Is Public Nudity Legal in Arkansas?
ToleratedIllegal in public· Checked by Reto Pascal Wyss
No, Arkansas outlaws nudism itself: it is unlawful to advocate, demonstrate or promote nudism, defined as gathering with private parts exposed in the presence of one or more persons of the opposite sex as a social practice. That ban covers clubs, camps and landowners who permit their property to be used for it, so mixed-sex naturist clubs and resorts are unlawful even on private land.[2]
Main provision: Ark. Code § 5-68-204 (nudism); § 5-14-112 (indecent exposure)
Designated nude beaches or tolerance?
No officially designated clothing-optional beach or public area is documented in the sources we found.
Private naturist clubs and resorts
Ark. Code § 5-68-204 makes it unlawful for any person, club, camp or organization to promote nudism, or to rent or permit land or buildings to be used for it; exemptions cover medical care and legally married couples. AANR's club locator does not list Arkansas.[2][3]
Penalties
Violating the nudism law is a Class A misdemeanor for each offence. Indecent exposure (exposing sex organs with the purpose to arouse or gratify sexual desire) is a Class A misdemeanor, a Class D felony for a fourth or fifth conviction within ten years, and a Class C felony from the sixth.[1][2]
Frequently asked questions
Is public nudity legal in Arkansas?
No, Arkansas outlaws nudism itself: it is unlawful to advocate, demonstrate or promote nudism, defined as gathering with private parts exposed in the presence of one or more persons of the opposite sex as a social practice. That ban covers clubs, camps and landowners who permit their property to be used for it, so mixed-sex naturist clubs and resorts are unlawful even on private land.
Are there official nude beaches in Arkansas?
No officially designated clothing-optional beach or public area is documented in the sources we found.
Is nudity allowed at private naturist clubs in Arkansas?
Ark. Code § 5-68-204 makes it unlawful for any person, club, camp or organization to promote nudism, or to rent or permit land or buildings to be used for it; exemptions cover medical care and legally married couples. AANR's club locator does not list Arkansas.
What is the penalty for public nudity in Arkansas?
Violating the nudism law is a Class A misdemeanor for each offence. Indecent exposure (exposing sex organs with the purpose to arouse or gratify sexual desire) is a Class A misdemeanor, a Class D felony for a fourth or fifth conviction within ten years, and a Class C felony from the sixth.
Sources
- Ark. Code § 5-14-112 (2025, Justia) (statute)
- Ark. Code § 5-68-204 (FindLaw) (statute)
- AANR Nudist Club Locator (federation)
This page summarises the law for travellers and is not legal advice. Laws, local bylaws and enforcement change; follow local signs and check the sources below. Last checked 31 October 2026.