13 of The Best Spots To Go Skinny Dipping In North Carolina
Have you ever been skinny dipping? It can certainly be a freeing adventure to take a swim minus the bathing suit. No judgment here if it’s a trend you choose…
Skinny dipping concept shot showing a bikini on the beach
sajeHave you ever been skinny dipping? It can certainly be a freeing adventure to take a swim minus the bathing suit. No judgment here if it's a trend you choose to participate in. And this time of year, especially in this insane heat wave we are experiencing, may be the best time to give it a try. But if you're going to go skinny dipping in North Carolina where should you go? Unless it's your own private pool I'd suggest skipping the chlorine-filled waters. No privacy, and a good chance there may be cameras. But there are good places to go skinny dipping here.
Our friends at MyDatingAdvisor actually analyzed over 800 swimming locations nationwide to determine the best places to go for a naked swim. They ranked each of those locations based on 4 categories. These included beach quality, weather, safety, and the availability of accommodations. And in North Carolina, they came up with a list of 13 places for adventure lovers to go skinny dipping in North Carolina and shared those spots with us.
The list includes locations across the state from beaches to lakes in both the mountains as well as the piedmont. So chances are there is a perfect skinny dipping location near you. Or at least in a place, you'd like to visit. I'd personally recommend going at night, but I also realize many places discourage you from swimming at night due to safety reasons. Speaking of safety reasons here are a few tips to have a safe and enjoyable for you (and those around you) skinny dipping experience.
- Be respectful especially if there are children around. Some people may not want to see you bare it all and that's ok.
- Make sure to use sunscreen!
- Don't skinny dip or swim in general drunk.
- You probably don't want to take photos.
- Have fun!
Keep reading to see the 13 best spots to go skinny dipping in North Carolina. Learn more about this study as well as other spots nationally that made the list here.
13. Sunset Beach
Located right near the North and South Carolina border you'll find Sunset Beach. It's not as crowded as other spots on the coast either.
12. Oak Island
Oak Island isn't too far from Sunset Beach, in the same area of the NC coast. It has great beaches and weather which is why MyDatingAdvisor included the spot on this list.
11. Emerald Isle
Now relocated up the Bouge Banks and the Crystal Coast. Emerald Isle (which I will forever confuse with Ocean Isle), have a "lively" beach with great water temperatures to take a dip.
10. Fontana Lake
Now we venture into the lakes. Which I'd say make better skinny dipping spots that the ocean. It's much easier to find a secluded spot in a lake. Just take your boat to a nice cove or even just the middle of the lake. Fontana Lake is located near Bryson City near the NC/TN border.
9. Lake James
Nestled in the middle part of the North Carolina mountains near Nebo and Linville is Lake James. This gorgeous mountain lake features crystal waters and some gorgeous views to take in while swimming.
8. Lake Lure
You're probably familiar with Lake Lure thanks to Dirty Dancing. This relaxing mountain lake is located on the way to Asheville.
7. Ocracoke Island
It's time to head back out to the coast. This time the Outer Banks and Ocracoke Island. MyDatingAdvisor describes this small barrier island as "vibrant" with "pristine beaches".
6. Lake Phelps
This small inland coastal lake isn't far from the Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds. The nearest town is Creswell, NC.
5. Bald Head Island
Bald Head Island is an island on the east side of the Cape Fear River in the Wilmington area.
4. Lake Waccamaw
Lake Waccamaw is located in a small town by the same name in eastern North Carolina. It's surrounded by trees and vegetation giving it a little more privacy that other spots on this list.
3. Wrightsville Beach
You certainly won't find privacy at Wrightsville Beach, which is the beach closest to Wilmington, NC. It's always packed but I guess the crowd there is perhaps more open to skinny dipping? It's quite a popular beach for students at UNCW.
2. Topsail Island
Full disclosure I've spent quite a lot of time at Topsail and I've never encountered anyone skinny dipping there. Though especially at the southern most end of the island I can see where it would be pretty secluded and not a bad spot for the activity.
1. Jordan Lake
I've driven over Jordan Lake no less than 500 times in my life. And that may be an underestimate. This lake in the Triangle is huge and the one thing that has always stood out to me about it is there are not houses on the shore. A far cry from Lake Norman and Lake Wylie in the Charlotte area. Notice neither of those made the list. I would actually agree, that this would be the best place on this list to go skinny dipping. It would be easy to take your boat out, and jump in for a swim, in a spot away from people.
