Reserve a Picnic Area

Pick your perfect spot—San Marcos has 23 reservable picnic shelters across 13 parks, ready for birthdays, BBQs, and get-togethers. Reservations are required for groups of 25 or more and for parties with an inflatable or a pony/petting zoo. Smaller groups can still reserve a shelter or enjoy picnic areas on a first-come, first-served basis.

Shelters may be reserved online at least 8 days in advance or in person at the Parks & Recreation office at least 4 days in advance. Full payment is due at the time of booking.

0 to 50 people

Peak season 4 hours $80 | Peak season full day $120 | Non-peak full day $80 

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50 to 100 people

Peak season 4 hours $100 | Peak season full day $150 | Non-peak full day $100 

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100 to 200 people

Peak season 4 hours $125 | Peak season full day $185 | Non-peak full day $125

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How to reserve

Step 1.Browse our parks

Get inspired and choose a location that fits your event. While you browse, be sure to:

  • Review the amenities listed for each park or shelter
  • Check the maximum capacity for your group size
  • Confirm which parks allow jump houses and/or vendors, if applicable

Step 2.Click “Reserve online”

Log in to ActiveNet to begin your reservation. If you don’t have an account, you’ll need to create one.
Reserve online

Step 3.Select your park or shelter

Choose the park and picnic shelter you’d like to reserve. Keep in mind:

  • Your estimated number of guests
  • Park hours of operation during peak and non-peak seasons

Step 4.Choose your date and details

Select your preferred date and enter the number of attendees. Available dates will appear in blue.

Step 5.Proceed to payment

Complete your event information, including event name and type. Then:

  • Add the reservation to your cart
  • Answer the custom questions
  • Review the refund policy
  • Complete waiver information
  • Submit payment

Step 6.Confirm your reservation

After payment, you will receive a receipt by email and your reservation will appear in your ActiveNet account. You can also expect a follow-up email the week of your reservation.

Step 7.Questions?

Email us for assistance or reserve in person at the San Marcos Community Center front desk.

More info

Contact

Parks and Recreation
760-744-9000, ext. 3500
parksandrec@sanmarcosca.gov

Resources

Park shelters(PDF, 4MB)
Approved vendors(PDF, 213KB)
Park aerials(PDF, 2MB)
Splash pad and park hours(PDF, 141KB)
Application(PDF, 353KB)
Solicitud(PDF, 387KB)
Refund policy(PDF, 491KB)

Reserve online

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