The friendliest little family nudist club in Texas!
Activities & Games
At Star Ranch, every day brings new opportunities to relax, connect, and have fun. Our wide variety of activities are designed to help you enjoy the naturist lifestyle to the fullest — whether you’re seeking adventure, social connection, or peaceful moments in nature.
Sports & Recreation
Join a friendly pickup game or take part in our tournaments.
Test your skills in these classic, laid-back games.
Explore beautiful walking trails surrounded by native Texas landscape.
Cool off or soak under the sun in our sparkling pool and relaxing hot tub.
Fun activities for all ages and skill levels.
Relax & Unwind
Looking for something a little quieter? Find your favorite spot to read a book, enjoy a peaceful morning coffee, or watch the stars come out around the fire pit. At Star Ranch, there’s always space for you to slow down and recharge.
Something for Everyone
Whether you’re an active sports enthusiast, a social butterfly, or simply someone who loves to relax in nature, you’ll find activities at Star Ranch that fit your style.
Ready to join the fun? Check out our calendar of events or contact us to learn more about what’s happening during your visit!
Upcoming Events
At Star Ranch, there’s always something happening! Throughout the year, we host a variety of fun, social, and family-friendly events designed to bring our community together and celebrate the naturist lifestyle. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or staying for the season, you’re invited to join in and make new friends.
Celebrate, Connect & Make Memories — From themed parties to holiday cookouts, there’s always a reason to gather at Star Ranch!
What’s Coming Up
Stay Updated
Our events calendar is always full of surprises, so be sure to check back often. Guests and members are welcome to attend most events — some may require advance sign-up or a small participation fee.
We can’t wait to see you at our next event — come join the fun!
5K Races at Star Ranch
Run free, have fun, and make unforgettable memories at the Star Ranch 5K events — two of the most unique and talked‑about races in Texas!
Star Ranch has proudly hosted the Bare Buns Run 5K Fun Run every spring since 1997. This long‑running favorite draws runners from across the region and is part of the AANR‑SW 5K Series. To keep the experience personal and enjoyable, participation is limited to 200 runners per event.
Thanks to the overwhelming popularity of the Bare Buns Run, Star Ranch now hosts a second annual race: the Chilly Cheeks 5K Run in the fall. Together, these two events give runners twice a year to enjoy fitness, freedom, and fun in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
The Course
Set in scenic McDade, Texas — just 30 minutes east of Austin on US Highway 290 — the Star Ranch 5K course offers a refreshing change from typical road races.
Runners begin with a beautiful rural stretch through open pastures and shaded woodland trails for approximately three kilometers. The course then transitions into the heart of the ranch, where the final two kilometers wind along sand and gravel paths connecting charming cottages and cabins.
The finish line awaits at our stunning pool area, where you can relax, cool off, and enjoy a light meal fresh off the grill while cheering on fellow runners and waiting for race results.
Make a Day of It
Your registration includes admission for one guest, and you’re invited to stay and enjoy everything Star Ranch has to offer. After the race, stick around for games, activities, and plenty of opportunities to relax, socialize, and celebrate your accomplishment.
Whether you’re chasing a personal best or just out to have a great time, Star Ranch 5K events deliver an experience you won’t find anywhere else.
What Runners Are Saying
Sign Up for Upcoming Races
2025 AANR Southwest Nude Racing Series
Star Ranch is the premier stop of the 2025 A.A.N.R. Southwest Nude Racing Series and you don’t need to have participated in any other race to run here. Our 5K runs are “clothing optional” — meaning wear as much or as little as you like. All runners must be pre-registered.
Race Day Schedule
9:00 AM
11:00 AM
At Star Ranch, we pride ourselves on over 65 years of hospitality serving the nudist community of central Texas. Explore the website for more information on the Ranch and the other activities we host throughout the year.
AANR-Southwest Nude Racing Series
The AANR-Southwest Nude Racing Series consists of clothing-optional 5K runs at four participating AANR-SW clubs in Texas and Oklahoma. Click here to learn more about the AANR-SW Nude Racing Series.
For over 90 years, AANR exists to protect, promote, provide and preserve nude recreation.
Historical 5K Results by Year
2020
The 2020 NRS race series schedule was cancelled.
2017 Standings
2016 Standings
2015 Standings
2014 Standings
Polar Plunge 2026
New Year’s Day at Star Ranch
The Plunge
Over 40 people gathered around the outdoor pool to watch 18 brave souls take the plunge at noon on New Year’s Day. With the water at a brisk 52°F, participants experienced what many described as shocking, painful, then gratifying.
Some plungers stayed in the water for up to 3 minutes to maximize the health benefits of cold water immersion.
Family Moment
One family made it a true family affair — a dad and his two daughters, ages 2-4, jumped in together. The youngest girl gasped for air and burst into laughter. Her older sister was more cautious but still bravely took the plunge!
Why Take the Plunge?
Cold water immersion has been practiced for centuries, and modern research continues to validate its benefits. Here’s what science says about taking the icy plunge:
Boosts Immune Function
A study in the journal PLOS ONE found that people who took cold showers had a 29% reduction in sick days from work. Regular cold exposure may increase white blood cell count and improve immune response.
Improves Circulation
Cold water causes blood vessels to constrict, then dilate when you warm up. This “vascular gymnastics” improves overall circulation and cardiovascular health. Research shows it can help lower blood pressure over time.
Elevates Mood
Cold immersion triggers a flood of endorphins and norepinephrine — up to a 530% increase in norepinephrine levels according to research. This creates a natural “high” and has shown promise in treating depression symptoms.
Activates Brown Fat
Cold exposure activates brown adipose tissue, which burns calories to generate heat. Studies show this can increase metabolic rate by 350% during cold exposure, potentially aiding weight management.
Reduces Inflammation
Athletes have long used ice baths for recovery. Research confirms cold water reduces inflammatory markers and muscle soreness by up to 20% after intense exercise.
Builds Mental Resilience
Voluntarily facing discomfort builds mental toughness. Regular cold exposure trains your stress response, improving your ability to stay calm under pressure — a practice embraced by the “Iceman” Wim Hof and Navy SEALs alike.
The 3-Minute Sweet Spot
Research suggests that 2-3 minutes of cold water immersion is optimal for triggering beneficial hormonal responses without excessive stress on the body. Our experienced plungers who stayed in for 3 minutes were right on target!
Join Us Next Year!
The Polar Plunge is an annual Star Ranch tradition. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned cold water enthusiast, everyone is welcome to take the plunge — or simply cheer on the brave from poolside!