This was submitted by AustinNakedGirl awhile back to the /r/austin subreddit and she has given me permission to repost it here with edits, for updating.

The weather is getting warmer, the birds are chirping, flowers are blooming and the SXSW dorks have packed up their black t-shirts and hoodies and finally gone home. It’s time to get outside, enjoy the warmth, the sun the beauty of our natural surroundings. Yes, it’s time to go to Hippie Hollow. You know you want to – but you have heard stories that make you nervous. Well, this girl is here to calm your fears.

I started going a few years ago when a boyfriend talked me into it; I had just graduated from UT. I had the same fears. In a matter of minutes those fears disappeared. I’m a regular now, I go with boy or girl friends, groups or by myself. If you are the least bit adventurous, like to people watch and enjoy the outdoors you really owe it to yourself to go. There is nothing like sunbathing in the nude!

OK the Rules:

• $8 per person, cash only for a day pass; free if you come by boat (anchor off shore outside of the swim area)
• No one under the age of 18
• No pets
• No nudity in the parking lot, once you are on the walking trail feel free to let it all hang out
• No glass bottles in the park (please respect this!)
• Alcohol must be covered up
• No lewd behavior (no sex/petting/masturbation). I’m sure it still occasionally goes on, but I have witnessed a couple being arrested and it would really ruin your day.

The park is clothing optional, so you do not need to undress – your bathing suit is fine. However, if you stay clothed, after a while you will start to feel out of place (because you are!) and will want to undress just to blend in. Most women are at least topless; I like to go all the way (no tan lines!). Men are usually naked.

What to bring:

• Gym shoes/tevas that are good for climbing over rocks. Don’t wear flip flops or sandals that are not strapped on. HH is really rocky – on the shore and in the water, so you will want sturdy shoes. I like tevas since I can wear them in the water too.
• Towel, chair or yoga mat – not much sand or grass here, so you will need something to sit or lay on.
• A raft or float. This is key and will make your day a lot more fun. A raft with a rope attached so that you can tie up with thers or to a boat is perfect.
• Drinks, snacks. We bring drinks plus a few large water bottles that we refill near the bathrooms.
• Since I like to float out to the boats, I have a waterproof case for my phone.
• SUNSCREEN!

What not to bring: * Pets/children * Glass bottles * Your camera * Your purse or wallet (leave it locked in the car, there are no concession stands) * Anything valuable that you don’t want to leave with your stuff while you swim or walk around (naked!).

General Questions:

• What if I get a hard on? - It happens and it's ok. if you are embarrassed, roll over on your stomach or cover with a towel. Don't start playing with it as that is considered lewd and you might get arrested.
• Is sex allowed? - No. Sex and lewdness in general is illegal and nudity does NOT mean sex. Many have tried this and ended up arrested and on the evening news and gives those that might want to shut it down more ammo. Just don't!

Couples

People who say that HH is nothing but old people and gay men (and old, gay men) have probably never been to the park. While there are a lot of men at the park (I’d say over 70%) many are young and attractive and there are also a lot of couples and women and groups of all ages. Particularly on the summer weekends. Couples tend to sit in the western half of the park, to the right as you walk in or near the two rest rooms (stairways 1-7). If you want more privacy you can go out past the second restroom. We usually head straight down to the water from the parking lot, or to the right (West) of stairway 1 to be close to the boats that tie up near shore. Once settled in and undressed we like to walk the path to the other end of the park and back. Sometimes we stop to socialize along the way.

Single Women

No, you will not be attacked at Hippie Hollow. It’s patrolled pretty well. But use caution just like you would and any other park. If you are nervous than bring a girlfriend or ask a guy friend to join you (guys will always say yes and usually offer to drive and bring drinks). Most women come with a group or with a guy. Some regulars like me will come by ourselves. After a while you will get to know the other regulars, so you are never really by yourself if you don’t want to be.

Your body – you may be insecure about your body – too big, too small, to old, whatever. I guarantee after a day at HH you will feel better about yourself. You will see all kinds of bodies here, and after a while realize that you look pretty damn good. You might even start to feel good about a guy checking you out. Don’t get over confident though, this is Hippie Hollow so he is probably just looking at the guy next to you.

Dicks – let’s be honest, I like looking at a man’s package. You probably do too, or you wouldn’t be reading this. Big, little, fat, skinny, white, black, hairy, neatly shaven perfect dicks. Every imaginable wiener is on display. Men go to strip clubs all the time; why should they have all of the fun? I could go on about butts, but you get the point.

OK girl, maybe you’re not into men, but want to check out the other ladies? There’s a lot of that going on too.

One other comment for women - don’t be that girl trying to get a selfie in your bikini with the naked old man in the background for your Instagram page. It’s just rude and makes you look like and ass.

Single Men – Gay

Welcome to your paradise. HH is filled with all types of gay/bi men. Whatever you are into you will find it at HH. The east end of the park is mostly filled with men. Beware though, if you are young and fit you will get a lot of attention. My boyfriend regularly gets hit on, sometimes aggressively, much more so than me. Boats also tie up at the East end of the park, generally filled with men. I’m sure they are having a good time!

Single men - Straight

Many straight single men come to HH and have a lot of fun. People are in general very friendly, and welcoming to polite interesting guys. Just be realistic – you are not going to meet a girl and get laid at Hippie Hollow. Your chances are better on 6th street or the gym. Guys that hang out fully clothed staring, or stand in the woods rubbing it (yes, we can see you!) or wander the park trying to chat it up with every topless young girl there usually leave disappointed. Just be normal and hang out and have fun. Bring a girl with you and it’s a lot easier to meet people, and you are less likely to be hit on by other men.

What's up with the boats?

How to drink for free on a boat at Hippie Hollow OK, this is why you need a float. First of all this only works applies to couples or women or groups with women. Single guys, this may work if you happen upon a boat with a lot of gay men, but otherwise you are out of luck. Bring a girl.

So the boaters anchor just outside of the swim area. Most are naked but not all. They are there to check out the other naked people and to party. Many are tied up together. Most have coolers full of booze hoping that people like us will float out to socialize. Some are swingers, some are not, but it’s all about having a good time. So get on your float, paddle out to the line of boats and start to socialize. Say hi to that couple with their feet in the water, or that single guy with the empty boat but full cooler. In a few minutes you will know if they want you there. Ask if you can tie up your raft. They’ll almost always offer a drink or invite you onboard. You can always float on down the line if you need a change of scenery, or encourage that cute couple you met onshore to join you! If things go well you’ll make friends and always have someone to meet up with.

• ANG (with a few edits by nothing2hide)