Is Public Nudity Legal in Washington?
ListedUnclear: no authoritative source found· Checked by Reto Pascal Wyss
The status is unclear: Washington's indecent exposure law requires an intentional open and obscene exposure made knowing it is likely to cause reasonable affront or alarm, and we found no court ruling on whether simple nudity meets that test. We also found no officially designated clothing-optional beach in Washington in the sources we checked.[1]
Main provision: RCW 9A.88.010 (indecent exposure)
Designated nude beaches or tolerance?
We found no officially designated clothing-optional beach or park in Washington in the sources we checked.
Private naturist clubs and resorts
AANR's club locator lists Washington among the states you can search for affiliated nudist clubs and resorts.[3]
Penalties
Indecent exposure is a misdemeanor (up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine), a gross misdemeanor on a first offense against a person under 14 (up to 364 days and $5,000), and a class C felony with a prior conviction under this section or for a sex offense.[1][2]
Official naturist places in Washington
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 Washington?
The status is unclear: Washington's indecent exposure law requires an intentional open and obscene exposure made knowing it is likely to cause reasonable affront or alarm, and we found no court ruling on whether simple nudity meets that test. We also found no officially designated clothing-optional beach in Washington in the sources we checked.
Are there official nude beaches in Washington?
We found no officially designated clothing-optional beach or park in Washington in the sources we checked.
Is nudity allowed at private naturist clubs in Washington?
AANR's club locator lists Washington among the states you can search for affiliated nudist clubs and resorts.
What is the penalty for public nudity in Washington?
Indecent exposure is a misdemeanor (up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine), a gross misdemeanor on a first offense against a person under 14 (up to 364 days and $5,000), and a class C felony with a prior conviction under this section or for a sex offense.
Sources
- RCW 9A.88.010 (Washington Legislature) (statute)
- RCW 9A.20.021 (Washington Legislature) (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.