The Only Nude Beach in Texas is In This Public Park Near Downtown Austin

The Name is Ridiculously Perfect

Yes, Texas does have a nude beach. It’s located on the shores of Lake Travis, and about 30 minutes away from downtown Austin by car. Here’s what you need to know about Hippie Hollow Park.

It’s the Only Clothing-Optional Park in Texas

Yep, you read that right. Hippie Hollow is the only public park in Texas where you can legally ditch your clothes. This designation became official in 1985 when Travis County took over management and decided to embrace its free-spirited reputation. Signs like “Naked People Ahead” make sure everyone knows what they’re walking into—literally.

This designation became official in 1985 when Travis County took over management and decided to embrace its free-spirited reputation. Signs like “Naked People Ahead” make sure everyone knows what they’re walking into—literally.

It Wasn’t Always Called Hippie Hollow

Before it became a counterculture hotspot, the area was known as McGregor Park, named after the ranching family that once owned the land.

But by the 1960s, Austin’s hippie crowd had claimed it as their own, and the nickname stuck. When Travis County reopened it in 1985, they decided to keep the name as a nod to its groovy roots.

It’s a Throwback to Austin’s Counterculture Days

Hippie Hollow became a skinny-dipping haven during the 1960s and ’70s when Austin was at the height of its countercultural movement.

Remote and hard to access, it was perfect for free spirits looking to escape societal norms. Even local law enforcement turned a blind eye—Sheriff Raymond Frank famously said he had bigger crimes to worry about than nudity.

It’s Adults-Only for a Controversial Reason

In 1995, a body-positive poster contest involving children sparked outrage and led to a county-wide ban on anyone under 18 entering Hippie Hollow.

The rule still stands today and was upheld in court after a legal challenge in 1999. Now, it’s strictly an adults-only destination, no exceptions.

It Survived a Legal Battle Over Nudity

Speaking of that legal challenge: In the late ’90s, a group called Central Texas Nudists sued Travis County over the age restriction, arguing that nudity is part of European-American cultural traditions.

The case went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, which ultimately declined to hear it—cementing Hippie Hollow’s 18+ rule forever.

Law Enforcement Was Always Pretty Chill About It

Back in the ’70s, Sheriff Raymond Frank made it clear that his deputies wouldn’t waste time arresting people for skinny-dipping at Hippie Hollow as long as they weren’t breaking other laws (like public intoxication).

His laid-back approach helped create the self-regulated vibe that defines the park to this day.

You Can Be Nude, But Don’t Be Lewd

The biggest rule on Hippie Hollow is “Nudity is acceptable, lewd behavior is not.” So don’t take photos of people without permission or be a creepy jerk to anyone in the park if you don’t want to get kicked out.

Careful Where You Plop Down – It’s Rocky Here

If you’re picturing soft sand and gentle waves, think again. Hippie Hollow is all about rugged limestone cliffs and rocky shorelines—so pack some sturdy water shoes if you plan to visit! The steep terrain also keeps things relatively private since it’s not exactly easy to wander in by accident.

It’s Home to Rare Wildlife

Parts of Hippie Hollow are closed off to protect endangered birds like the Golden-cheeked Warbler and Black-capped Vireo, both federally protected species. So while visitors are free to roam most of the park au naturel, some areas are strictly off-limits—for good reason!

It’s Cash Only

Visiting Hippie Hollow isn’t free—it’ll cost you $8 per adult (or $3 if you’re over 62). The cash-only policy might seem old-school, but those fees help maintain this one-of-a-kind park and support its staff who keep things running smoothly year-round.

A Party Barge Once Sank During Splash Day

In one of the most infamous moments in Hippie Hollow history, a double-decker party barge capsized near the park during Splash Day in 2004 due to uneven weight distribution (read: too many people on one side).

Thankfully, no one was seriously hurt—but it definitely added another layer of legend to this already iconic spot.