City crews have begun installing fencing at Rio Vista Park along CM Allen Parkway, a move aimed at managing crowds ahead of the busy summer months, according to a Facebook post by the City of San Marcos. The fencing comes as part of a broader effort by the city’s Parks and Recreation Department to control access and protect the San Marcos River during high-traffic periods.
Beginning Friday, May 22, through Monday, September 7 (Labor Day), the city will also roll out a managed access system that includes a fee for out-of-area visitors. During peak times, weekends and holidays, non-local visitors will be required to pay $5 to enter the park.
The policy applies from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend and will be enforced on the busiest days, including Saturdays and Sundays on non-holiday weekends and Friday through Sunday on holiday weekends.
Residents, however, will still be able to enter for free with a Rio Vista Park Pass. To qualify, visitors must live within San Marcos city limits, have a 78666 ZIP code or reside within the San Marcos CISD boundaries.
City officials say more details on how to obtain the free local pass will be released in the coming weeks as staff finalizes the technology needed to issue them. The changes stem from an ordinance approved by the San Marcos City Council on April 7 and mark an expansion of the city’s ongoing efforts to manage river crowds. Last year, the city introduced paid parking for non-residents at nearby City Park, another major tubing launch point.
This isn’t the first time fencing has gone up at Rio Vista Park. In 2025, the city installed temporary barriers at the same location to create controlled access points during the summer season. At the time, officials said the fencing allowed staff and park ambassadors to better enforce rules, reduce litter and protect the river’s natural habitat.
The gates were staffed during the day and closed at night, while visitors were reminded of park regulations, including bans on alcohol, glass containers, smoking and certain types of grills. The fencing drew mixed reactions from the public, with some raising concerns about accessibility and crowd safety, while others supported the move as a necessary step to preserve the river.
With fencing now going back up and fees set to begin, the city is signaling a continued push to manage one of Central Texas’ most popular natural attractions.