Superintendent’s Compendium

San Antonio Missions

January 2026

In accordance with regulations and the delegated authority provided in Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (“36 CFR”), Chapter 1, Parts 1-7, authorized by Title 16 United States Code, the following provisions apply to all lands and waters administered by the National Park Service, within the boundaries of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park (SAAN). This document is the written compilation of designations, closures, permit requirements and other restrictions imposed under the discretionary authority of the Superintendent as required by 36 CFR 1.7(b). Violating any provision in this Compendium may result in criminal penalties under 36 CFR 1.3.

The Compendium actions in this document apply in addition to all other laws that apply to lands and waters administered by the National Park Service, within the boundaries of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park (SAAN). These include:

• Regulations in 36 CFR and other CFR titles such as Title 43 which contains regulations that apply on public lands administered by the Department of the Interior. The current version of the CFR can be found at www.ecfr.gov. Click on “Title 36” and then “Chapter 1” to access 36 CFR.
• Statutes codified in US Code, in particular provisions in Titles 16 and 54.

Approved:
/s/ Christine Jacobs, Superintendent, January 8, 2026

 

 

I. 36 CFR §1.5 – CLOSURES AND PUBLIC USE LIMITS

(a)(1)The following visiting hours and public use limits are established for all or for the listed portions of the park, and the following closures are established for all or a portion of the park to all public use or to a certain use or activity:

(I) 36 CFR 1.5(a)(1) - Visiting hours, closures, and public use limits

A. Visiting Hours

(i) Parking Areas and Grounds

The following parking areas and grounds are closed daily during the following times unless authorized by the Superintendent:

• Mission Concepcion 8:00 pm – 6:00 am
• Mission San Jose 8:00 pm – 6:00 am
• Mission San Juan 8:00 pm – 6:00 am
• Mission Espada 8:00 pm – 6:00 am
• San Jose Bus Parking 8:00 pm – 6:00 am
• Espada Aqueduct 8:00 pm – 6:00 am
• River Rest 8:00 pm – 6:00 am
• Mission San Jose Compound gates are closed daily at 5 pm unless authorized by the Park Superintendent or for Mission San Jose Church functions. Unauthorized access into the compound via the north side (Gristmill) after park hours is prohibited.

The designated times are set by the Superintendent; to preserve and protect the Archeological resources from unintentional and intentional damage. To include, deterring any illegal activities aside from the archeological resources’ preservation status.

Automatic gates at Mission San Juan open daily at Sunrise and close daily at Sunset. Parking is prohibited on the aprons of the overflow grass parking areas at Mission San Juan as designated by pavement markings.

Automatic gates at the Espada Aqueduct open daily at Sunrise and close daily at Sunset. The Espada Aqueduct is a fragile historic resource and is unsafe to climb or cross over.

2. (ii) Visitor Center and Information Stations

The following facilities are open daily during the hours listed below unless special use is authorized by the Superintendent: The Visitor Center at Mission San Jose and Information Stations/Museums at Mission Espada, Mission San Juan, and Mission Concepcion are closed to the public on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day unless use is authorized by the Superintendent.

• Mission San Jose Visitor Center – 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Mission Concepcion Information Station – 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
• Mission San Juan Information Station – 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
• Mission Espada Information Station – 10:00 am – 4:30 pm

These closures shall not apply to authorized church sponsored events.

Information Stations have limited staffing and vary from site to site; in lieu of staffing information tabloids are displayed for use at these locations.

• Mission San Jose Compound is open between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm unless special use is authorized/permitted by the Superintendent.

Mission San Jose Compound gates are closed daily at 5:00 pm to keep visitors out of this walled area to reduce the risk of vandalism to park resources.

3. (iii) Trails and Day Use Areas

• The San Juan Nature Trail is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
• The San Jose Mission Reach Trail and adjacent park property between San Jose Drive and Padre Drive are open daily from sunrise to sunset.

Nighttime closures are needed to protect visitor safety and resource impacts from illegal use such as unauthorized camping and illegal drug use

• Use of all park picnic areas including Missions San Jose, San Juan, Concepcion, and Brown Park/River Rest are restricted to daylight hours (Sunrise to Sunset) only. Picnic tables cannot be reserved and are available on a first come, first served basis.

Nighttime closures are needed to protect visitor safety and resource impacts from illegal use such as unauthorized camping and illegal drug use.

B. Areas Closed to the Public

1. Rancho de las Cabras and its access road are closed to all public access and use, except during guided tours, volunteer workdays, and special events conducted by the National Park Service and administrative uses authorized by the Superintendent.

Rancho de las Cabras is a remote location with no regular staff presence on site. The area is closed to protect park resources.

2. The following properties and structures are closed to all public access and use:

• Pooley House (8971 South Presa Street)
• Sisson House (8902 Graf Road)
• Hubble House (9252 Villamain Road)

These areas are closed for safety, privacy, and to protect park resources.

3. The San Juan Barn, San Juan Barn maintenance yard, and farm sheds are closed to all public access and use.
4. The Huizar Warehouse and yard is closed to all public access and use.

Maintenance facilities, San Juan Barn yard, and Huizar Warehouse and yard are closed to the public for visitor safety and for security of park facilities. San Antonio Food Bank staff and volunteers have access to these areas in accordance with a written agreement with the National
Park Service.

C. Public Use Limit

• (i) Service Roads, Farm Roads and Fields

  a. The following Service Roads, Farm Roads and Fields are closed to non-official motor vehicle use at all times unless authorized by the Superintendent:
  • Harris House Driveway and Parking Lot (6519 San Jose Drive)
  • San Jose River Trail (6600 San Jose Drive)
  • Mission San Juan Service and Farm Roads (“labores”)
  • All Acequia maintenance roads and park fire roads
  • San Juan Barn driveway and parking lot (9047 Villamain Road)
  • Fields at Mission Concepcion (750 E. Theo Ave)
  • Fields at Mission San Jose (adjacent to Napier Drive and San Jose bus parking)
  • Other driveways and farm roads at: 9000 Villamain (Alanis), 8920 Graf (Alanis), 8855 S. Presa (Geigenmiller), 8971 S. Presa and 9124 Villamain (Pooley), 8902 Graf (Sisson), 9107 Villamain 4 (Daura), 9125 Villamain (Centeno), 9195 Villamain (Hunt), 9231 Villamain (Finley), 9309 Villamain (Esparza)

The Harris House Service Road is for staff, emergency vehicle and permitted access only and the gate is subject to closure at any time. The Mission San Juan Service Road is for staff, emergency vehicle and permitted access only, there is sufficient visitor parking in the Mission San Juan visitor parking lot. All San Juan Farm access roads (Listed Above) along Villamain Road are closed to the public. San Antonio Food Bank staff and volunteers are authorized access to the San Juan Farm and its listed access roads as needed. The San Juan Farm access roads are closed to the general public to deter criminal activity in remote areas and prevent potential damage to park resources.

2. Oversized Vehicle Parking is Prohibited at The Mission San Jose Visitor Center. The parking lot is closed for parking to any buses, campers, motor homes and other oversized vehicles in excess of 20 feet in total length. Commercial trollies, school and commercial buses may use the designated bus drop off lane as needed to drop off and pick up passengers. Parking in the bus drop off lane is prohibited as is parking in handicap spaces for passenger pick up and drop off without a handicap license plate or placard. Buses, campers, motor homes and other oversized vehicles in excess of 20 feet in total length must park in the designated oversize vehicle lane located across from the San Jose Picnic Area.

The Visitor Center parking lot is not big enough to safely accommodate vehicles in excess of 20 feet in length. There is sufficient parking for these vehicles just east of the parking lot and adjacent to the Mission San Jose picnic area. Visitors should follow posted “Bus and Oversize Vehicle Parking” signs from the main parking lot to these designated areas.

3. (iv) Gyroscopically Controlled Mobility Devices

The use of a Segway or a similar gyroscopically controlled device is considered the same as a motorized wheelchair and may be used (as provided by ADA law) by persons with mobility disabilities. San Antonio Missions National Historical Park does not have any prohibitions concerning motorized wheelchair access. For safety purposes, a Segway or similar device are required to travel at a walking pace in all areas of the park. Use of a Segway outside of ADA law is prohibited.

The Superintendent had determined that this designation is in compliance with NPS policy and is a reasonable attempt to make the park’s programs, facilities and services more accessible to people with mobility disabilities.

D. Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Monitoring Policy

In accordance with National Park Service Law Enforcement Reference Manual 9 (RM-9), notice is hereby given that San Antonio Missions National Historical Park uses Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) security camera monitoring and recording.

The park’s use of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) for law enforcement and security purposes will be to visually monitor public park areas and public activities where no constitutionally protected reasonable expectation of privacy exists. Such CCTV use—which will have adequate privacy and First Amendment safeguards—will be to help ensure public safety and security; facilitate the detection, investigation, prevention, and deterrence of terrorist attack and crime; help ensure the safety of citizens and officers; help assist in the 5 proper allocation and deployment of law enforcement and public safety resources; and help facilitate the protection of the visitors and the apprehension of alleged criminals and prosecution of crimes. (RM-9, 26.1)

This policy does not restrict the official use of CCTV in the government administrative areas, including administrative buildings, jail holding facilities (RM-9, 26.3.7), revenue collection sites, etc., where the government may record/monitor its facilities. For example, the government may perform unrestricted video/audio recording at revenue collection points (entrance stations, visitor center counters, etc.). This policy does not restrict the use of an Audio/Visual Recording Device (AVRD) in patrol vehicles or officer-worn recording devices used by commissioned rangers (RM-9, 26.1)

Operation of CCTV cameras, maintenance of recorded images and use of recorded images will be in accordance with NPS and Department policy and applicable laws and regulations (RM-9, 26.1-26.4). No person will be targeted or monitored merely because of race, religion, gender, sex, disability, national origin, or political affiliation or views (RM-9, 26.4.2).

Nothing in this policy statement is intended to create any rights, privileges, or benefits not otherwise recognized by law.

II. 36 CFR 1.5(a)(2) – DESIGNATED AREAS, CONDITIONS, OR RESTRICTIONS ON A USE OR ACTIVITY

• Filming, still photography, and audio recording activity may require a permit, consistent with 54 U.S.C. 100905.

• Filming, still photography, and audio recording activity that occurs in closed areas, requires exclusive use of a site or area, or involves a set or staging equipment other than handheld equipment (such as a tripod, monopod, and handheld lighting equipment) requires a permit, unless the activity is affiliated with an activity or event that has been allowed under a written authorization, such as a special use permit.
• Filming, still photography, and audio recording that involves more than eight individuals requires a permit, unless the NPS has specifically notified an individual or group that a permit is not required, or if the activity is affiliated with an activity or event that has been allowed under a written authorization, such as a special use permit.
• If a permit is required for the reasons stated above, or if the NPS otherwise determines and then notifies an individual or group that a permit is required for a filming, still photography, or audio recording activity, then engaging in that activity without a permit is prohibited. Violating a term or condition of a permit issued by the NPS for a filming, still photography, or audio recording activity is prohibited, and may result in the suspension or revocation of the permit, in addition to any penalties that may apply under 36 CFR 1.3.

Federal law at 54 U.S.C. 100905 states that permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording in park areas if certain requirements are met. These requirements address various topics, including, but not limited to, group size, location, equipment, potential impacts to resources and visitors, and the likelihood that the NPS will incur related administrative costs. If any of these requirements are not met, the law allows the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the NPS, to require a permit for the subject activity. Permit requirements are imposed by the superintendent under discretionary authority provided by 36 CFR 1.5(a)(2), which allows the superintendent to impose conditions or restrictions on a use or activity, consistent with applicable legislation, to implement management responsibilities. The general regulations for permits in 36 CFR 1.6 do not apply to permits issued for filming, still photography, and audio recording, which instead are governed by the statutory provisions in 54 6 U.S.C. 100905. The imposition of permit requirements, on a case-by-case basis, for filming, still photography, or audio recording does not require rulemaking under 36 CFR 1.5(b). Requiring a permit with reasonable terms and conditions in accordance with statutory requirements at 54 U.S.C. 100905 is not highly controversial, will not result in a significant alteration in the public use pattern of the System unit, will not adversely affect the System unit’s natural, aesthetic, scenic or cultural values, or require a long-term or significant modification in the resource management objectives of the System unit, because the permit requirement is limited in time and scope to the specific activities authorized by the permit, which contain terms and conditions that protect the values, resources, and visitors of the System unit, and implements federal law.

Launching, landing, or operating an uncrewed or remotely piloted aircraft from or on lands and waters
administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of San Antonio Missions National Historical
Park is prohibited except as approved in writing by the superintendent.

This restriction is necessary to prevent unacceptable impacts to park resources and values from
the use of uncrewed aircraft. Potential impacts include harming visitors, causing excessive noise,
impacting viewsheds, damaging cultural resources, and disturbing wildlife.

III. 36 CFR § 1.6 –ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRE A PERMIT

A. The following is a compilation of those activities for which a permit from the superintendent is required as per Park Special Use Permit Guidelines:

• §2.5(a) Specimen collection (Take plant, fish, wildlife, rocks, or minerals).
• §2.12(a)(2) Operating a chain saw in developed areas
• §2.12(a)(3) Operation of any type of portable motor or engine, or device powered by a portable motor or engine in non-developed areas
• §2.12(a)(4) Operation of a public address system in connection with a public gathering or special event for which a permit has been issued pursuant to §2.50 or §2.51
• §2.17(a)(3) Delivery or retrieval of a person or object by parachute, helicopter, or other airborne means
• §2.17(c)(1) Removal of a downed aircraft
• §2.37 Soliciting or demanding gifts, money goods or services (Pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit issued under §2.50, §2.51 or §2.52)
• §2.38(a) Use, possess, store, transport explosives, blasting agents
• §2.38(b) Use or possess fireworks
• §2.50 (a) Conduct a sports event, pageant, regatta, public spectator attraction, entertainment, ceremony, and similar events
• §2.51 (b) Public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations, parades, and other public expressions of views (Groups of 25 or less do not require a permit but must utilize a designated Public Assembly area – See maps attached)
• §2.52 (b) Sale or distribution of printed matter that is not solely commercial advertising (Groups of 25 or less do not require a permit but must utilize a designated Public Assembly area – See maps attached)
• §2.60(b) Livestock use
• §2.62(b) Scattering of human ashes
• §3.3 Use of a vessel
• §4.11(a) Exceeding of established vehicle load, weight, and size limit
• §5.5 Some filming, still photography, and audio recording (depends upon the facts and circumstances; contact the park for more information). 36 CFR 1.5(a)(2) and 54 U.S.C. 100905

 

III. GENERAL REGULATIONS

A. Section 2.1 Preservation of Natural, Cultural and Archeological Resources

(a)(1)(ii) Climbing on or tying of anything including, but not limited to; slack lines, hammocks, or swings to any vegetation or trees is prohibited unless authorized by the Superintendent. Collecting any plant material or vegetative products is prohibited unless authorized by the Superintendent.

2. (c)(1) Pecans, figs and chile/chili pequins may be collected by hand for personal use or consumption without a collection permit park wide except for areas that are normally restricted to public access (See Section I above for park visiting hours). The maximum allowable amount allowed is one (1) gallon per person per day. These items cannot be collected for future commercial use [36 CFR 2.1 (c)(3)(v)].

Pecan tree, figs and child/chili pequins are abundant in the park; pecans may be collected by hand so as not to damage pecan trees or cause a hazard to other visitor use activities. The Superintendent has determined that hand collection of pecans, figs, and chile/chili pequins will not have a negative impact on natural resources.

3. (c)(3)(i) The collection and/or removal of fruit, vegetable, or any other harvested crop from the San Juan orchard and/or the San Juan Farm (“Labores”) is prohibited unless authorized by the Superintendent.

The National Park Service and the San Antonio Food Bank maintain and harvest orchards and other crop fields within the Mission San Juan unit of the park. These crops are grown for the purpose of interpretive display and interpretation, San Antonio Food Bank programs and other National Park Service purposes.

B. Section 2.4 – Weapons, Traps and Nets

(g) The following buildings within the park are designated as "federal facilities," and shall be signed to indicate that firearms are prohibited inside these buildings in accordance with 18 USC § 930:

• Mission San Jose Visitor Center
• Mission Concepcion Information Station
• Mission San Juan Information Station
• Mission Espada Information Station
• Park Headquarters building, maintenance office and garage
• Harris House
• San Juan Barn
• Tufa House

Federal facilities are buildings or parts thereof owned or leased by the Federal Government, where Federal employees are regularly present for the purpose of performing official duties. 18 USC 930 is Federal law that supersedes Section 512 of Public Law 111-24 and prohibits the possession of a firearm or other dangerous weapon in a Federal facility unless specifically authorized. The role of the responsible gun owner is to know and obey the federal, state, and local laws appropriate to the park they are visiting. These places are marked with signs at public entrances.

C. Section 2.10 Camping and food storages

Camping is prohibited in all areas within the boundaries of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.

Camping is typically a recreational activity that requires permit monitoring and management of resources to establish suitable conditions. San Antonio Missions NHP is a metropolitan park driven to provide historical, cultural, and educational insight therefore, there are no designated recreational camping sites available within the boundaries of the San Antonio Missions NHP.

D. Section 2.11 Picnicking

Picnicking at Mission San Jose, Mission San Juan, Mission Concepcion, and the Brown Park/River Rest areas is restricted to the designated picnic table(s) area. Designated picnic tables areas are for use during daylight hours only (sunrise to sunset).

There are sufficient designated picnic tables at each of these locations with available trash and recycling containers. Fire ants are common in other grassy areas and as such are not deemed appropriate for picnicking.

E. Section 2.13 Fires

(a)(1) All fires, including propane, wood and/or cooking coals are prohibited at all National Park Service managed locations including all missions, park picnic areas, Espada Aqueduct, Brown Park River Rest area and Rancho de las Cabras unless authorized by permit from the Superintendent. Permitted fires may be ignited and maintained only by using fuel sources designed and commonly used for warmth or the preparation of food, such as charcoal briquettes or natural firewood. Lighting or maintaining a fire with other materials including, but not limited to, flammable liquids, garbage, fireworks, plastics, aerosol canisters, batteries, or other manufactured or synthetic materials, is prohibited.

There are no available fire grills and/or fire rings available in the park and no facilities exist for the disposal of hot wood or coals. Coal grills for cooking are readily available at city and county park facilities immediately adjacent to NPS units. This action is necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety, protection of environmental or scenic values, protection of natural or cultural resources, and the implementation of management responsibilities. Materials other than approved combustibles – especially fire accelerants and substances prone to wind transport or explosion – creates serious risks when used to light or maintain fires. These combustibles can ignite or spread wildfires that directly threaten people and valuable resources and assets. The burning of manufactured or synthetic materials can contribute to air pollution, contaminate soil and water, and be toxic to humans and the environment. Less restrictive measures, such as an education campaign informing visitors of the risks of using certain materials to light or maintain a fire, would not be commensurate with the substantial risks associated with those activities and could lead to adverse outcomes that might be prevented by establishing an enforceable condition.

F. Section 2.15 Pets

(a)(1) Pets are prohibited inside all NPS public buildings including all visitor contact stations. This does not apply to approved service animals.

(a)(5) Pet owners or responsible persons shall promptly police and dispose of pet fecal matter into the nearest trash receptacle when within the boundaries of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.

Pets are prohibited from NPS buildings by regulation. San Antonio Missions NHP is a metropolitan park with high concentrations of visitors in a small area. For the health and enjoyment of all visitors it is necessary for pet owners to clean up after their pet.

G. Section 2.16 Horses and Pack Animals

(b) (g) The uses of horses or pack animals outside of trails, routes or areas designated for their use is prohibited.

Horses are prohibited in all mission compounds without a permit from the park Superintendent.

H. Section 2.20 Skating, skateboards, and similar devices

The use of roller skates, skateboards, roller skis, coasting vehicles, or similar devices in all National Park Service managed areas is prohibited except River Walk trails that fall within the park boundaries.

Due to high concentrations of visitors, heavy vehicle traffic throughout park and the availability of nearby county and local parks which permit such devices, the use of these devices is prohibited.

I. Section 2.21 Smoking

(a) Smoking is prohibited in all park buildings within San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.

All federal buildings and structures are closed to smoking pursuant to Executive Order 13058.

J. Section 2.22 Property

(b)(2) Leaving property unattended, for ANY period of time, in or near any park building or resource, is prohibited. All property left unattended in violation of these conditions may be considered dangerous or threatening to park resources and may be impounded for inspection. Such an inspection may be destructive.

Unattended property presents and hazard and is potentially dangerous to park visitors. Given the short distances to parking lots, where personal property can be stored, there is no reason for visitors to leave their property unattended. The exceptions to this are:

• B-cycle station bicycles
• Personally owned bicycles parked at or to a bike rack
• Motorized vehicles (Including motor-assisted scooters and bicycles) parked in parking lots.

K. Section 2.35 Alcoholic Beverages

(a)(3)(i) The following public use areas, portions of public use areas, and/or public facilities within the park are closed to consumption of alcoholic beverages, and/or to the possession of a bottle, can or other receptacle containing an alcoholic beverage that is open, or has been opened, or whose seal has been broken or the contents of which have been partially removed:

• The use, sale, or possession of alcoholic beverages in prohibited in all areas of the park, except when authorized under a specific permit issued by the Superintendent.

Prohibitions on alcohol use at these areas are required due to the history for aberrant behavior directly to the use of alcohol which has led to disorderly conduct and vandalism.

L. Section 2.51 - Demonstrations and Section 2.52 – Sale or Distribution of printed matter

(c)(1)(2) - Designated available park areas

The following areas are designated for demonstrations, and the sale or distribution of printed matter under section 2.52 provided they do not substantially impair the operation of public use facilities or services of National Park Service concessioners, holders of commercial use authorizations, or contractors, within San Antonio Missions National Historical Park:

• Mission Concepcion – Area 1 and Area 2 (See Attached Below)
• Mission San Jose – Area 1 and Area 2 (See Attached Below)
• Mission San Juan – Area 1 and Area 2 (See Attached Below)
• Mission Espada – Area 1 and Area 2 (See Attached Below)

These designated areas are in close proximity to primary visitor facilities and provide safe gathering places for demonstrations and/or sale or distribution of printed matter. Use of sidewalks and park buildings for demonstrations is prohibited to allow for safe visitor access to park facilities.

M. Section 4.30 Bicycles

1. (f) Bicycles (Including motor-assisted bicycles & E-bikes) must be walked through all four mission compounds, in front of the Mission San Jose Visitor Center and on the San Juan Nature Trail at all times.

Bicycle use is very common throughout the park and there are excellent multi-use trails in or near all park units. Due to narrow walkways and high concentrations of visitors in the areas listed above it is necessary to walk bikes at all times to reduce the risk of accident/injury.

2. Electric bicycles.

a. E-bikes are allowed in San Antonio Missions National Historical Park where traditional bicycles are allowed. E-bikes are prohibited where traditional bicycles are prohibited. Except where use of motor vehicles by the public is allowed, using the electric motor to move an e-bike without pedaling is prohibited.
b. A person operating an e-bike is subject to the following sections of 36 CFR part 4 that apply to the use of traditional bicycles: sections 4.12, 4.13, 4.20, 4.21, 4.22, 4.23, and 4.30(h) (2)-(5).
c. Except as specified in this Compendium, the use of an e-bike within San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is governed by State law, which is adopted and made a part of this Compendium. Any violation of State law adopted by this paragraph is prohibited.”

The term ‘e-bike’ means a two- or three-wheeled cycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 h.p.). Allowing electric bicycle on roads and parking areas will not create new, adverse impacts to resources or visitors because these locations are already used by motor vehicles and traditional bicycles.

 

Map of Mission Concepcion Public Assembly and Distribution of Printed Matter

 

Map of Mission San Jose Public Assembly and Distribution of Printed Matter

 

Map of Mission San Juan Public Assembly and Distribution of Printed Matter

 

Map of Mission Espada Public Assembly and Distribution of Printed Matter

 

Approved:
/s/ Christine Jacobs, Superintendent, January, 8, 2026