The Island Group
The Island Group, one of Florida’s oldest nudist clubs, was founded in 1948 where the former Dupree Gardens were located in Land O’Lakes, Florida. They are often called The Best-Kept Secret Among Florida Nudists.
Long before today’s major theme parks, Florida abounded with dozens of extravagant garden attractions that commonly drew tourists to our beautiful Sunshine State.
The 25-acre Dupree Gardens was the brainchild of prominent Tampa attorney James “William” Dupree as a part of a trend started by Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven, which opened in 1936. In May 1933, Dupree started buying land in Central Pasco which he intended to use as a hunting retreat. He often invited his Tampa friends and colleagues to partake in the natural planted beauty of his retreat and it was this circle of friends who encouraged Dupree to open his gardens to the public.
It wasn’t until December 1, 1940, when the Dupree Gardens attraction finally opened to the public, well after the start of World War II. With the 1942 season rations of gas and tires caused an extensive decrease in the annual visitors to the gardens.
The war finally over, Dupree Gardens reopened to the public in 1946 but never witnessed the visitors it had in years past. Over the next 10 years, Dupree welcomed numerous civic groups and private family gatherings but regular tours eventually waned. He started to sell off the land. A portion was sold to the Island Group who established a small nudist camp on Dupree Lake.
The ultimate nudists’ backyard – an ideal introduction to nudism and relaxing “get-a-way” for longtime nudists. They are affordable and encourage you to bring your own food and beverages – kitchen and BBQs are available. They are a “Day Club” and have no overnight capabilities.
Bay Bares
Bay Bares is a group of folks who get together regularly for the pleasure of each other’s company – the kind of fun that can only happen when like-minded people are around one another. We cherish our time in the sun and the beautiful park we have built together. We are families, couples, and single people who have re-learned what a joy it is to relax and play without the restrictions imposed by a clothing-obsessed society.
Bay Bares Park is not a business establishment. We are a private club and a Florida not-for-profit corporation, which could also be described as a co-op. We are a fully accredited AANR member.
The park is managed by an elected board of directors and elections are held annually. All members are part owners of the park, and everyone is encouraged to participate in it’s upkeep and development.
Our club was founded in 1991, and our park subsequently constructed by our members for the purpose of practicing naturism. Naturism was defined by the International Naturist Federation in 1974 as follows:
“Naturism is a way of life in harmony with nature, characterized by the practice of communal nudity, with the intention of encouraging self-respect, respect for others, and respect for the environment.
Bay Bares is a refuge where anyone with the right attitude can experience a little of that which has been taken from all of us since we were children….the right to freely be ourselves.
Of course, the main idea is to have fun! We organize activities year-round for clothes-free fun in the sun, and welcome visitors who either know or want to find out just how much better life can be when you don’t have to worry about how you’re dressed! So please take a walk around our web site, we’ve spent a lot of time trying to make sure it’s both fun and informative. Perhaps by the time you’re through, you’ll decide it’s time to……….dare to be bare!
Suwannee Valley
In April 2012, BG Parkes and Tom Gillenwater officially converted the resort from a textile campground to a nudist resort.
Through hard-work, great members and guests, personalized customer service, great location and an unprecedented commitment to Florida Veterans, has become one of the leading nudist resorts in Florida. The permanent sites are filling up quickly, and most major holidays, rentals and reservations are hard to get.
What is special about Suwannee Valley? Call it a dynamic, because that is the best way to describe the numerous factors that make it special. You cannot put your finger on just one.
Although they provide more than 90, pull-through, full hookup, RV sites, cabins and rental RVs, SVR is much more than a campground. SVR offers a great music venue, they bring in bands from across the state for your listening and dancing pleasure. There is an outside band stage with a cozy fire pit that you can enjoy along with your live music. If it’s cold or rainy outside, no problem they have a beautiful lodge where bands can play. The Lodge is a great place for dining and socializing as well.
Suwannee Valley is located in north Florida, about an hour from the Georgia border. The resort is located right on the historic Suwannee River, tucked into the little town of White Springs. SVR is an over-21 club. While Suwannee Valley Resort strictly adheres to AANR’s principles, standards and family values, it is geared toward those adults who want to get away from it all and enjoy the nudist lifestyle in a peaceful, quiet environment that limits children and younger individuals under the age of 21.
When you mention SVR, you cannot forget the other thing that makes Suwannee Valley Resort so exceptional, its unfaltering commitment to veterans. Guests and members donate time, money and use their talents to find ways to support the effort. The commitment does not stop there; discounts are offered for veterans, active service and emergency service personnel, and it is normal to have someone thank you for your service. So, what is so special about SVR? Come and see for yourself!