Luling is situated along the San Marcos River and is on Interstate 10 between San Antonio and Houston. The town was founded in 1874 as the result of railroad expansion to the west of the U.S. Luling has played a significant role in the development of everything that defines Texas over the past century, including the cattle, cotton, and oil industries.
One of the most significant oil fields in Texas was developed near Luling, which led to a major boom. A tent city was built along train tracks by thousands of oilfield workers. By 1924, the field was turning out 11 million oil barrels annually. The taverns and dance clubs in town were frequented by construction workers, ranchers, and cattle drivers.
Today, Luling has an approximate population of 4,660. Stores and local eateries have taken the place of the town saloons and pubs. Livestock, farming, and oil are still the main industries in the Luling region. When watermelons are in season, you can purchase some from this small town's famed farmer's market. The annual Watermelon Thump, a celebration honoring all things watermelon, is a must-attend if you're visiting town on the last weekend of June.
If you get hungry, you can stop by some of Luling's most well-liked restaurants, including City Market, Buc- ee's, and Blake's Café. Outdoor activities are available at the city's parks, like Blanche Square, Edgar B. Davis North Side Park, and Longer Park. If you are interested in getting to know a little more about the area, you can visit Zedler Mill Museum & Park.
Campgrounds Near Luling, Texas
Canyon Trail RV Ranch is less than an hour away from Luling and offers an ideal vacation location because Boulder City is nearby, and Interstate 35 can be easily accessed for day trips to other attractions in the area. The campground has 76 RV sites with full hookups. Canyon Trail also has a clubhouse and a dog park so your furry family members can get some exercise.
Within the boundaries of San Marcos, there is an RV park called Pecan Park Riverside. This travel spot has paved roads, campsites that are suitable for large rigs, level concrete pads, picnic tables, and full hookups. Since San Marcos is a starting point for trips into the Hill Country, you may want to use this site as a base for day trips to attractions like Texas Hill Country Wine Tours.
Another option in San Marcos is the Wolf Creek Ranch and Resort. At this campground, there are 60 sites with full hookups available for RVers. A few nearby attractions include the Five Mile Dam Park and Blanco Shoals Natural Area for hiking and biking. There are also good water sports opportunities like canoeing, paddle boarding, kayaking, and fishing along the San Marcos River.
State Parks Near Luling, Texas
Palmetto State Park is near Luling. In fact, some visitors to the area launch a canoe at Luling City Park and paddle the San Marcos River to Palmetto; the journey takes about six hours by boat. If you want to learn more about flora and fauna at the park, the Palmetto Interpretive Trail features an easy stroll with interpretive signs along the route. To see the swamp land at Palmetto, you can hike the Ottine Swamp Trail to get a closer look at this ecosystem. For anglers, Oxbow lake has a fishing pier to cast from, or you can rent a boat on-site. The Palmetto State Park Campground has 17 RV sites with water and electricity, picnic tables, and fire rings.
Lockhart State Park is situated 35 miles from Luling. In the park, you can observe a number of bridges, a stone water tower, and a waterfall flowing over a dam built over 80 years ago by the Civilian Conservation Corps. RVers can tee off at Lockhart's nine-hole golf course, fish in the Clear Fork Creek, or relax at the park's pool. Lockhart State Park Campground has 20 campsites with a mix of full hookup and electricity-only sites for RVs. There is also a dump station available at this location.
In Austin, Texas, near Luling, McKinney Falls State Park is another attraction you may be interested in. You may explore the higher and lower waterfalls along Onion Creek. Or bike the Homestead Trail to see historical places like the McKinney Homestead and the Gristmill. Anglers can try their luck in Onion or Williamson creeks, and you do not need a fishing license to fish from shore in a Texas state park. McKinney Falls State Park Campground has 81 RV sites with electricity, water, picnic tables, and fire rings.
National Sites Near Luling, Texas
The El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail was the main route the Spanish utilized during colonization and spans modern-day northwest Louisiana and Texas. To learn more about the trail and how it played a role in the development of Texas, RVers can visit three museums along the trail's route: Villa Antigua Border Heritage Museum, Republic of the Rio Grande Museum, and Stone Fort Museum.
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park contains four missions built by Spain to represent their interests during the Western Colonialism period and convert Native Americans to Christianity. You can learn more about the history of this area by taking a ranger-guided tour through Mission San José. The tours depart from the visitor center each day at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.
The 36th president's life is vividly shown in Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park. Here, you can learn about his early years with his cherished family and view his final burial place on his ranch. You can also visit a contemporary display center that focuses on the early Johnson family's cattle business and the settlement history of the area. Additionally, RVers can attend a 30-minute presentation about this president's life given at his childhood home. These tours take place five times a day, seven days a week.
National Forests Near Luling, Texas
At Davy Crockett National Forest, more than 160,000 acres of trees, streams, and wildlife habitats can be explored by RVers. You can go swimming, boating, or fishing at the Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area. There is also an interpretive forest trail to learn more about the local habitats at the recreation area. There are no developed campgrounds at Davy Crockett National Forest, but dispersed camping is an option in much of the forest.
Angelina National Forest is popular for those seeking to enjoy fishing and boating. There are several developed recreation areas with boat ramps, including Caney Creek and Sandy Creek, for access to Sam Rayburn Reservoir. On land, the Sawmill Hiking Trail winds between Bouton Lake and Boykin Springs recreation areas. The remains of old bridges and sawmills can be seen along the route, and a short detour in the middle of the trail will take you to the Aldridge Sawmill site. RVers can camp at Caney Creek or Boykin Springs Campgrounds. There are showers and a restroom at Boykin Springs, and Caney Creek has a boat ramp, but neither one provides hookups.
Another popular destination is Sam Houston National Forest which is situated 50 miles north of Houston. You can hike the 120-mile Lone Star Hiking Trail or part of it to explore Sam Houston because it wanders through much of the forest. Visitors appreciate this trail because it is well-marked with aluminum spikes, so there is little chance of getting lost. RVers who want to fish can stay in the Cagle Recreation Area located on the shoreline of Lake Conroe. It is a newer campground with full hookups and a boat ramp. There are also several trails that allow mountain biking along the shoreline in this area.