Gunnison Beach
Gunnison Beach
4.5
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4.5
155 reviews
Excellent
96
Very good
39
Average
13
Poor
3
Terrible
4
Aaron20152016
Deer Park, NY75 contributions
Jul 2020
We went on a Saturday. Beach was extremely crowded. We arrived to Sandy Hook at 9:30 and we waited almost a half hour on line to get in. The beach was crowded and people weren't socially distancing. They definitely did not cut off entry after half the beach was filled. There was still a line of cars going in when we left at 1:00 p.m. The beach itself hasn't changed much but the walk to the beach is a little easier now that they extended the blue pathway. There were a lot of people playing loud music. Also I think it's ridiculous that people go there but don't get nude.
Written July 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
carol_paul
Philadelphia, PA111 contributions
Jul 2020
To be fair, I have a pretty high bar for nude beaches, including those in France, Spain, Croatia, and Greece. Gunnison is nothing like any of those.
That said, I'm not a huge fan of New Jersey beaches in general. They're typically crowded and noisy, with people blaring radios and making SO much noise. In that regard, Gunnison fits right in! And since it's the only viable clothing-optional beach in the region, it draws an incredibly eclectic crowd. People watching is really a thing there.
When our kids were young, we were in search of a place like the family-oriented nude beaches we had experienced in France. We've seen very few children at Gunnison, and I don't think we would have felt comfortable bringing our own. Just a little too edgy.
All that said, there's enough space to find your own plot of sand, and again, I'm simply grateful that the beach exists at all. Rare, but amazing, is the day when you get a clear view of the Manhattan skyline. Worth the trek, just for that.
That said, I'm not a huge fan of New Jersey beaches in general. They're typically crowded and noisy, with people blaring radios and making SO much noise. In that regard, Gunnison fits right in! And since it's the only viable clothing-optional beach in the region, it draws an incredibly eclectic crowd. People watching is really a thing there.
When our kids were young, we were in search of a place like the family-oriented nude beaches we had experienced in France. We've seen very few children at Gunnison, and I don't think we would have felt comfortable bringing our own. Just a little too edgy.
All that said, there's enough space to find your own plot of sand, and again, I'm simply grateful that the beach exists at all. Rare, but amazing, is the day when you get a clear view of the Manhattan skyline. Worth the trek, just for that.
Written March 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LexGSR
LexGSR196 contributions
Sep 2021
I've reviewed Gunnison before, but I was able to get there twice recently, so I will not repeat what everyone says and instead off some brief updates:
PRO
It's a nude beach.
The crowd is very chill - all shapes, sizes, colors. The second of my more recent visits, the whole vibe was excellent. Clearly a lot of regulars and/or regular naturists. Friendly and noncreepy. Really, this is the naturist experience you want. The crowd definitely tilted older, with average age probably 50+, but that suits me.
The water was wonderful. If you've never skinny dipped in the ocean, you MUST try it. The water was calm and a good temperature. I spent most of one visit taking a "walk" in the water instead of on the beach.
It was after Labor Day, so it was free!
CON
First visit - VERY windy. check the weather before going. If winds >10 kt, make sure you have one of those wind barriers.
Second visit - biting flies. They seem to have been more drawn to me for some reason... perhaps that I like to sit by the waterline. I got dozens of bites. I had to spend my time in the water (see above) as the organic repellant I had was strikingly ineffective. I saw a couple people with mosquito nets, so I know I was not alone.
Putting your clothes on at the end of the day. That's always a con!
PRO
It's a nude beach.
The crowd is very chill - all shapes, sizes, colors. The second of my more recent visits, the whole vibe was excellent. Clearly a lot of regulars and/or regular naturists. Friendly and noncreepy. Really, this is the naturist experience you want. The crowd definitely tilted older, with average age probably 50+, but that suits me.
The water was wonderful. If you've never skinny dipped in the ocean, you MUST try it. The water was calm and a good temperature. I spent most of one visit taking a "walk" in the water instead of on the beach.
It was after Labor Day, so it was free!
CON
First visit - VERY windy. check the weather before going. If winds >10 kt, make sure you have one of those wind barriers.
Second visit - biting flies. They seem to have been more drawn to me for some reason... perhaps that I like to sit by the waterline. I got dozens of bites. I had to spend my time in the water (see above) as the organic repellant I had was strikingly ineffective. I saw a couple people with mosquito nets, so I know I was not alone.
Putting your clothes on at the end of the day. That's always a con!
Written September 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aaron20152016
Deer Park, NY75 contributions
Jul 2022
This was our 6th visit here. We usually make an annual trek as it's the only clothing optional beach in the area. We did not enjoy our last trip though. The beach has become more of a party beach where big social groups meet up. The LGBTQ section was overly crowded. Be prepared to breathe in the scent of marijuana as it pervades the air. Go in the water if you want to escape it. Also no matter where you sit, you are going to hear loud music. Try to sit near music you can tolerate. All in all not. as relaxing and pleasant as a trip to a clothing optional beach should be. Also they increased the parking fee to 20 dollars.
Written August 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Walker$talker67
Bushkill, PA11 contributions
Jul 2021
My husband and I had wanted to try a nude beach for awhile and discovering one so close to home like Gunnison seemed ideal.
We planned this particular beach vacation as a belated 30th wedding anniversary celebration. The Husband was more excited than expected to visit our first nude beach. After reading reviews, we decided to visit anyway.
Firstly, yes, it IS a bit of a long walk, but if you plan on loading yourself down with a lot of stuff, it'll seem longer. The key is to pack lightly and not bring a lot of heavy stuff to carry then the walk isn't so bad unless it is a busy holiday weekend.
Secondly, they DID make the "walkway" longer and it IS a help but it is narrow so you may have to walk single file on either side of it so as to not stomp through the sand.
Thirdly, I only saw one of the Rangers and a vehicle patrolling. We saw more of the lifeguards than of the rangers.
Fourth, the beach was really very clean for the most part but there were a few spots were people did not take their garbage with them and it made for a bit of a mess on a windy day.
Now, as for the nudity ...
At no time did we see any lewd behavior nor anything risque. The beach was surreal and by this I mean you saw a lot of different people from all walks of life, of all ages, and of all races just being nude. But the best part about this whole experience is that everyone was relaxed and very laidback. It was a peaceful experience. No one was super-model-esque because clearly if they WERE, why not go to a PRIVATE beach? But the people who WERE there were singles, couples and even a few families. Everyone was so cool. There was no pretentiousness and everyone accepted everyone as they were. Of course everyone were curious and you may get the occasional glance or stare, but the beach goers were respectful, no one bothered you except to say the occasional 'hello' or nod as you passed by. Some made small talk by asking where you were from and 'how do you like it?' or to answer a question about the area. We met some really nice people.
For a first time experience, it was more than I could have hoped for. We enjoyed ourselves being on the beach and swimming in the buff. I don't think we could go back to a beach and wear a swimsuit ever again. We'll definitely go back again and are already planning visiting again next summer. The Husband wants to make this an annual thing and I heartily agree!
We planned this particular beach vacation as a belated 30th wedding anniversary celebration. The Husband was more excited than expected to visit our first nude beach. After reading reviews, we decided to visit anyway.
Firstly, yes, it IS a bit of a long walk, but if you plan on loading yourself down with a lot of stuff, it'll seem longer. The key is to pack lightly and not bring a lot of heavy stuff to carry then the walk isn't so bad unless it is a busy holiday weekend.
Secondly, they DID make the "walkway" longer and it IS a help but it is narrow so you may have to walk single file on either side of it so as to not stomp through the sand.
Thirdly, I only saw one of the Rangers and a vehicle patrolling. We saw more of the lifeguards than of the rangers.
Fourth, the beach was really very clean for the most part but there were a few spots were people did not take their garbage with them and it made for a bit of a mess on a windy day.
Now, as for the nudity ...
At no time did we see any lewd behavior nor anything risque. The beach was surreal and by this I mean you saw a lot of different people from all walks of life, of all ages, and of all races just being nude. But the best part about this whole experience is that everyone was relaxed and very laidback. It was a peaceful experience. No one was super-model-esque because clearly if they WERE, why not go to a PRIVATE beach? But the people who WERE there were singles, couples and even a few families. Everyone was so cool. There was no pretentiousness and everyone accepted everyone as they were. Of course everyone were curious and you may get the occasional glance or stare, but the beach goers were respectful, no one bothered you except to say the occasional 'hello' or nod as you passed by. Some made small talk by asking where you were from and 'how do you like it?' or to answer a question about the area. We met some really nice people.
For a first time experience, it was more than I could have hoped for. We enjoyed ourselves being on the beach and swimming in the buff. I don't think we could go back to a beach and wear a swimsuit ever again. We'll definitely go back again and are already planning visiting again next summer. The Husband wants to make this an annual thing and I heartily agree!
Written August 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Simone A
New York City, NY85 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
Decent beach. Access to bathroom and some food trucks. Rentals are available after you park.
It is clothing optional - people will be fully nude.
Arrive early. The parking lot gets full. There is a long walk from the parking lot to the beach area, but once you hit the sand there is a blue sand sidewalk (I forget what it’s called). You can drop your stuff off from the Main Street before you park so that you don’t have to drag it so far.
It is clothing optional - people will be fully nude.
Arrive early. The parking lot gets full. There is a long walk from the parking lot to the beach area, but once you hit the sand there is a blue sand sidewalk (I forget what it’s called). You can drop your stuff off from the Main Street before you park so that you don’t have to drag it so far.
Written June 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trek06584832235
1 contribution
Sep 2020
Loved it! What a Liberating experience! Used to visit in my 20s, kept my bathing suit on. Was a bit shy. Last time was 2008. Wanted to come back to strip for the full experience. Now, 2020, 3 times in 2 weeks. Once you go you are hooked.
The walk is not hard. Pace yourself and carry light. I had water, sunglasses, a towel and myself. The experience is best if you go alone. All naked strangers. Nice way to make friends. All are there for the same reason.
Arrived at 3, breezy chill in the air, I could not wait to get naked! I set up in the center area. I stripped off my shorts and tank top and was suddenly overcome with such an incredible relaxed feeling. Almost indescribable. The tension of the day melted away. The ocean breeze felt amazing on my naked body.
I sat in my chair soaking up the experience. All equal here. A few gawkers kept walking back and forth past me. Harmless I hope but a bit creepy. As the sun set, you can see the New York Skyline lights. Most people left as the sun set, I stayed. As darkness came, I ran to the ocean and jumped in! Wow! Skinny dipping in the cool ocean water at night is a wonderful feeling. Erotic and definitely freeing. People say they come here to enjoy being naked in public but deep down, we all have those thoughts. My entire body felt the rush, I slept soundly that night, naked of course.
With that said, I highly recommend a trip to Gunnison Beach. Once you start, you will be back again. I hope this unique paradise stays just as it is.
The walk is not hard. Pace yourself and carry light. I had water, sunglasses, a towel and myself. The experience is best if you go alone. All naked strangers. Nice way to make friends. All are there for the same reason.
Arrived at 3, breezy chill in the air, I could not wait to get naked! I set up in the center area. I stripped off my shorts and tank top and was suddenly overcome with such an incredible relaxed feeling. Almost indescribable. The tension of the day melted away. The ocean breeze felt amazing on my naked body.
I sat in my chair soaking up the experience. All equal here. A few gawkers kept walking back and forth past me. Harmless I hope but a bit creepy. As the sun set, you can see the New York Skyline lights. Most people left as the sun set, I stayed. As darkness came, I ran to the ocean and jumped in! Wow! Skinny dipping in the cool ocean water at night is a wonderful feeling. Erotic and definitely freeing. People say they come here to enjoy being naked in public but deep down, we all have those thoughts. My entire body felt the rush, I slept soundly that night, naked of course.
With that said, I highly recommend a trip to Gunnison Beach. Once you start, you will be back again. I hope this unique paradise stays just as it is.
Written September 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John
Florida108 contributions
Jul 2021
My wife and I were ending our week in New Jersey and decided to take a ride to Sandy Hook. The beach was vey crowded the day we were there (not much room between us other beach goers). Not sure if that was the normal crowd, or a result of a long holiday weekend. The parking lot was very far from the beach and then there is a long walk form the facilities to the actually beach. If you are looking for a quiet nude beach experience this is not the spot. Lots of loud music, people constantly walking back and forth to the water with close proximity to you.
BTW - parking was $20 for the day. They should have a lot much closer to the beach.
On a good note - you can see the NYC skyline on a clear day.
BTW - parking was $20 for the day. They should have a lot much closer to the beach.
On a good note - you can see the NYC skyline on a clear day.
Written August 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LexGSR
LexGSR196 contributions
Jun 2023 • Solo
A really great experience - almost perfect weather (70's, mostly sunny, a little windy) brought a good number of folks out but it was not crowded. The water was too cold for a good skinny dip, but that's expected at this time of year. Crowd was clearly experienced/frequent visitors with a high comfort level with the nudity. (I like that.) Definitely a great experience. Only down side: it seems like the walk from the lot has gotten longer somehow!
Written June 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jaycera
60 contributions
Jun 2019 • Couples
Our visit to Gunnison was enjoyable, but not as special as our visit to other naturist beaches in Florida and other areas of the world. Perhaps our couple of days there were "unlucky", but it was not very crowded and seemed to attract a handful of creepers or folks there for the wrong reason, ESPECIALLY after 5pm. We would try it again as it's the only naturist beach option in the northeast, but much prefer Florida's beaches by comparison.
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I look forward 2 going to Gunnison Beach !!!
Written April 11, 2024
Are the areas separated in any way? Couples, LGBTQ, singles, ect..? My GF and I wouldn't want to inadvertently make others uncomfortable in the wrong space.
Written June 21, 2023
Johnsie
Baltimore, Maryland
Q1. Would you suggest a wagon to transport everything or load up your arms and walk the stretch?
Q2.Has anyone been this weekend yet wondering how the foot traffic is considering COVID?
Written September 6, 2020
Back pack if you can. For chairs something with a wheel is best.
Written September 6, 2020
There is a ferry that runs during the summer & a bus to bring you to the beach
Written May 4, 2022
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