There are an ample amount of beaches in the Houston area where visitors can delight in summer fun. None of which, however, permit nudity. For our free-spirited Houstonians, there is but one nude beach in the Houston area: Emerald Lake Naturist Resort in Porter — just 26 miles outside the city. Here’s what to know.
What is the story of Houston’s only nude beach?
The 21 acres of land where the Emerald Lake Naturist Resort and only nude beach in Houston is based, began as a gravel pit. Then owned by astronaut Robert Crippen, the area was originally used as a quarry for Highway 59. By accident, workers created a natural spring lake upon hitting an aquifer.
In 1976, Beaver Resort — the name deriving from the area’s population of beavers — purchased the property where it would operate a cat-fishing site, icehouse, and restaurant. A private owner purchased the site in 2001, where they would convert the property in a nudist resort: Emerald Lake Resort.
In 2011, ownership changed hands, wherein lake house cabins, indoor hot tub, pool, palapa, and expansion of RV locations were added.
About the Emerald Lake Naturist Resort Today
Today, Emerald Lake is Houston’s only nude resort. Its grounds are home to wide array of scenic, outdoor splendor. At the forefront, for our purposes, is the lakeside beach. In addition to a sandy shore, swimming, and sun-bathing, the lake also makes for a pleasant place to kayak, paddle-board, and/or fish.
For other swimming activities, the resort features an alfresco swimming pool, equipped with a spacious deck and palapa, as well as both indoor and outdoor hot tubs. Elsewhere on the grounds, visitors can enjoy spa facilities, a clubhouse, and game rooms.
Various lodging is available at Emerald Lake, including cabins, rooms, RV areas, and tent sites. There is a restaurant on-site, but it’s only in operation during high-season weekends. A kitchen is available, but guests are encouraged to bring their own glassware and utensils. Alcohol is not sold on-site, though customers can bring their own.
What to expect vibe-wise from the Houston nude park and resort?
Accredited by the American Association of Nude Recreation (AANR) and The Naturist Society (TNS), Emerald Lake is a welcoming resort that fosters a body-positive community. The resort enforces a strict behavior policy wherein no sexuality is involved with zero-tolerance for inappropriate public behavior.
Visiting the Houston nude resort
As the name suggests, Emerald Lake Naturist Resort is a resort, private, and membership-based. For interested parties, memberships at Emerald Lake are available on both annual and semi-annual basis.
That said, the resort does offer day passes. Priced at $50, day passes allow entrance to the resort during office our including access to all resort amenities until 8 pm. Stays after 8 pm require booking overnight.