If you're heading to Texas City for a refinery turnaround, finding the right housing is one of the first things you need to nail down. Hotels fill up fast, extended-stay rates get expensive, and commuting from Houston adds up quickly. For contract workers doing 6–12 week jobs at plants like Marathon, Valero, or LyondellBasell, an RV park close to the refineries is often the smartest move.

Here's what to look for — and why location matters more than you might think.

A hotel room is fine for a weekend. For a 10-week turnaround, it's a different story. You're paying $100–$150 a night for a room with no kitchen, no laundry, and no space to decompress after a 12-hour shift. That adds up to $3,000–$4,500 a month before you've bought a single meal.

An RV park with monthly rates gives you your own space, full hookups, and amenities like laundry and a pool — for a fraction of the cost. If you already own or rent an RV, a monthly site near the Texas City refineries can run as low as $570–$590, all-in.

Not all RV parks are created equal. When you're working long shifts, these things matter:

Proximity to the plants. Every extra mile of commute is time and money. Look for parks in La Marque, Texas City, or Dickinson — all within easy striking distance of the major Gulf Coast plants.

Full hookups. You want 30 or 50 amp electric, water, and sewer on-site. Dump stations are fine for weekend camping; for a two-month stay, you need the real thing.

Reliable WiFi. After a long shift, you need to be able to video call home, stream something, or handle personal business online. Ask specifically about upload and download speeds.

Laundry on-site. Hauling laundry to a laundromat after a 12-hour day is nobody's idea of a good time.

Quiet environment. You're working hard. You need real rest. Look for parks with rules around noise and a management team that enforces them.

Pet-friendly. If you're bringing your dog on a long job, make sure the park allows it.

The Texas City industrial complex is one of the most active petrochemical corridors in the country. Major plants in the area include:

• Marathon Petroleum — one of the largest refineries in the U.S. by capacity
• Valero Texas City — a major refining and chemical complex
• LyondellBasell — petrochemical and polymer production
• INEOS Styrolution — specialty chemicals
• Covestro — performance materials
• BP Texas City — chemicals and refining operations

Turnaround seasons typically run in spring (March–May) and fall (September–November), though individual plant schedules vary. If you're working through a staffing agency, they'll usually have the schedule — but it's worth calling ahead to lock in housing before the rush.

Located at 408 Volney St in La Marque, TX, Little Thicket RV Resort sits just minutes from the Texas City refinery corridor. It's been a go-to for contract workers for years, and for good reason.

Rates:

• Daily: $65
• Weekly: $220
• Monthly: $570 (30 amp) / $590 (50 amp)

What's included: Full hookups, high-speed WiFi, swimming pool, on-site laundry, shaded and paved lots, and on-site management.

The monthly rate is the real value play. For a 10-week turnaround, you're looking at roughly $1,400–$1,500 total — compared to $10,000+ for a hotel over the same period.

1. Book early. Sites near the plants fill up 4–6 weeks before major turnarounds kick off. Don't wait until you have your start date confirmed.
2. Call directly. Most RV parks will work with you on dates and can hold a site with a deposit. A phone call goes further than an online form.
3. Ask about long-term discounts. Many parks offer better rates for stays of 30+ days. It never hurts to ask.
4. Confirm pet policies and rig size limits. Some parks have length restrictions or breed restrictions. Confirm before you drive in.

Ready to lock in your housing for fall turnaround season? See availability and rates at Little Thicket RV Resort — or call (832) 563-1050 to reserve your spot.