Montgomery County, Texas
Emerald Lake Resort
Emerald Lake Resort is an 85-acre naturist resort about 40 minutes north of Houston, near Lake Houston in Montgomery County.
About this place
Emerald Lake Resort is an 85-acre naturist resort about 40 minutes north of Houston, near Lake Houston in Montgomery County. It's one of the larger clothing-optional properties in Texas and operates as a membership resort, though day passes and overnight stays are available to non-members. The centerpiece is a spring-fed lake where you can swim, paddleboard, or join a water volleyball game. The resort maintains wooded hiking trails that wind through the property, along with courts for tennis, volleyball, and petanque. You'll find RV sites with full hookups, tent camping areas, and rental cabins if you prefer a roof. The on-site restaurant and bar mean you can spend a full weekend without leaving the grounds. Entertainment and organized activities run regularly, especially during peak season. The atmosphere is social and family-friendly—this is a clothing-optional resort where nudity is the norm around the water but optional elsewhere. Emerald Lake draws a mix of longtime members and visitors from the Houston metro area, along with travelers passing through East Texas. It's part of the broader AANR network of family-oriented naturist clubs, so expect a traditional American naturist resort vibe: potlucks, game nights, and a community feel rather than a spa or luxury experience.
Visitor notes
Contributed by ClothingOptional.org Editorial Team
Who visits
The resort attracts couples, families with kids, and singles from the Houston area and across Texas. Weekends see the biggest crowds, especially in summer. The demographic skews toward middle-aged regulars who've been members for years, though younger visitors and first-timers show up during special events. It's explicitly family-friendly, so you'll see kids around the pool and lake during school breaks.
How to find it
The resort is off TX-494 Loop in Porter, about 40 minutes northeast of downtown Houston. From Houston, take US-59 north toward Cleveland, then follow local roads toward Lake Houston. The entrance is well-marked from the highway. Parking is on-site. You'll need to check in at the office when you arrive—call ahead if you're visiting for the first time or need day-pass information.
Things to watch out for
This is a membership resort, so first-time visitors should contact the office in advance to arrange a day pass or overnight stay. Summer in Texas means heat and humidity—plan accordingly and stay hydrated. The lake is spring-fed but can be affected by seasonal water levels. Mosquitoes can be heavy in the wooded areas during warm months, so bring repellent.
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Etiquette & ground rules
Respect the nude zones—don't wear swimsuits in the pool or lake unless you're on your period or have a medical reason. Carry a towel to sit on. Kids are welcome, so keep behavior appropriate. Don't stare or take photos of other guests. The resort has both social areas and quiet spots—if you want privacy, stick to the trails or your campsite. Introduce yourself if someone strikes up a conversation, but don't assume everyone wants to chat. Clean up after yourself, especially in shared spaces like the kitchen or clubhouse. If you're unsure about a rule, ask staff or long-time members.
Where you can stay
- Tent sites
- RV sites
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