Hippie Hollow Park, located on the shores of Lake Travis in Austin, Texas, has a colorful history dating back to the 1960s. Before it was officially designated as a park, the secluded limestone outcroppings and clear waters attracted counterculture types seeking freedom from conventional norms—hence the name "Hippie Hollow." It's one of our favorite gay playgrounds in the Lone Star State.

The area gained notoriety in the 1970s as one of the few public places in Texas where nudity was tolerated. Local lore suggests that the remote location, difficult access, and the fact that it was on federally managed land (at the time) allowed it to operate in a legal gray and gay area. In 1983, Travis County took over management of the area and officially sanctioned it as a clothing-optional park—the only legally recognized nude recreation site in Texas.

Through the 1980s and 1990s, Hippie Hollow increasingly became known as an LGBTQ+ gathering spot, particularly in certain areas of the park. This evolution happened organically as the gay community found the accepting atmosphere and privacy appealing during a time when safe spaces were limited.

In 1995, the county established an age restriction (18 and over only), which remains in place today, making it unique among public parks.

Location & How to Get There

Hippie Hollow Park is located at 7000 Comanche Trail, Austin, TX 78732. It sits on the eastern shore of Lake Travis, approximately 20 miles northwest of downtown Austin.

From downtown Austin, take TX-1 Loop N (MoPac Expressway), continue onto RM 2222 W, turn right onto RM 620 N, left onto Comanche Trail, and follow signs to Hippie Hollow Park. The park has a designated parking lot that charges an entrance fee (typically $8-12 per vehicle). On busy weekends and holidays, the lot fills up quickly, so arriving early is recommended. There is no street parking allowed in the area.

Unfortunately, there is no direct public transportation to Hippie Hollow. Rideshare services (Uber/Lyft) are your best non-driving option, but be prepared for a potentially expensive fare from downtown.

La disposizione della terra

Hippie Hollow comprises approximately 109 acres of rugged terrain with about 3/4 mile of shoreline along Lake Travis. The geography is distinctly Central Texas Hill Country—rocky limestone shelves descending in steps down to the water.

This is not a sandy beach—the shoreline consists of flat limestone rocks and outcroppings. Bring water shoes or sturdy sandals as the rocks can be sharp and hot. Beach chairs, towels, or foam pads are essential for comfort. There's very little natural shade, so umbrellas or canopies are popular. The park is divided into informal areas with different vibes.

A paved trail runs parallel to the shoreline, with multiple stone staircases leading down to the water. The park has naturally segregated into different sections: Section 1 (Northernmost) tends to be quieter, with more straight couples and women; Section 2 hosts a mixed crowd; Section 3 is primarily gay men and the most popular LGBTQ+ section; Section 4 (Southernmost) is also popular with gay men and slightly more secluded.

The gay sections (3 and 4) are not officially designated but are well-known through custom and tradition. These areas are typically found by walking further south along the shoreline trail.

Gay Credentials & Culture

Hippie Hollow has been a significant LGBTQ+ gathering place in Texas for decades. Its importance to the community is demonstrated through regular events like Splash Days, held on Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, which are the biggest gay events at Hippie Hollow, drawing thousands of LGBTQ+ visitors from across Texas and beyond. Unofficial gatherings often happen during Austin Pride in August as well.

During the 1980s and 1990s, Hippie Hollow served as one of the few places where LGBTQ+ people could be openly themselves in Texas. The tradition continues today, with Section 3 serving as something of an outdoor social club for gay men. While Austin has become much more LGBTQ-friendly over the years, Hippie Hollow remains a cultural touchstone.
The vibe in the gay sections is social and friendly. Expect to see groups of friends with music, coolers, and sometimes elaborate setups. Many regulars return year after year. The environment is generally body-positive and accepting.

Periodi migliori per visitare

Late Spring (April-May) offers comfortable temperatures, beautiful wildflowers, and the lake is usually full from spring rains. Summer (June-August) can be very hot (often 100°F+) but the water provides relief, though weekends are extremely crowded. Early Fall (September-October) brings pleasant temperatures and smaller crowds, making it ideal for many visitors. Winter (November-February) is too cold for most people, though you'll still find a few hardy souls on warmer winter days.

Weekdays are quiet, peaceful, and sparsely attended. Saturdays are busy with a mixed crowd. Sundays are traditionally the most popular day for the gay community.

The park is open from 9am to sunset daily with no overnight camping or stays permitted.

Lake Travis is a reservoir with fluctuating water levels depending on rainfall and water management. During drought years, the water can recede significantly, creating a longer walk to the water's edge. Check current lake levels before planning your trip.

Social Scene & Cruising

Hippie Hollow does have a reputation for cruising, particularly in the more secluded areas and trails of sections 3 and 4. However, it's important to understand that public sexual activity is illegal and can result in arrest. Travis County park rangers and sheriff's deputies do patrol the area, and there have been occasional enforcement actions over the years.

In reality, discreet encounters do occur, primarily in the more remote rocky areas away from the main beach sections. Most activity happens in the wooded trails above the shoreline or in more secluded coves. The culture generally respects boundaries—unwanted advances are considered poor etiquette.

Eye contact and non-verbal cues are the standard communication method. Most regular visitors are adept at maintaining a "plausible deniability" approach. Explicit activity in main beach areas is frowned upon by the community itself.

It's worth noting that as society has become more accepting and dating apps have proliferated, the cruising scene has diminished somewhat compared to its heyday in the 1980s-2000s.

Consigli pratici per i visitatori

When visiting Hippie Hollow, bring plenty of water (no concessions in the park), sunscreen (reapply frequently as you'll be fully exposed), a beach chair or thick towel (the rocks are hard!), a cooler with food and drinks (alcohol is permitted, no glass), trash bags (pack out what you pack in), water shoes, an umbrella or canopy for shade, and cash for the entrance fee.

Facilities are minimal. Restrooms are located near the parking area. There are no shower facilities, no food or drink vendors, and limited cell service in some areas.

Photography is highly discouraged without explicit permission. Respect others' personal space. The park is clothing-optional, not clothing-prohibited—wear what makes you comfortable. No sexual harassment or unwelcome advances are tolerated. Drinking is allowed but public intoxication is not. No pets are allowed and no one under 18 is admitted.

Local Color & Interesting Facts

Over the years, visitors have reported seeing various celebrities enjoying the freedom of Hippie Hollow, though discretion typically prevents naming names. During severe drought years (like 2011), the lake receded so far that artifacts from pre-reservoir days were discovered, including old building foundations.

On busy weekends, "boat congregations" form offshore where fully-clothed boaters watch the beach while nude boaters anchor and swim nearby. The biannual Splash Days events include organized boat parties, with tickets sold for various vessels ranging from party barges to private yachts.

Scenes from several indie films have been shot near (though not in) Hippie Hollow. Despite its party reputation, local LGBTQ+ groups have organized several conservation efforts over the years to keep the area clean and preserve its natural beauty.

Nearby Attractions & Accommodations

While there aren't any accommodations directly at Hippie Hollow (no overnight stays allowed), several options exist nearby. The Vintage Villas Hotel is just 3.5 miles away, and Lakeway Resort and Spa is about 5 miles from the park. Various vacation rentals in the Lake Travis area are available, and downtown Austin hotels are about 25-30 minutes away.

Nearby attractions include Oasis Texas Brewing Company (famous for sunset views over Lake Travis), Hamilton Pool Preserve (a natural swimming grotto), wineries of the Texas Hill Country, and downtown Austin's famous gay bars (about 30 minutes away).

The Future of Hippie Hollow

As Austin continues to grow and change, Hippie Hollow remains a unique destination with a more countercultural vibe. While there have been occasional concerns about its future (particularly after the county took over management), the park's status seems secure for now. Local LGBTQ+ organizations have worked to maintain good relationships with park management and local authorities.

The younger generation of LGBTQ+ visitors seems to be embracing the tradition, particularly during events like Splash Days, ensuring this unique piece of Texas gay history continues to thrive in its rocky, sun-drenched glory on the shores of Lake Travis.