Marines counter nudist beach invasion

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CAMP PENDLETON, Calif., July 30 (UPI) -- The Marines say the beach at Camp Pendleton in San Diego is off limits to civilians whether they are wearing clothes or not.

The Los Angeles Times said the Corps has found itself in the middle of a beef between civilian nude sunbathers who say California state park rangers have crossed on to federal land to order them to cover up.

Gold Beach at the San Diego-area base is used for amphibious training purposes, but it has become a haven for nudists who use the unpopulated stretch of sand to soak up rays au naturel. But sunbathers say rangers from neighboring San Onofre State Beach have intruded on Gold Beach to write tickets.

Base officials have posted a sign telling civilians to keep out. A spokesman told the Times non-Marines aren't allowed on their side of the beach "regardless of their beach use intentions."

The Times noted the sunbathers plan to fight their citations in court.