LoneStarMike, HippieHollow01, CC BY 3.0
Tucked into the Texas Hill Country about 30 miles west of downtown Austin, Hippie Hollow Park has earned its place among the city’s most iconic and unconventional destinations. Set on the rugged shoreline of Lake Travis at 7000 Comanche Trail, this 109-acre park is celebrated as the only legally recognized clothing-optional public park in Texas.
From its counterculture roots in the 1960s to its modern status as a naturist retreat, Hippie Hollow offers an experience that blends nature, freedom, and a uniquely Austin attitude.
A Glimpse Back: Origins of Hippie Hollow
The story of Hippie Hollow begins in the late 1960s and early 70s, when Lake Travis’s quiet coves served as informal retreats for Austin’s “flower children.” Locals recall the spot being called “Hippie Hollow” by the late 60s, thanks to nude swimming and sunbathing by early hippie visitors.
Over time, as the crowds grew, the site gained unwanted attention—and increased scrutiny. In October 1983 the land (formerly known as McGregor Park) was leased to Travis County Parks by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), and in October 1985 the county formally designated the area as a clothing-optional park.
By July 11 1995 an ordinance restricted entry to ages 18 and older, solidifying the park’s identity as an adult-only space for naturism and sun-soaked freedom.
Today, Hippie Hollow still stands out—not just for the clothing-optional component, but as a window into a freer, less conventional side of Austin.
What You’ll Discover at Hippie Hollow
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Location & setting: Set on Lake Travis’s steep, rocky shoreline, the park offers shimmering water views, limestone terrain, and a half-hour drive from downtown Austin.
Clothing-optional zone: Within the park boundaries, nude sunbathing and swimming are acceptable—as long as visitors respect the rules. Clothing is strictly required in the parking lot, and nudity outside designated areas or lewd behavior is prohibited.
Adults only: Visitors must be 18 or older; the park enforces this rule.
Activities: Beyond sunbathing, you’ll find swimming in designated zones, hiking along trails, and relaxing by the lake. The terrain can be rugged: zebra mussel shells and rocky slopes mean water shoes are a smart idea.
Rules & etiquette: Key rules include: no pets, no glass containers, no camping or fireworks, no alcohol or tobacco public displays, and photography only with consent.
Why Hippie Hollow Works for Austin
- It keeps Austin weird: The park embodies the city’s unofficial motto, offering a rare space where freedom, nature and alternative culture converge.
- Unique in Texas: There’s no other public park in Texas with the same clothing-optional status. That makes Hippie Hollow a one-of-a-kind destination.
- Nature meets freedom: The lake, hills, clear water and relaxed atmosphere combine for a distinctive outing—less about thrills, more about ease and acceptance.
- Social and cultural relevance: The park has been significant for naturist and LGBTQ+ communities and for those seeking a non-conventional outdoor experience.
Planning Your Visit
Address: 7000 Comanche Trail, Austin, TX 78732.
Opening hours & fee: Every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (entry stops 30 minutes before closing); entry fees apply.
Getting there: From downtown Austin, head west toward Lake Travis via TX-360 and RM-2222, then turn onto Comanche Trail. A car, rideshare or boat access are typical.
What to bring: Cash (only accepted at the entrance), water, sunscreen, a towel, water shoes, and a respectful attitude. Per rules, gear like chairs, tubes and soft cooler snacks are fine—but no glass or alcohol display.
Safety tips:
- No lifeguards on duty—swim at your own risk.
- Terrain is steep and rocky—wear sturdy footwear.
- Arrive early on holiday weekends; the park often reaches capacity and closes to new entries.
The Backstory: Why It’s Clothing-Optional
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The official story involves Austin’s counter-culture legacy meeting policy pragmatism. By the late 1960s, locals had already begun nude swimming at the shoreline. Law enforcement often ignored it until complaints mounted in the 1970s. According to NPR station KUT, the sheriff of the era deemed diverting resources to nude swimmers wasn’t wise—so the behavior mostly went unchecked.
The LCRA and Travis County’s decision to formalize the park’s status in the 1980s marked a turning point. The result: a legally designated space for naturism in Texas. The 1995 ordinance restricting access to those 18+ was partly driven by local concerns; an appeals court upheld the restriction in 1999.
Cultural and Environmental Highlights
Hippie Hollow has become a gathering place for those who embrace naturism, as well as those simply seeking a relaxing lake-day away from norms. The area includes habitat for endangered species like the Golden-cheeked Warbler and Black-capped Vireo. Some shoreline zones are off-limits, and visitors are asked to stay on trails.
Rocky shoreline, steep limestone steps, lake views—on a summer day you’ll find sunbathers, swimmers, paddle-boarders and boats passing by. The vibe is laid-back, embracing and distinctly Austin.
Why This Stop Can Fit Your Austin Itinerary
- Half-day adventure: Whether you arrive mid-morning or late afternoon, you’ll enjoy at least a couple of hours by the lake.
- Alternative experience: For visitors looking beyond the typical tourist circuit (museums, live music, food), Hippie Hollow offers something different.
- Photography & nature: Even if nudity isn’t your thing, the lake vista and unique culture are photo-worthy and intriguing.
- Pair with other Hill Country spots: Consider combining a visit with nearby Lake Travis viewpoints, boat rentals, or the wine and hiking trails of the Hill Country.
- Feel the spirit of Austin: The gun-free, laid-back atmosphere channels the city’s love for originality—and staying true to “Keep Austin Weird.”
Some Realities and Etiquette
- While the clothing-optional area is well-known, the park isn’t full of risqué behavior—lewd acts are prohibited and patrolled.
- Photography without consent is taken seriously; always ask before aiming your camera at others.
- Don’t expect beach-style sand or large open lawns everywhere—many shoreline spots are rocky and steep.
- Respect the wildlife and natural habitat; some areas are off-limits for ecological protection.
- Arrive earlier on holiday weekends, when parking fills up and the park may reach housing capacity.
Final Thoughts
Hippie Hollow Park is more than a nudist destination—it’s a reflection of Austin’s free-spirit roots, nature-love culture and an invitation to experience the lake in a different way. Whether you arrive clothed or not, the breeze off Lake Travis, the steep shoreline, the warm Rock house, the peer into a freer moment—it all adds up to a uniquely Austin outing.
When you pull up to Comanche Trail, pay the fee, walk past the entrance booth, and step into a different kind of lakeside day—one where the usual rules feel a little looser, the sun feels warmer, and the water is always worth diving into.
If you’re curious, open-minded and up for something offbeat, Hippie Hollow offers a true Texas experience—equal parts nature, nostalgia and ‘Austin weird.’