The Location
Olive Dell is in the rugged foothills just east of Riverside, about an hour west of Palm Springs. It’s classic California chaparral covered hills, and canyons with mature pepper and olive trees. It’s an easy 1 – 2 hour drive from almost anywhere in the Los Angeles area. Despite being just a short drive from three major freeways, it feels totally removed from the hustle of the nearby city.
The closest stores, restaurants and shops are a 15 minute drive, so if you’re staying few days, it’s quick and easy to get additional supplies if you need them.
Best of all, it’s far enough inland to avoid the coastal fog which can ruin California beach days in late spring and early summer. On our first visit we left the coastal area in fog and drizzle and enjoyed a hot, sunny day with temperatures in the high 80’s. Got to love that.
The Crowd
Like most nudist campgrounds the guests are slightly older, but fun and social. Bobby and Becky can be seen around the grounds at all times, and are friendly, helpful and interested in making sure their members and guests have a great time. On a recent visit there were quite a few couples and an even mix of single women and men. Families are encouraged and summer weekends will find kids enjoying the pool and recreation options. Olive Dell allows single men with proper identification (driver’s license or passport) and an active AANR membership.
Weather
With a classic Mediterranean climate winters are mild and summers are hot. January temperatures can easily be in the high 60’s and low 70’s, with occasionally cool days and rain. Winter nights are chilly. From late spring through mid fall there is plenty of sunshine and temperatures that can reach 100 on warmer summer days, with beautiful evenings. With plenty of large trees, an air-conditioned clubhouse, a poolside patio with lots of umbrellas and even a shaded pergola along one side of the pool you can pick the amount of sun or shade you’re comfortable with.
The Facilities
The recreation center of Olive Dell is the hub of all activity. There’s a clubhouse with a full bar, wide screen TV’s, game tables and a pool table. It only costs 25 cents for a game of pool so we
enjoyed several games of nude pool while a group of women held an Avon skin care products sale in another part of the clubhouse.
A restaurant just across the breezeway serves dinner five nights a week, and breakfast, lunch and dinner on weekends. Prices are very reasonable and the food is good. A variety of newspapers and magazines are provided for reading enjoyment. The buildings are decades old, showing the history and longevity of Olive Dell. They’re simple, but very well cared for, clean and perfect for the full roster of activities that take place.
Just outside the clubhouse is a large sunny patio area with lots of tables and umbrellas. Play cards, enjoy a meal, or just get a cold drink and relax. The drink of choice is Bud Light, but we later learned that one of the members has a connection explaining the fact that almost everyone had a cold can of Bud Light with them at all times. The pool is next to the patio and big enough for a refreshing swim, or just to relax. In the summer they set up a net and play water volleyball in the shallow end. There’s also a very large hot tub that is the scene for some great socializing and fun when the sun starts to set over the surrounding hills. A sauna just steps from the hot tub complete the pool area.
Below the pool deck is a regulation volleyball court, basketball hoop, shuffleboard courts, a kids playground, tetherball, horseshoes and an open air amphitheater. In another area of the grounds in an open air chapel area with a pulpit, cross and great view across the mountains.
With 140 acres you can take a nude hike around the grounds, and since they’re immediately adjacent to thousands of acres of open area, you can hike even further with simple directions. The area is also great for off road biking and ATV’s. We’re planning some naked motorcycle riding on a future visit.
Events
There is a full event calendar with parties, dances, contests and fun all year long. Holiday weekends are particularly active with special events planned throughout the day and evenings. There’s a full schedule of events on their website at OliveDellRanch.com
The Lodging
If you plan to come for a weekend, or long, there are lots of options available to you. There are areas for tent and trailer camping (without hook-ups) near the recreation center. There are also sites for your RV or trailer with full hook-ups. They also offer a number of funky bungalows in an olive orchard for just $30 a night. They’ve got air conditioning, beds and chairs, but no running water or bath facilities (those are a short walk away).
You can also rent a permanent space and keep your RV or trailer at Olive Dell. Being so close to LA they have quite a few permanent residents, and an even larger number who use it as their weekend retreat. We also noticed several with quads, ATV’s and motorcycles ready to take advantage of the nearby bike trails.
To encourage you to come visit, Olive Dell will give you free admission on your first visit. Be sure to tell them you read it about it at ThingsToDoNude.com
Summary
If you’re looking to step back in time, and relax with a friendly crowd in a natural setting you’re going to enjoy Olive Dell. Whether you just relax with a book and a drink in the shade, or take advantage of all the recreation and activities available it’s a recipe for relaxation.
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Bobby and Becky with the same simple nudist philosophy it had when Bobby’s parents bought the property in the late 1960’s. Bobby grew up here, met Becky here, and today they keep the friendly, family attitude alive and well.