In the Texas Hill Country, forty minutes from downtown Austin, there’s a county park where the swimming is clothing-optional by law. Hippie Hollow Park on Lake Travis is the only legal public clothing-optional park in the state of Texas – and one of the most cleanly legalized nude beaches in America, thanks to an explicit county code exemption rather than mere tolerance.
From Hippie Hangout to Legal Designation
The spot began in the free-spirited 1960s and 70s as an unofficial skinny-dipping cove (locals called the area “Hippie Hollow” long before the county did). Travis County made it official in 1985, formally recognizing the park’s clothing-optional status in Travis County Code Chapter 114. Public lewdness, of course, remains a Texas felony – the designation protects simple nudity only.
Adults Only – and Proud of It
Hippie Hollow is strictly 18+. In 1995 the Travis County Commissioners Court voted to bar minors entirely – even with their parents – making it the rare US public park that is legally adults-only. If you’re traveling with family, this is not your stop; the resort circuit in Florida is built for that.
Notably, and unlike many naturist venues worldwide, Hippie Hollow has no single-male restrictions – a contrast to Brazil’s Passport-gated beaches that we detail in our Brazil guide. Entry is equal for solo men, women, and couples.
The Rules
- Clothing is required in the parking lot and on the entry path – nudity only within park boundaries.
- No glass containers, no pets, no campfires.
- Photography without consent is prohibited and enforced – the park is famously protective of visitor privacy.
- Lewd conduct is treated as a criminal matter, and rangers do patrol.
Visiting Hippie Hollow
- Setting: Limestone terraces and rocky ledges above the blue-green water of Lake Travis – the park is swimming-focused, not a sand beach. Shade is limited; bring more water than you think.
- Season: March through October is the sweet spot. Texas summers are brutal by noon; regulars go early. Lake Travis water levels fluctuate with drought – in low-water years the swimming area shrinks dramatically, so check the lake level before a long drive.
- Access: The park sits at the end of Comanche Trail off FM 620, 20-30 minutes from Austin. Arrive early on summer weekends; day-use fees apply and the lot fills.
- Crowd: A friendly, laid-back Austin mix – locals, students, boaters anchoring offshore, and a well-established gay section near the northern end.
Pair a visit with the Hill Country itself: Austin’s food scene, the wineries around Dripping Springs, and Hamilton Pool are all within a short drive. For the wider American picture, see our guide to public-land nudity laws.
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Where to Stay
Find accommodation near the naturist zone on the map below:
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