San Marcos River Guide

So you're planning to enjoy the San Marcos River? You've come to the right place! Park rules, accessibility, tips and resources, recreational outfitters, critter information, and more can be found here. We want to make sure EVERYONE has a good time at the river - local plants and wildlife included. So make sure you're all caught up on river park rules and best practices so we can keep the San Marcos River a beautiful place for generations to come.

San Marcos River Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay to go to the San Marcos River?

The answer is, it depends on the park and the time you'd like to go. The only riverfront park in San Marcos that charges an entry fee is Rio Vista Park. And the only park with paid parking is City Park.

Rio Vista Park Entry Pass

Rio Vista Park Entry Passes are $5 per person for park visitors 18 and up. Children can enter the park for free.
Passes are only required for weekends during the summer (Saturday and Sunday for regular weekends and Friday through Sunday during holiday weekends).
This is an entry fee - NOT a parking pass.
You can buy passes in advance HERE and use them for any weekend during the summer.
Cash is NOT accepted - you can purchase online any time by card or at the Activity Center by cash or card. Please note that the Activity Center is not open on Sundays.

Buy Your Pass Here!

City Park Paid Parking Lot

The first 30 minutes are free, one hour parking is $5, parking for up to two hours is $10, and more than three hours, or all day, is $15. Holidays are a $25 flat fee.
There is one cash accepting machine, but it requires exact change.
The parking lot is for park patrons only. You cannot leave the park to go to nearby Sewell Park on the Texas State University campus.

San Marcos residents do not have to pay for either the Rio Vista Park Entry Pass or for parking at City Park. HOWEVER, you must register in order not to have to pay those visitor fees. Register your car for City Park parking here and for Rio Vista here.

What's not allowed in the San Marcos River?

That's an excellent question, and we commend you on wanting to be prepared and respectful of the San Marcos River! Here is a list of things NOT allowed in the San Marcos River or riverfront parks.

Glass
Styrofoam - this includes ice chests, to-go food containers, and cups
Charcoal or wood grills - gas grills are allowed only at City picnic tables
E-cigarettes or other inhaled vapor devices
Personal tables
Alcohol in parkland - tt's okay to enjoy an adult beverage while actively recreating in the river, but not on parkland, dams, spillways, or bridges. And don't forget to put it in a reusable container. Single-use cans, bottles, and disposable cups are not allowed.
Pop-up tents or other shelters, unless at a City picnic table
No single-use drink containers - this includes water or drinks in disposable plastic bottles, pop-tab cans, pouches, or cups

You can find more information about the San Marcos River and park rules HERE.

What are the hours for the San Marcos River?

San Marcos riverfront parks are open from 6am-11pm unless posted otherwise.

What is the address for the San Marcos River?

You can find public river access at these City parks:

San Marcos Plaza Park - 206 N CM Allen Pkwy
San Marcos City Park - 170 Charles Austin Drive
Dog Beach - 300 CM Allen Pkwy
Veramendi Plaza - 400 E Hopkins St
Rio Vista Park - 555 Cheatham Street
Ramon Lucio - 601 S CM Allen Pkwy
Crook Park - 420 Riverside

Can we swim in the San Marcos River?

Yes, you can! Please stick to public access points. San Marcos riverfront parks include City Park, Plaza Park, Veramendi Plaza, Bicentennial Park, Children's Park, Rio Vista Park, Crook Park, Ramon Lucio Park, and Stokes Park.

How much is it to float the river in San Marcos?

Tubing pricing depends on the outfitter you choose.

Lions Club Tube Rental is $25 per tube (with unlimited shuttle), or if you bring your own tube the shuttle is $15 per person.
Don's Fish Camp float pass is $30 per person or $19 if you bring your own tube. This includes the shuttle and parking.
Texas State Tubes is $30 for tube rentals, $20 if you bring your own tube, $20 for military/students/teachers/first responders, $10 for children ages 7-12 (life jackets required), and free for ages 6 and under (life jackets required). This includes the shuttle.
Bring your own for free! You can bring your own tube to City Park, and it's an easy walk along the shared-use sidewalk back from Rio Vista Park, or you can get a shuttle pass from Lions Club Tube Rental for $15. You can air up your tube in front of either San Marcos H-E-B store.

Where do you go to float the San Marcos River?

Lions Club Tube Rental, Don's Fish Camp, and Texas State Tubes are the tubing outfitters for the San Marcos River. Lions Club Tube Rental floats through the middle of town, and Don's Fish Camp and Texas State Tubes float the stretch of the river outside of town through Martindale.

How long is the float?

Depending on the water levels in the San Marcos River, the Lions Club Tube Rental float lasts about 45 minutes to an hour. Texas State Tubes and Don's Fish Camp are more like a three-hour float.

What kind of fish are in the San Marcos River?

Catfish, Rio Grande Perch, San Marcos Gambusia, Sunfish, Carp, Gar, and more!

Fisherfolk, be aware that the San Marcos River is a very popular place for recreating when that Texas sun starts warming up. We recommend getting your cast on before 10am when tubes start to make their way down the San Marcos River. Always be mindful of fellow river patrons and be extra cautious around swimmers, tubers, and other folks enjoying the riverfront parks. We want everyone to have a safe and friendly experience on the San Marcos River.