The Southwest Naturist Network (SWNN) is a clothing-optional travel/camping organization which was formed in 2005, is growing rapidly, and in just two years has over 340 individual members; families with children, couples and singles throughout Arizona and the United States. We support the goals and guidelines of the American Association for Nude Recreation, the American Association for Nude Recreation, Western Region and The Naturist Society of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. We believe in caring for the natural resources that nature affords, and are proud of the excellent reputation our members have built through the years with the U.S. Forest Service. We strongly support the "Leave No Trace" program.
We believe in the value of human expression. As members of SWNN, it is our mission to promote a safe and secure network of all who celebrate the freedom and wholeness of a clothing-optional lifestyle. The Southwest Naturist Network enhances a healthy self attitude that comes from realizing our connection to mind, body and spirit.
Members of SWNN are of all ages and backgrounds, welcome without any discrimination. You will find families with children playing alongside many singles, teens, young couples, and grandparents at our outings. It is important to note that you are not required to be nude at our events. When you're ready to enjoy the freedom of social nudity, you will feel safe among the friendliest people you will ever meet. Naturism is a way of life in harmony with nature, characterized in part by the practice of communal nudity, with the intention of encouraging respect for oneself, respect for others, and respect for the environment.
Our outings are generally weekend camping, day hikes or backpack
trips scheduled each month of the year. 
Our members use tents,
RVs, vans, pickup campers or sometimes just a sleeping bag. One
of the benefits is that no one feels belittled if they do not
have fancy camping equipment. As a prospective member, you are welcome
to visit one of our events as long as prior arrangements are made with
a club officer or if you are accompanied by a SWNN member. A small
activity fee is charged for each function
to help meet the general expenses of the outing and to cover the
cost of a growing organization.
Our monthly newsletter, Western Living Naturally, provides details
on activities that take us all over Arizona and to other states
in the Southwest. We visit wild areas, beaches, rivers, deserts,
lakes, mountains, and hot springs. We plan house-boating trips, sometimes on Lake Havasu, Lake Mead or Lake Powell that are just
incredible. A highlight of all our overnight camping trips is
a potluck dinner so plan to bring a dish to share with others
if you can. At some of our events, we organize games or other
theme activities, especially for the kids. Sometimes, we just sit around the campfire and sing,
talk or roast marshmallows too. Basically, we just relax and have
a good time among good friends.
Events at homes are scheduled to include pool and barbecue parties
at members' homes, desert hikes, picnics in the forests of Northern Arizona, or even clothed public education seminars. If
you decide to join us at one of these events, remember to bring
suntan lotion, towels, refreshments, and your food for the day.
Many of our members have gathered based on their interest in activities such as hiking, photography, volleyball, Frisbee, backpacking, marksmanship, biking, 4-wheel drive, boating, and much more. Special interest activities are coordinated separately and those interested are encouraged to get together and develop plans in which most members can participate. When possible, the SWNN Board of Directors will help with expenses or other logistical items to help those involved with the special interests.
One of our most important objectives is to increase public awareness of Naturism and Body Acceptance through seminars, special events, informational booths, print and broadcast media, mailings, and more. When possible, SWNN provides public programs to educate those interested in the various aspects of the Naturist experience and we are vastly expanding the use of Internet and multi-media for educational purposes. The goal is to get the message of natural freedom out to those that have been trying to find ways of enjoying nudity. Nude Recreation is a way of enjoying the natural beauty of the Southwest without the restriction of clothes. Most people who like to be nude in the open air are much more comfortable and feel safer with a like-minded group.
Arizona laws on indecent exposure, ARS 13-1402(A), say that one must be "reckless" in confronting non-naturists with nudity to be guilty of a crime. As long as we are willing to cover up at the request of a law officer, and avoid areas where less informed people are likely to pass, we face little likelihood of legal difficulties. We always try to avoid confrontations with civil authorities or the public. We prefer using federal lands where nudity is legal and not regulated, so many of our outings are in areas maintained by the U.S. Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management. SWNN works with federal and other authorities who are usually happy to deal with us since we are caring users of public lands. We obtain proper permits and take pride in keeping our campsites better than we found them.
Read through the information provided here on our Web Pages and write to us! If you would like an application and information mailed to you, send your request to:
Southwest Naturist Network
6501 E. Greenway #103-153
Scottsdale, Arizona, 85254
You can reach us even faster by sending your name and address to us via email. Send your request to JoinUs@SWNN.org. We'll respond as soon as possible. We're glad to help in any way we can to make Naturism a very special part of your life!
- SWNN is a family friendly organization and actions contrary to common sense family standards will not be condoned. Children, and other naturist club members, are always
welcome at any SWNN event. Person(s) exhibiting offensive behavior will be asked to leave without refund of any fees. No overt sexual activity is permitted. Alcohol consumption must be kept in
moderation, and no illegal substances are ever permitted at any SWNN function.
- Members are defined as adults (18 and over) whose annual dues are paid and in good standing. Parents or legal guardians must provide a signed permission slip for participation of children under 18.
SWNN functions are for Members, Guests and Visitors. Guests and Visitors are welcome either when accompanied by a member or with prior Board notification. Visitors and Guests may attend three events
before a decision is requested on becoming a member.
- The organization is devoted to preserving the beauty of the environment and of the rights of its members to enjoy the outdoors naturally. All campsites must be left cleaner than when we arrived. We
strictly follow the guidelines of the “Leave No Trace” Forest Service program.
- Whenever possible, camping locations have been recently scouted and are accessible by most types of vehicles. The last segment from the main road will be marked as clearly as possible with colored
ribbons and/or reflective stakes. The final section is generally a dead end road and may be a little rough, so take it slow. Map references are to the Arizona Atlas and Gazetteer (AA&G) and highway
mile markers. Campfires are always restricted. If allowed by our group permit from the Forest Service, AND with the approval of a SWNN Officer, you may get a SWNN Campfire Permit. You must have
everything you need, as required by the Forest Service, including water and a shovel. Generally there will be only one campfire area allowed at a camping event held on public land.
- Most activities have an orientation/welcome and announcement time, generally at 10:00 AM at camp outs; 2:00 PM for pool parties and day events. Photos may be taken only with the subject's approval.
Photos of children are discouraged and may only be taken with the child and parent's permission being granted in writing. Visitors and Guests are generally not permitted to bring cameras to events
unless by prior arrangement with the Board of Directors.
- Many of our events have no fees, but occasionally a small activity fee, announced in advance and determined per event, is requested of each adult member attending a SWNN function. Members are
responsible for their Guest’s event fees. Kids under 18 are always free. Guests and Visitors may attend three events without membership and non-member kids or kids without parents must have a signed
parental permission slip to enter the event.
- At all events remember to bring and sit on your towel. At swimming parties, two towels are recommended so that the wet towel isn't the one used to sit on good furniture inside the home. No smoking
inside homes. At camp outs, pack it in, pack it out, including cigarette butts and paper products. We pride ourselves on our reputation as an environmentally friendly organization.
- Nearly all events feature a potluck or all day snack plates. Bring a dish to share large enough for you and your family, and perhaps a little extra for our visitors and come prepared to enjoy the
variety everyone contributes. Bring your own drinks and eating equipment. Remember that kids and those needing assistance go first in line.
- Having fun isn't mandatory but you'll have a tough time avoiding it! Welcome to the extended family of the naturist network!