White Thorn Lodge

A family naturist campground open since 1961 in the wooded hills of western Pennsylvania, on the Ohio border and about an hour from Pittsburgh: more than 200 acres of woodland, a ring of grassy sites in sun or shade, four basic rooms for rent and a clubhouse that is the centre of social life, with evening events, concerts and dinners. The heart of the day is the pool area — a heated pool with a large deck, hot tub and sauna — but the real speciality is volleyball: two hard courts and three sand courts, plus pickleball and tennis, and in September the Superbowl tournament that fills the campground. It is a member-owned club, run by volunteers, and it shows: the welcome is warm and many describe first visits that went well. Take it for what it is, a campground and not a resort: spartan accommodation (those who have slept in the rooms complain of uncomfortable beds and bathrooms only in the shared blocks), a snack bar with limited hours, an isolated location. Nudity is the rule, not an option, and photography is not allowed.