Twin Ponds Lodge is a perfectly nekkid get away from the city
The guys of Twin Ponds Lodge mostly hang out. With music, campfires and, well….
Mark
Twin Ponds Lodge is one of the most lovely surprises of my gay life.
Visiting nearby family in rural Maine, my husband and I were given passes to TPL and just told, “You’ll have fun.”
They were right.
We were there for only a couple of hours, but in that time we got naked – an option across the clothing-optional space – we met guys from around the Northeast, and we had access to some really fun moments… we just didn’t have the time to engage.
Pack your bags, we’re going on an adventure
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Located in Albion, Maine – about halfway between Augusta and Belfast – Twin Ponds Lodge has about 7,000 active members, which includes daytrippers from mostly across New England, or even people who stumble across Twin Ponds Lodge from afar, like my husband and me.
Whether someone stays overnight as a registered guest or lingers behind as a day guest, the experience is immersive.
“For the most part, I think it’s really chill,” owner-operator Tommy told GayCities. “It’s people hanging out around campfires and… pretty laid back.”
The idea of “chill” can be a lot of things to various people. One of the elements I appreciated as I walked around the pool, wandered the paths, and met other attendees was how nonchalant the community seemed about interacting.
“I don’t allow for people to shame that side of it,” Tommy said of the sexual aspect of TPL. “There’s nothing to be ashamed about.
As he explained, “If you want to explore that here, you’re welcome to, and there shouldn’t be shame. And if it’s not your thing, that’s OK. But the shame part, we don’t have room for that here.”
As with virtually any all-men’s space – and it is men-only with a required on-site membership to attend – music is an element.
Central to the music in the more public-facing space are the DJs who pop up, mostly on the weekends in the summer. They mostly play pop and circuit tracks, with maybe some house music.
DJ Keith James said he’s not looking to curate an eclectic dance-party vibe from Brooklyn or L.A., but rather to play fun tracks that bring a smile to guys with a broader taste in music.
“We’re not looking to create a giant dance party every time; we’re looking for people to have music to vibe to that brings them a good time,” he said. “It’s a vast age range, and I try to play to that.”
When my husband and I showed up, over the couple of hours we heard some Celine and some disco, and it seemed perfect for the vibe. Like James says: “Music is so powerful, and it can ignite memories from the back of your mind.”
With his music, DJ Keith James said he tries to bring people together. TPL, he said, has a unique vibe – as a DJ who plays multiple gay campgrounds in the Northeast. “TPL, even though it’s small, is mighty,” he added. “It has a very strong sense of community, and I think that’s what sets it apart.”
Located in what many people would consider the middle of nowhere Maine, the guys of TPL have built something unique, and something they say brings the local boys to the yard.
“We always say it can be whatever you want it to be,” Tommy said. “Like, whatever you’re looking for. You can probably find it here. If you’re really just looking for a fun night out, it can be that. And if you’re looking for a really sexy time, it can absolutely be that too.”
To be sure, there are “play areas” at TPL. In the woods, in the lodge. But there’s no expectation of any of that.
It’s good naked fun, in a very unexpected place.
You can find Twin Ponds Lodge here and on Instagram.
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