remote controlled cameras or anything intended to view, record, or retain video or pictures. This is to protect everyone's privacy while inside the park.”
I saw all of this, and was instantly hooked. I started planning the trip. With the way my schedule worked out, I had to go for a non-event weekend. But those tend to be sold out way in advance anyway, so it worked out. They did look interesting: they have everything from lumberjack weekend, brisket cookoffs, leather pride weekends, pup days, and so much more.
Myself and the friend didn’t have a tent, so we decided to rent one of their RVs. This was fairly clean, the only dirty spot I can think of was a bit under the sink cover that had some leftover soda on it.
The place had a fake fire, a fridge, a microwave, stove, it’s own hot water, a washer and dryer, a working bathroom, two super powerful air conditioners, and every kind of cooking utensil you might need. There was even a Keurig and coffee grinder… you could kind of tell that many gays had been in this RV before us… The bed was kind of underwhelming, you’d sink to the boards when you laid down, but oddly, every day I’d wake up feeling super rested. I just sort of woke up naturally with the sun and it felt amazing. I was talking with some other folks there and apparently all the new cabins have brand new beds that are super comfy.
My favorite part was the porch outside. It was angled to overlook the rest of the campground and it always seemed just completely idyllic. In the early morning it was so beautiful to sit on, have a cup of morning coffee- the campground shared a fence with a horse farm, and if you’d look through the trees occasionally, you’d see horses majestically grazing in the morning sun… it was just too heckin’ pretty.
There were a couple of a permanent RV sites where people had added elaborate decks and gardens. The one next to use had palm trees and humming bird feeders, they’d constantly be flying around and so many butterflies got attracted to their flowers. I felt like I was in wonderland.
Oddly, I don’t think I had a single mosquito bite me the whole time, whatever they’re doing to mange those is clearly working. I was using bug spray just in case, but even then, one or two usually sneaks through.
The whole place just had this amazingly chill vibe, the whole campground was covered with pine trees that provided some wonderful shade while reminding you that you were out in the woods and in nature. There was some smart design work, and the pool is centered in the campground and is kind of the centerpiece of the whole place. That’s where the most gatherings seem to be, and the place people spend the most time at. It’s hecking beautiful early in the mornings when the sun is hitting it just right. There’s also a hot tub, which was very nice.
There is a food stand there that’s open weekend nights, so even if you didn’t bring food you have a place to eat. There’s also a Checkers/Gas Station/Corner Taco down the road, a small micro-Walmart within 20 minute drive (with a bunch of food fast food places around it), and Houston is only 45 minutes away. I brought way too much food, and we usually just ended up going out to eat; we went out to House of Pies twice to fill up on tendies and sweets…
I would really advise bringing some folding camp chairs, it’s the kind of place you just want to sit and chill and that keeps your options open and let’s you sit somewhere sans pants with a little more comfort. It took me a little while to get used to the nudity part, but because it was clothing-optional rather than fully nudist; it took all the pressure off and just let you do what was comfortable. I’m really going to miss just rolling out of bed and little the morning sun hit my nuts as I drink a cup of coffee. Then just dash to the pool and jump in.
Everyone was pretty friendly, but they usually kept to themselves – which was expected. It was like any campground in that regard. I don’t think I’d want to go alone, I think having someone with you makes the whole thing more enjoyable. However, I did go during a non-event weekend, so it might be more energetic during those times, but I honestly think it would just make it all the more fun.
I’m really looking forward to going back. I don’t think I’ve felt this relaxed in a really, really, long time.
So glad it was a pleasant experience, and, very much thank you for sharing with us!
Thank you for sharing!
What are 2 things you don't often hear in the same sentence?
All joking aside, it sounds like you had a fun time. I might consider going there sometime, but I'm bi and I don't feel comfortable nude around other people, so I'd probably feel out of place if I went there... I'm kidding of course.