Posted on April 4, 2026 | East Texas History & Travel
If you’re an RV traveler who loves mixing adventure with a little Texas history, you’re going to love this one. Did you know the very first producing oil well in the entire state of Texas was drilled right here in Nacogdoches County — and it’s incredibly close to Bigfoot Kingtown RV Park on Lake Sam Rayburn?
That’s right — long before Spindletop made headlines in 1901, a determined East Texas merchant named Lyne Taliaferro “Tol” Barret struck oil in 1866 at a place called Oil Springs. Today, this quiet historic site is just a short, scenic drive from your full-hookup campsite at Kingtown RV Park.
The Story of Texas’ First Oil Well
On September 12, 1866, the Melrose Petroleum Oil Company (organized by Tol Barret and four partners) completed the No. 1 Isaac C. Skillern well at a depth of only 106 feet. When the auger came up, it was dripping with oil. The well began producing a steady 10 barrels of oil per day — modest by today’s standards, but enough to mark the official beginning of commercial oil production in Texas.
Native Americans had known about the natural oil seeps at Oil Springs for centuries and used the oil for medicinal purposes. Barret had actually leased the land back in 1859, but the Civil War delayed his plans. After the war, he returned, drilled, and made history.
This little well didn’t create the massive boom that Spindletop would decades later, but it proved Texas had real oil potential. Nacogdoches County became the state’s first commercial oil field, complete with the state’s first pipeline and early refining efforts.
Why Bigfoot Kingtown RV Park Is the Ideal Spot to Explore This History
Bigfoot Kingtown RV Park sits at 3403 County Road 552 in Nacogdoches County, right on the Angelina River and Lake Sam Rayburn. From your site you’re only a short drive away from the historic Oil Springs area (FM 226 / near Melrose). Whether you’re pulling a 40-footer or just looking for a peaceful weekend getaway, Kingtown gives you:
- Full hookups (water, sewer, 30/50-amp electric)
- Spacious, level RV sites with covered options
- Direct access to the Kingtown boat ramp for kayaking, fishing, and lake fun
- Easy day trips to Nacogdoches (just 19 miles away) and the Oil Springs historical site
- Quiet, friendly atmosphere perfect for history buffs and nature lovers
Stay at Kingtown RV Park and you can literally camp where Texas oil history began. In the morning you can fish for crappie or kayak on Lake Sam Rayburn; in the afternoon you can drive over and stand at the very spot where Tol Barret changed Texas forever.
Planning Your Visit to the First Texas Oil Well
The Oil Springs site is marked and easy to reach via Farm Road 226, about 13 miles southeast of Nacogdoches. Look for the historical marker that commemorates Barret’s historic 1866 well. While there isn’t a large museum on site, the surrounding Piney Woods and rural roads make for a beautiful, peaceful drive — the perfect contrast to the modern energy industry the discovery helped create.
Pro tip: Combine your history tour with a visit to downtown Nacogdoches — the oldest town in Texas — for even more heritage stops, great local food, and shopping.
Ready to Make History Your Backyard?
Whether you’re a full-time RVer, weekend warrior, or just passing through East Texas, Bigfoot Kingtown RV Park is the perfect home base for discovering the roots of the Texas oil industry — and enjoying world-class fishing, boating, and relaxation on Lake Sam Rayburn.
Book your stay today at Kingtown RV Park and experience East Texas like the locals do: history by day, lakeside sunsets by evening. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons!
Have you visited the Oil Springs historical site yet? Drop a comment below and tell us what you thought — we’d love to hear your stories!
