Mazo Beach

[NOTE:  2016 to present, the DNR has CLOSED all access to the beach and most of the surrounding area.]

This beach ranks among the finest natural nudist/naturist locations in North America.  And you need not have any fear of arrest for mere nudity as long as your actions are not illegal.

Mazo Beach is located in southern Wisconsin between Mazomanie and Sauk City on the beautiful Wisconsin River.  It is public land and open to all, and the long-time summer home to the Badger Naturists group.

The beach has a decades-long history as a place where folks who enjoy nature au-naturel can do so safely and without legal complications.  Full nudity is acceptable and the norm.

Mazo Beach is clothing optional, though almost everyone is nude.  If you’re new, or not quite ready, feel free to stay covered to the point of comfort.  You won’t be alone.  There is no pressure here, just the opportunity to be as comfortable as you wish as long as you allow others the same freedom.  This is a safe place.  Harassment of any type is not tolerated.

Nudity is  not illegal,  technically, on most public land in Wisconsin but in reality, that’s not exactly the case.  There’s always some other law that can be invoked by those that have a problem with naturists.

However, at Mazo we have spent many years working out an understanding with public officials so that as long as we self-police activities, stay within an approved area, and keep the beach clean and safe, they accept our being there. The DNR does patrol the area, are welcome, and will answer any questions you may have.  This is a beautiful and unique location and well worth taking care of.

When you arrive at the parking lot, expect a 1.2 mile walk down a gravel road (often accompanied by mosquitos) to reach the beach.  Bicycles are great, but no motor vehicles are allowed unless you have a DNR issued handicapped access permit.  Do NOT leave the road or enter the woods.  There is a large fine for doing so.  At the end of the road is another parking lot (handicap only) and porta-potties.  You can park and chain your bikes there.  Just past that is the beach.  Do NOT disrobe before being on the beach proper.

There is no drinking water source or waste container at the beach.  Take out what you bring in.  No glass (Law, BIG fine.  Eyeglasses ok.).  Please don’t put your butts (cig, that is) in the sand.  Human butts are just fine!

There is no overnight camping within a mile stretch up and a mile stretch down from the beach.  Further away you can if you arrive by watercraft, but the Wisconsin is a killer and you should know what you’re doing.  Really, this river kills someone every year.

Nearby campground: Cedar Hills.  Just a few miles away, biking distance if you’re so inclined.  High on a ridge, beautiful views.  Naturist-friendly, but NOT a nudist campground.  Ice and firewood available for purchase at the camground.

The river near the beach is not deep and has sandbar-sheltered areas ideal for kids, but do watch them!  It cannot be stated too often that this river is a killer.  The bottom changes constantly, with drop-offs and snags underwater.  Never trust it!

That said, the river along the beach is generally gentle and well behaved.  It’s sometimes physically possible to walk all the way across the river with no problem, but don’t.

Do not cross the river nude (different county), and the island and sandbar are also off limits though you will see people on them.  We do not need to cause problems with the local authorities – Plus, you might be arrested.

Want to meet some Friends of Mazo Beach or Badger Naturists?

A majority of people on the beach are generally Friends of Mazo Beach and you will find them scattered throughout the beach.  The best place to get accurate beach information is from the people manning the blue “Friends of Mazo Beach” umbrella.  The umbrella’s position on the beach varies, but is easy to spot.  They also take care of lost and found, first aid, etc and are a wealth of information about Naturism both near and far.  They can bring you up to date on what’s up and will be glad to meet you.  Good people.  Don’t forget to fill out a current beach survey so you can be part of FOMB and receive the latest info about the beach as well as invitations to other events and parties.  (Or you can fill out a survey here online.)

You can usually find some  Badger Naturists near the FOMB umbrella and also scattered at other locations throughout the beach.  They will gladly share with you what the group is about, and tell you of activities offered – especially during the off season when it’s too cold to come to the beach.

Think you’re pretty good at volleyball?  There’s usually some serious games going on all weekend.

Who should you expect to see?  The same people you see on the street.  Couples, singles, gays, old, young, kids, fat, skinny, buff.  Quite a mix.  Don’t expect a Playboy pictorial.  We’re mostly common midwestern folks (who like our brats and cheese.)

Behavior:  You will be expected to behave just as you would at any other public beach.  If you don’t, someone will likely correct you or a Ranger will arrest you.  Tanning oil is for tanning, not for fun.  Nudity is for fun, not  sex on the beach.   ‘Nuff said?

Cameras are in general not appreciated.  When pictures are taken, it is usually among friends.  If you wish to take a picture be sure to get permission, and make sure there are no identifiable people in the background.

 

If you are concerned about stories you’ve heard about ‘religious’ zealots harassing beachgoers, don’t be.  They haven’t been seen for years.  Seems they have some legal and moral issues of their own to deal with…  Click  HERE for more info about that bunch of, ah, interesting folks.

Beach hours are 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Saturdays and Sundays only.  Enforced.

Come and have a good time.   Tell your friends, fill out this year’s survey and get on the Friends of Mazo Beach database to keep up with the latest info and get invited to great events, consider joining Badger Naturists for year-round nudist/naturist gatherings and events.  You can even join The Naturist Society thru Friends of Mazo Beach or Badger Naturists at a discount!

Mazo Beach:  Click to view and navigate.

See also: Handicap Access to Mazo Beach  Nude Wisconsin

Directions:

From Madison: Hwy 12 north to Cty Y, left (west) to 2nd Laws Drive, right, short to Conservation Rd (gravel, left).  At parking lot walk (or bike, no motors) 1 mile to handicap lot and beach.  Do not disrobe before beach! No no no, busted! 

From La Cross, Hwy 14 south to Mazomanie, Hwy Y, east to Laws Drive then follow above directions.

From Sauk City direction, south on Hwy12 then follow ‘from Madison’ directions.

Note:  This article courtesy of ‘Nude Wisconsin’ and does not necessarily represent the views of FOMB.