Abstract: A sun bathing towel system comprising a towel member and a plurality of stake members. The towel member has a perimeter and a plurality of towel eyelet members that define a like number of towel eyelet apertures. The towel eyelet members are located adjacent the perimeter of the towel member. Each of the stake members has a shaft portion and a detachably connectable cap portion. The cap portion has a broad top cap surface to prevent injury to any inattentive sun bather who may accidently step upon the stake member. In preferred embodiments, the sun bathing towel system further includes a liner member, a support pole structure, connectable with the towel member, for supporting a portion of the towel member in a lean-to type fashion; and an elongated flexible carrying strap.