Arthur E. Stilwell founded Port Arthur in 1895 after failing to reach an agreement with New York bankers Luther and Herman Kountze, who controlled Sabine Lake's east shore. Stilwell intended to build a tourist community and use it as the Gulf Coast terminus of the Kansas City, Pittsburg and Gulf Railroad. While tourism was never fully established, he established the Port Arthur Channel and Dock Company in June 1896. The following spring, the company started cutting a canal to the deep waters controlled by the Kountzes at Sabine Pass. The canal's path stopped the community's hopes of becoming a tourist location. John W. Gates replaced Stilwell in the canal company after the railroad became defunct. Take a driving tour around Port Arthur, and you will see several buildings named for Gates, including the Gates Memorial Library.
Life in Port Arthur changed dramatically with the eruption of the Lucas Geyser on January 10, 1901, which sent about 100,000 barrels of oil per day into the air for nine days. Gulf and Texaco quickly built refineries in Port Arthur. Almost 7,000 people moved to the community between 1900 and 1910. Oil continues to bring people to the city. By the late 1960s, the population reached about 70,000 people. That number has shrunk slightly ever since as about 55,000 people are living there today. Port Arthur's Motiva Refinery is the largest oil refinery in North America.
While exploring Port Arthur, visit the Neches River Rainbow Bridge, which is one of the tallest bridges in the southern United States. You will also want to eat plenty of crawfish when visiting Port Arthur. The best time to dine on fresh crawfish is from February through May. Try them at Reel Cajun Seafood Restaurant and Bar, where you can also get outstanding chicken and sausage gumbo, or at Tia Juanita's Fish Camp, where you will enjoy hearing the live music while dining.
Mardi Gras – Catch beads at the parade, listen to live entertainment, and eat king cake at this festival typically held in February.
Taste of Gumbo, Etc. & Craft Show – Indulge in all-you-can-eat gumbo, and visit with local artists at this February festival.
Garden Festival – See lotus blossoms, roses, towering bamboo, citrus trees, and the koi pond during this June festival at Buu Mon Buddhist Temple.
Mexican Heritage Festival – Watch Mexican dances, eat south-of-the-border food and learn more about Mexico during this September festival at Robert Bowers Civic Center.
Sea Rim State Park is a fantastic place to go primitive camping on a beach, but this state park near Sabine Pass also has a campground with hookups. The park is a fantastic place to go fishing, and there are two kayaking trails for different abilities. While you will need to make arrangements, you can go horseback riding on three miles of beach at this location.
Village Creek State Park near Lumberton is a fantastic place to start a Big Thicket camping experience. This park has a canoe launch, and you will want to follow the Village Creek Paddling Trail to see plants and wildlife from the water. Borrow fishing equipment from the park's office, and go fishing for catfish, bass, and sunfish. Check with the park's staff as they frequently host guided nature and night hikes, stargazing programs, and campfire talks.
You will want to see the W.H. Stark House in downtown Orange, Texas. This Queen Anne-style mansion contains over 14,000 square feet of living space. The home includes 15 rooms filled with priceless antique decorative arts. It was constructed in 1894, and the Starks lived in it until 1934. Even if you can't get inside the house, you will want to see the outside with its stained-glass windows, wraparound second-floor porch, and triangular roofs.
There are many beautiful campgrounds in the Beaumont and Port Arthur areas. For over 10 years, Bearazinga Campground has been a favorite of guests looking for a quiet getaway. If you love playing on the water, then consider AAA RV Texas, where you are sure to love the waterfront camping. Another fantastic option is Pleasure Island RV Park, which provides lots of amenities, including seven picnic shelters, a playground, and climate-controlled bathhouses and laundry facilities.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Port Arthur, TX, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Port Arthur?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Port Arthur from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Port Arthur?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
