Angelina Benefit Rodeo
Pack the family in the motorhome and head to Lufkin, Texas for the Angelina Benefit Rodeo with wild broncos, bulls, and roping competitions.
Event information
The George H. Henderson, Jr. Expo Center in Lufkin, Texas hosts the Angelina Benefit Rodeo annually for a whole weekend at the end of April. If you enjoy rough riding action, dirt in the air, and cheering in the crowd, you will be happy here. With parking for more than 3,500 vehicles, both large and small, your RV is sure to fit in somewhere.
Even though they don’t offer camping on-site, there are several fantastic campgrounds in the area that do. Close to both Angelina and Davy Crockett National Forests, you can spend some time in the woods while you are here if that is your type of fun. Get out and do some hiking and biking or fishing and swimming. Be sure to pack your beach toys and swimsuit.
Grab some grub from the concession stands and enjoy a night of bareback riding, steer wrestling, roping, barrel racing, bronc and bull riding, or just good ole wrangling. This is one of the official stops on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) rodeo circuit that attracts more than 25,000 people per year. The proceeds go to the Lufkin Lions Club as well as the State Supported Living Center (SSLC).
Tickets
It’s always nice to donate to a good cause, and when you can also enjoy a rodeo with it, well, that is just about perfect. Tickets for the Angelina Benefit Rodeo often range from $10 to $15, depending on the show and seat location. And with most of it going to a good cause, you know you are doing something special.
Explore Angelina Benefit Rodeo RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
In the middle of Houston and Dallas, the George H. Henderson, Jr. Expo Center in Eastern Texas is quite easy to get to in the hub of Lufkin. RVers can take US-59 from the north or south, or US-69 from the east or west. In fact, there are about seven main highways that take you straight to the expo center.
Parking areas
Motorists will have no trouble trying to find a parking spot for the Angelina Benefit Rodeo with over 3,500 spots to choose from at the Expo Center. They may have a special section for large rigs or trailers. Guests with larger vehicles may want to contact the expo center’s office for more details related to parking during the rodeo.
Public Transportation
The Brazos Transit District bus service is available on weekdays until mid-evening. If you take the Purple Route, you can get to the George H. Henderson, Jr. Expo Center from anywhere in Angelina County. If you change routes, you can even ride into other cities nearby. You can also use a rideshare app or call a taxi.
Where to stay
Onsite
Unfortunately, George H. Henderson, Jr. Expo Center does not offer camping for the Angelina Benefit Rodeo. Luckily, you can find more than a dozen campgrounds in the Lufkin area. This includes two different national forests and a KOA, which have hundreds of sites that accommodate RVs up to 73 feet in length.
Nearby
Just four miles from the expo center, the Lufkin KOA campground has 33 campsites that can fit RVs and trailers up to 73 feet long. There is also cable TV, Wi-Fi, 50-amp electric, a pool, fishing, and a snack bar and giant playground. Angelina National Forest, just 12 miles to the north, has a campsite with over 100 campsites that can accommodate up to 50-foot RVs. And the Davy Crockett National Forest, about 29 miles away, boasts several campgrounds with a total of 95 campsites with full hookups.
Getting around
There are no shuttle services mentioned at the Angelina Benefit Rodeo at the George H. Henderson, Jr. Expo Center. However, if you have mobility issues, the park offers assistance as well as several areas where you can find ADA accessible facilities and seating. Of course, strollers and wheelchairs are welcome but no bikes, skateboards, or any other wheeled transportation.
What to pack
Clothing
Although the rest of the country may be snuggled up indoors trying to stay warm, Lufkin is typically in the 80s in late April. You’ll see a lot of people with jeans, t-shirts, and cowboy boots at the George H. Henderson, Jr. Expo Center since it’s a rodeo. And its Texas so you’ll also see a lot of cowboy hats. Bring a light jacket just in case it gets chilly at night.
Gear
Pack your backpack or bag with some items you may need while you are at the rodeo. A pair of binoculars, a camera, water, and some snacks are some ideas of things you may want to bring. Check with the George H. Henderson, Jr. Expo Center for more info on what you can and cannot bring in with you. The gear you need at your campsite depends on what amenities your spot offers, but most people bring lawn chairs and some type of shade like an awning or tarp.
Health & Safety
The sun in Texas is hot, even during April at the George H. Henderson, Jr. Expo Center. Wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your face and head from the sun and heat. Sunscreen is also an important item to bring. Insect repellent is essential as well to protect you from those annoying mosquitos, ticks, and other biting bugs.
Where to eat
Cooking
You will not be able to eat all your meals at the Angelina Benefit Rodeo, of course, and will want to be ready to prepare food at your campsite. If your campground provides utility hookups, you can use your RV stove for cooking. In addition, most campsites have campfire rings with grills to cook on as well as picnic tables to use. There are several grocery and retail stores within a few miles of the expo center as well.
Restaurants
While you are visiting the Lufkin area, take the family out to dinner nearby in town. Whether you want steak and lobster, burgers and fries, Mexican food, or café grub, you’ll find all this and more in Lufkin. In fact, there are about 20 restaurants within a few blocks of the George H. Henderson, Jr. Expo Center.
Vendors
You’re gonna love the hushpuppies. And the popcorn. And while you are at it, you’ll love the corn dogs, pizza, and pickles as well. Burgers and fries are available, too. And you will even find unusual items like cheesecake on a stick and jalapeno poppers. Beer, soft drinks, lemonade, and water are also in good supply for you when you get thirsty.
Safety
Security
You can find security at the office by the main entrance near the parking lot. Most of the security officers are Angelina County police officers, but some are citizens who volunteer. The visitors’ security is number one, but they also like to make sure that everyone has a good time as well, so they typically stay out of the way unless they are needed.
Weather
If you like sunny and warm weather, then Lufkin, TX is the place to be in late April. The average high temperatures range from 78 to 81 degrees while the lows can run in the high 50s or low 60s. If you are coming to the Angelina Benefit Rodeo from a part of the country that is just getting out of the winter weather season, you’ll love the weather here in April.
Medical
The George H. Henderson, Jr. Expo Center is prepared in case someone has an accident or illness. There are two first aid centers with several nurses and med techs to help. There are eight hospitals within 10 miles of the expo center as well if you would rather drive there yourself. But don’t hesitate to call 911 in an emergency no matter where you are.
