According to the Roper Organization, some 54 million Americans have skinny-dipped with members of the opposite sex. There are over 270 clubs and resorts in the United States catering to nudists and naturists. The Wall Street Journal reported in 2003 that nude recreation in the United States has become a $400 million business.

Rustic nudist colonies are a thing of the past, as are the embarrassment that often came with proclaiming oneself a nudist. These days, international travelers see that the world is more than willing to embrace the benefits of nude living and recreation.

Many nudists, however, cannot accomplish one of their major life goals in the nude