Is Public Nudity Legal in Maryland?
ToleratedRestricted: private venues and exceptions only· Checked by Reto Pascal Wyss
No, Maryland law says a person may not commit common law indecent exposure (Md. Code, Criminal Law § 11-107). The statute does not define the offence beyond the common law, apart from stating that public masturbation counts.[1]
Main provision: Md. Code, Criminal Law § 11-107 (indecent exposure)
Designated nude beaches or tolerance?
Sources we found document no officially designated clothing-optional beach in Maryland.
Private naturist clubs and resorts
AANR-East lists Pen-Mar Club, Pine Tree Associates and Maryland Health Society, plus the non-landed Maryland Area Naturist Association, in Maryland.[2]
Penalties
Misdemeanor punishable by up to 3 years in prison, a fine up to $1,000, or both; with prurient intent where a minor is present, up to 5 years and $10,000. Sex-offender registration is not addressed in the sources we found.[1]
Official naturist places in Maryland
Places NudistMap lists as officially designated or naturist-only. Status comes from open data; check each place page.
Frequently asked questions
Is public nudity legal in Maryland?
No, Maryland law says a person may not commit common law indecent exposure (Md. Code, Criminal Law § 11-107). The statute does not define the offence beyond the common law, apart from stating that public masturbation counts.
Are there official nude beaches in Maryland?
Sources we found document no officially designated clothing-optional beach in Maryland.
Is nudity allowed at private naturist clubs in Maryland?
AANR-East lists Pen-Mar Club, Pine Tree Associates and Maryland Health Society, plus the non-landed Maryland Area Naturist Association, in Maryland.
What is the penalty for public nudity in Maryland?
Misdemeanor punishable by up to 3 years in prison, a fine up to $1,000, or both; with prurient intent where a minor is present, up to 5 years and $10,000. Sex-offender registration is not addressed in the sources we found.
Sources
- Md. Code, Criminal Law § 11-107 (Maryland General Assembly) (statute)
- AANR-East club directory (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.