Hippie Hollow on Lake Travis isn’t officially recognized by the American Association for Nude Recreation.
Austin American-Statesman
In a city that’s grown decidedly less weird over the years, a few true “Keep Austin Weird” institutions remain. One of the biggest is Hippie Hollow Park, the only clothing-optional public park in Texas.
What began decades ago as a remote, informal swimming hole is now managed by Travis County Parks. Today, the park features a designated swimming area on Lake Travis, hiking trails, paved multiuse paths and restrooms.
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Is Hippie Hollow really a nude beach?
Call it a nude beach or a clothing-optional park — either way, it’s the only park in Texas where visitors can legally spend time nude.
The park is restricted to visitors 18 and older. Travis County adopted the age restriction in July 1995 after a group promoting the “social nudist lifestyle” announced plans for a children’s poster contest at the park, prompting backlash from parents.
“Hippie Hollow has not been a serious community problem for a long time and I still don’t believe it is,” then-County Judge Bill Aleshire told the American-Statesman at the time. “I think that the flap has been caused by a group with a dumb idea with a poorly written press release that was exploited by talk radio.”
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The park has also hosted some unusual moments over the years.
In 1993, Bill Scales and Karen Loomis married at Hippie Hollow in front of about 50 nude guests. According to an American-Statesman report, even the officiant was nude.
“It doesn’t bother me,” Loomis, then 37, said. “We came into the world naked. So why not get married naked? It’s very natural, and I’m very much into nature.”
The couple had met just six weeks earlier at the same park where they exchanged vows.
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In the photo from the 1977 American-Statesman archives, nude sunbathers relax at Hippie Hollow. Statesman humor columnist John Kelso suggests making the Lake Travis destination campaign headquarters for a run for Austin City Council.
Austin American-Statesman
A history of controversy
Although Hippie Hollow has attracted visitors for decades, it has also seen its share of controversy.
Texas law defines indecent exposure as exposing oneself with the intent to arouse or gratify sexual desire while being reckless about whether another person present would be offended or alarmed.
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American-Statesman articles from the 1970s outline planned raids, and letters to the editor during the same timeframe alternate between begging officials to “do something” and defending the public’s right to nudity at the park. Neighbors said the swimming hole attracted “the dregs of human existence” because of visitors using drugs, Statesman reports show.
In 1996, Travis County sheriff’s deputies arrested 42 men during an undercover sting at Hippie Hollow. According to an American-Statesman report, all were charged with either indecent exposure or public lewdness involving masturbation or public sex acts.
In 2001, the Texas Supreme Court declined to hear the case of Austin couple Bob and Christine Morton, who challenged the county’s ban on minors entering the park. The lawsuit began after the county approved the 18-and-older rule in 1995 and even landed the couple on Court TV in 1999.
In 2004, a party barge capsized near the park, injuring two people. Officials never determined the cause, but an enduring urban legend claims passengers rushed to one side of the boat to watch nude sunbathers.
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In 2009, late American-Statesman columnist John Kelso joked about a worldwide attempt to break the Guinness World Records mark for the largest skinny-dip, writing: “This event could attract more buns than a Mrs. Baird’s outlet store.”
Today, park officials remind visitors to respect others’ privacy and ask permission before taking photographs.
“Nudity is acceptable, lewd behavior is not,” the park’s website states.
A customer drives into Hippie Hollow Park, where Travis County added a surcharge last year.
Austin American-Statesman
What to know before visiting Hippie Hollow
The park even has its own subreddit — though prospective visitors should know it’s often NSFW — where first-time visitors share advice and answer frequently asked questions.
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One tip nearly everyone agrees on: Wear sturdy shoes. The shoreline is extremely rocky, and you’ll also want to bring a towel or blanket because much of the park consists of exposed limestone.
And bring cash: Admission is $8 per person. Seniors 62 and older pay $3, while disabled veterans are admitted free.
The park is open daily but often reaches capacity during holiday weekends. When full, officials temporarily close the park to incoming vehicles and pedestrians.
Visitors should leave pets at home and stay out of protected habitat areas, which are home to species including the golden-cheeked warbler and black-capped vireo.
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Is Hippie Hollow safe?
Earlier this month, a Reddit user asked whether “creeps are a HUGE problem or just kinda annoying.”
Most commenters described the latter, recommending first-time visitors bring a friend or visit on weekdays when crowds are smaller.
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“From a safety perspective, it’s just like any other beach on Lake Travis. Maybe safer since it’s pretty active and patrolled more,” one commenter wrote. “If you’re uncomfortable, just sit near a couple or friendly group. There’s no need to undress immediately — take your time.”
In terms of swimming safety, visitors should remember there are no lifeguards on duty. Swim at your own risk, and check lake conditions before visiting, as heavy rain and flooding can affect water levels.