Country
United States
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Family friendly
Check local rules
Season
Year-round
About Sawmill Campground
Sawmill Camping Resort is a private, membership-only campground in Dade City, Pasco County, run for the gay and lesbian community and billed by its owners as the premier gay and lesbian community in the Southeast. It became a member-owned co-operative in 2011. The wooded grounds sit near the Withlacoochee River and include a lake ringed with cypress trees, about 188 sites for RVs (30 and 50 amp, full hook-ups) and tents, plus rental cabins and privately owned residences. It is as much a nightlife venue as a campsite: there are four bars, Woody's Nightclub with drag and comedy shows on its main stage, a cigar bar, the Splash Cafe and a 24-hour general store, as well as campfires, bike trails and a dog park. Nudity is not the norm across the resort; the heated outdoor pool is clothing-optional, which is why it appears in naturist and gay travel guides. All guests must be 21 or over, the resort is cashless, and it is open every day of the year with themed weekends and events.
Legal context & local rules
Nudity is lawful only in the private resort's designated clothing-optional pool area; Florida law prohibits public nudity elsewhere.
Public nudity is largely prohibited in the US under indecent exposure laws which vary significantly by state. Vermont has no state-level law against public nudity, making it unique. Florida designates specific beaches as clothing-optional (Haulover Beach, Blind Creek State Park). Federal jurisprudence under the First Amendment has occasionally recognised nude expression in protests, though states regulate for public decency standards. Most states prohibit exposure of "sexual organs" in public under statutes similar to Florida Statute § 800.03.
What’s here
Getting there and visiting
Sawmill is at 21710 US Hwy 98, Dade City, FL 33523, about 45 minutes north-east of Tampa; drive in. Every visitor needs a membership that is valid for the whole stay: day memberships start at $15 (seen 2026) and annual memberships are also sold online. RV sites, tent sites and cabins are booked through the resort's online reservation system or by phone (352-583-0664). Guests must be 21+. Pets are allowed on a leash and in some cabins.
What visitors say
Gay travel guides consistently rank Sawmill among the best-known LGBTQ campgrounds in the US, praising the party atmosphere, weekend shows and friendly crowd. It is more of a nightlife and social destination than a naturist retreat; visitors seeking full-time nudity should note that only the pool area is clothing-optional.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Before you go
- 1 Check the current local rules and access conditions before travelling.
- 2 Bring a towel and sit on it when using shared seating.
- 3 Never take photographs of other people without clear consent.
- 4 Respect the venue’s clothing, privacy, and behaviour rules.
Location
⌖View this place on the map
39.8103, -105.2876
Frequently asked questions
Is Sawmill a nudist resort?
No. It is a gay and lesbian campground where the heated pool is clothing-optional; nudity is not the norm elsewhere.
Do I need to be a member?
Yes. All visitors need a membership; day memberships start at $15 (2026).
How old do I need to be?
Guests must be 21 or older.
Is it open in winter?
Yes. The resort is open 365 days a year.
Sources
- Sawmill Camping Resort (official site)
- Sawmill Camping Resort - CampFlorida
- Sawmill celebrates first year as co-op (Watermark, 2012)
- 10 best gay campgrounds in the US (GayCities)
Researched 25 October 2026 .
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