How to Have Great Sex Outside (Safely)

Getting outside is probably one of the biggest perks of summertime, and as an extra perk, whether you’re camping at a park or in your own backyard, having good sex in the great outdoors is possible—if you come prepared. Sex outdoors involves more than being open-minded and spontaneous; you should also have some careful consideration when it comes to things like abiding by state laws and not getting bugs up your butt. Below, two sexologists weigh in on how to have great sex outdoors—and without getting caught.

Be aware of your surroundings (and state laws)

“Even if you are a bona fide exhibitionist, you need to make sure that you do not expose yourself to people who do not consent to partake, and you also don’t want to risk any run-ins with the law or park rangers either,” Angie Rowntree, founder and director of the award-winning ethical porn site Sssh.com, tells Lifehacker. “Spontaneity is definitely hot, but you should actually plan your wilderness fantasies with some care, and err on the side of discretion. If you own the land, or you know you will be undisturbed, rock on. But if you are somewhere public where other people are nearby, just make sure you mitigate any risk.”

So know and understand the laws in your city and state before you decide to get it on. It’s also a good idea to avoid any crowded public areas like campsites, swimming pools, or beaches. Not only will you avoid being arrested, but sexologist Marla Renee Stewart, sexpert for Lovers sexual wellness brand and retailer, points out there’s always the risk of someone putting your tryst on their social media and/or recording it, so it’s best to do it in places that are private, like your own backyard or pool.

If you don’t have an enclosed backyard and you like to travel, another alternative Stewart suggests is going to sex-friendly resorts, or places like Amsterdam where it is legal to have sex outdoors. “The feeling of safety and security are key to your orgasmic potential and doing it in places where you can be an exhibitionist and not get in trouble for it is your best bet,” she says.

Find the perfect location

Now that you have an idea of where you can have sex outdoors legally, it’s time to find the perfect location. If you have a backyard, Stewart says you’ll want to ensure that your fence is high enough to be a barrier between you and your neighbors. If you have a patio, she suggests making a “fort” with some sheets around chairs and tables to create an exclusive and private environment.

If you want to have sex out in a wooded area, Stewart suggests looking any place that has soft ground for your comfort, and have something protective between you and the ground or trees like a towel or blanket. “It might be hot doing it up against a tree, but you should count on having back scratches if that’s the case,” she says.

If you lay on the ground at all to have sex, Rowntree says to make sure all is clear before you get busy. “You would not want to have sex near an ant’s nest, for instance. If you’re a little squeamish, consider keeping the action contained to a picnic table or inside your tent.”

What to bring with you

According to Stewart, your outdoor sex must-have tool kit should include bug spray, waterproof blanket, towels, organic lube, toy and body wipes, a headlight (if you’re doing it in the dark), and some kind of cover whether that’s a camping tent or sheet to keep you enclosed.

Rowntree also recommends always taking a first aid kit with you too. “Really, the same common sense that applies to general outdoor adventures also applies to sexy ones. Additionally, make sure one of you has a working cell phone with GPS in case of any outdoor emergencies; you don’t want your weekend away to potentially turn into the plot of a horror film or an episode of Missing 411.”

Another note from Rowntree: Pick up after yourself. “It’s really disheartening to see people having such careless disregard for natural areas, as well as disregard for the animals that are often harmed because of trash left in their habitat. So please, show some respect for the pristine scenery you are getting frisky in, and also respect the wildlife and do not interfere. Don’t leave food out, don’t litter (seriously: pick up your condom wrappers), and be mindful of wind or dry timber if you plan to enjoy a fireside fuck session.”

The best sex positions to try outdoors

Basically, the sky’s the limit when it comes to having sex outdoors in terms of what you want to do and what you want to try sexually. If you want the “thrill” of being exposed, but the ground freaks you out, Rowntree suggests trying a seated position on top of a picnic table–or up against an obliging tree.

If you do opt to go at it on the ground, obviously you have countless sexual position options, but Rowntree says it’s a good idea to be mindful of your surroundings and bring an oversized blanket or other barrier to protect your ‘bits’ from dirt, bugs, or ticks.

“We are also fans of sharing a nice comfy sleeping bag under the stars, which is conducive to either missionary or spooning,” she says.