Sawmill Campground Becomes America's Most Successful Non Profit LGBTQ+ Co-op

Sawmill, the premiere gay campground in Florida-which also happens to be clothing-optional, is the safest place for many LGBTQ+ community members. It’s sort of in the middle of nowhere, about an hour and a half north of Tampa, with a blink-and-you-miss-it sign at the entrance. But behind the inconspicuous gate, the grounds are a gorgeous balance of promiscuity and privacy. There are acres of trails in the woods with a reputation for cruising and plenty of platonic spaces for those who don’t partake, with manicured park homes, a pool, two bars, and a nightclub called Woody’s.
In 1999, Women’s Weekend, a triannual event, was first launched in Sawmill and the place was transformed from a space dominated by mostly gay men into a truly co-ed community of lesbians, queer women, trans, and non-binary folks. One of the visitors and board members of Sawmil is this couple Phyllis and her Tori. While talking to Melanie Metz of Vice, Phyllis said, “It's about feeling connected. You know, being with, not necessarily your blood family, but being with others.” She says that most people hear about Sawmill through word-of-mouth and come for a specific event-like Pup, Leather, 70s Bathhouse, Latin, or Women’s weekends-before ending up life-long visitors.
At a time when queer and trans people face continued political and personal violence, Sawmill is keeping a feeling of joy intact.
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