San Marcos to Charge Entry Fees at Rio Vista Park This Summer

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The San Marcos City Council has passed a new rule that will require out-of-town visitors to pay a $5 entry fee to access Rio Vista Park on weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The fee is intended to help the city cover the $500,000 it costs annually to maintain and provide safety services at the popular riverside park, which sees heavy crowds during the summer months.

Why it matters

Rio Vista Park is a major draw for tourists and residents alike, but the influx of visitors has strained the city's resources to keep the park clean, safe, and well-maintained. The new entry fee aims to shift some of those costs to out-of-town guests, rather than relying solely on local taxpayers.

The details

Under the new rule, non-residents will have to pay $5 to enter Rio Vista Park on weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Residents of San Marcos and the surrounding 78666 ZIP code can still access the park for free by registering online for a pass or picking up a wristband. Students enrolled in the San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District will also receive free entry.

• The new entry fee will go into effect on Memorial Day weekend (May 24-26, 2026).
• The fee will be in place every weekend through Labor Day (September 1, 2026).

What’s next

The city will monitor the impact of the new entry fees and may consider adjusting the pricing or schedule in future years based on feedback and usage patterns.