New Fee for Non Residents at San Marcos River Park

Summer in Texas can be brutal! If you’re already mapping out your Texas river trips to survive the heat, you might want to add one more thing to your checklist: a few extra bucks.

One of the most go-to float spots in the state is about to start charging some visitors, and it all comes down to where you live.

A Go-To Texas River Spot Is Adding a New Fee

The city of San Marcos is rolling out a new seasonal fee for non-residents heading to Rio Vista Park, which is a summer staple for tubing, swimming, and just trying to stay cool in that Texas heat.

Starting Memorial Day weekend, visitors from outside the area will have to pay $5 to enter the park on weekends and major holidays.

That includes:

Memorial Day
Fourth of July
Labor Day

So, the major days everyone will want to be at the river, aka peak river season!

Who Pays and Who Gets a Free Pass in San Marcos

If you’re coming in from out of town, you’ll need to pay the fee on busy days. Locals, though? They get a pass, literally.

Residents within city limits, the 78666 ZIP code, or students in the local school district can get a free Rio Vista Pass, which comes as a wristband. Each household can get up to five. And if you’re under 18, you’re still in the clear, no charge.

Why Texas Officials Say the Fee Is Needed

Before you roll your eyes at another fee, there’s a reason behind it.

City officials say about 70% of weekend visitors are from out of town, with people driving in from Austin, Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio- I know even El Pasoans head out there in the summer! That kind of traffic adds up fast.

Keeping the park running, and the river clean, costs more than $500,000 every year during peak season.

*free to locals.

The idea here is pretty simple: keep the crowds manageable, improve safety, and maintain the river without putting all the costs on locals.

Planning a Texas River Trip Here’s What to Know

If you’re heading to San Marcos for a float this summer, just plan ahead.

That $5 fee isn’t huge, but it’s definitely something to keep in mind, especially if you’re rolling deep with friends or family. Really, if it means cleaner water, less chaos, and a smoother river day? Not the worst trade-off.