Country
United States
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Family friendly
Yes
Season
Year-round
About Emerald Lake Resort
Emerald Lake Resort, also known as Emerald Lake Naturist Resort, is a long-established nudist resort on Loop 494 in Porter, Montgomery County, just north of Kingwood and about 30 miles north-east of downtown Houston. It has long been described as the Houston area's only landed nudist resort and is listed by AANR. The grounds centre on a calm 12-acre lake ringed by tall pines and campsites, used for swimming, fishing and birdwatching. AANR lists a pool, trails, volleyball, petanque and a bar and restaurant, and a 2010 profile described a lakeside cabana serving burgers, golf carts for getting around and a residents' area of permanent RV homes alongside the visitor campsites. Traditionally nudity was required rather than optional, with towels on seats and security staff enforcing a ban on sexual behaviour. However, the resort's website currently shows a temporary revised dress code that requires guests to stay covered in common areas, with a light wrap, robe or towel acceptable, while facility improvements and fee changes are under way. Until that notice is lifted, do not expect a nudist experience; check with the front desk before travelling.
Legal context & local rules
Nudity is lawful on the private grounds, but the resort itself currently requires guests to be covered in common areas under a temporary dress code.
Public nudity is largely prohibited in the US under indecent exposure laws which vary significantly by state. Vermont has no state-level law against public nudity, making it unique. Florida designates specific beaches as clothing-optional (Haulover Beach, Blind Creek State Park). Federal jurisprudence under the First Amendment has occasionally recognised nude expression in protests, though states regulate for public decency standards. Most states prohibit exposure of "sexual organs" in public under statutes similar to Florida Statute § 800.03.
What’s here
Getting there and visiting
The resort is at 23198 Loop 494, Porter, TX 77365, off US-59/I-69 north of Kingwood; a car is needed. Phone (281) 520-2609 or email ELNR494@gmail.com before visiting. Posted hours are Monday to Thursday 11:30am-7pm, Friday and Saturday 10am-8pm and Sunday 11:30am-3:30pm. The site lists rates, membership and reservation pages but no current fees, and it says fees are being adjusted. RV hookups and overnight accommodation have been offered. A 2010 report put full-time residents' dues at $450 a year plus camping.
Before you go
- 1 Check the current local rules and access conditions before travelling.
- 2 Bring a towel and sit on it when using shared seating.
- 3 Never take photographs of other people without clear consent.
- 4 Respect the venue’s clothing, privacy, and behaviour rules.
Location
⌖View this place on the map
30.1107, -95.2302
Frequently asked questions
Is Emerald Lake still a nudist resort?
It is listed by AANR, but its website currently shows a temporary dress code requiring guests to be covered in common areas. Check with the front desk before visiting.
Where is it?
On Loop 494 in Porter, just north of Kingwood, about 30 miles north-east of downtown Houston.
What is there to do?
The resort is built around a 12-acre lake with swimming and fishing, plus a pool, trails, volleyball, petanque and a bar.
What are the opening hours?
Posted hours are Monday-Thursday 11:30am-7pm, Friday-Saturday 10am-8pm and Sunday 11:30am-3:30pm.
Sources
- Emerald Lake Resort (AANR) Official
- Emerald Lake Resort
- Emerald Lake Nudist Resort profile (Houston Press, 2010)
- Podcast episode on Emerald Lake dress code change (Podbean)
Researched 25 October 2026 .
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