San Marcos' Rio Vista Park to Charge Out-of-Town Visitors $5 Fee

Tubers embrace the splash as they head into the rapids of the San Marcos River near Rio Vista Park in San Marcos, July 26, 2022.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman

Rio Vista Park, a beloved tubing area in San Marcos, will soon charge a $5 fee to some guests.

The city of San Marcos announced plans to implement an access fee for out-of-area visitors entering Rio Vista Park, which sits along a busy stretch of the San Marcos River. The ordinance, passed by the City Council, will generate revenue to "support the upkeep, safety and environmental health" of the park.

The new ordinance requiring a $5 access fee will be enforced from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. The park will have managed access on holiday weekends as well as on Saturday and Sunday of non-holiday weekends.

Holiday managed access dates include the following:

• Memorial Day weekend, May 22-25
• Independence Day weekend, July 3-5
• Labor Day weekend, Sept. 4-7

Local residents will be able to register for a free Rio Vista Park Pass online. Registration requires proof of eligibility, which may include the following:

• a valid driver's license
• a government-issued ID
• a current utility statement with photo ID
• a current rental or housing contract with photo ID
• an enhanced San Marcos Library card
• a current paid parking permit

For free park access purposes, the term local residents refers to those living within city limits or the 78666 ZIP code, or those who attend San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District. Anyone under age of 18 will still get in for free, regardless of residency. Passes come with wristbands, which must be picked up from the Parks and Recreation Office. There's a limit of five free wristbands per household, and replacements will cost $5 each.

Those who live outside of the designated area can pay access fees online or in person at designated Parks and Recreation facilities.

"Rio Vista Park is one of our community's most used and cherished outdoor spaces, and that level of use comes with real costs," Director of Parks and Recreation Jamie Lee Case said. "Managed access is about making sure the park is maintained and the river itself preserved without placing the entire burden onto taxpayers."

The San Marcos River is great for tubing, and you can lounge at Sewell Park or Rio Vista Park.
Jay Janner / American-Statesman

Managing summer operations in San Marcos' riverfront parks costs the city over $500,000 each year, according to the news release. The funds from access fees will help care for and maintain the park during its busiest season, as well as support park ambassadors and maintenance staff.

City officials are still creating the online registration system and finalizing the fee collection process. Updates will be posted to San Marcos' new "Rio Vista Park Park Pass & Summer Managed Access" page as they become available.