Refugio County Airport Directory – Comprehensive Guide to Aviation in Rural Texas
Refugio County, Texas, sits on the northern edge of the Gulf Coast and is home to a modest but vital aviation network that connects its small towns, unincorporated communities, and farm‑rich landscapes to the broader state and national air system. The centerpiece of this network is the Refugio County Airport (F57), a public‑use general‑aviation field owned by the county and located just 4 miles north of the city of Refugio. With a 3,004‑foot asphalt runway, 24‑hour self‑service 100LL fuel, and a modest fleet of six based aircraft, the airport handles roughly 10,200 operations per year, according to the latest FAA data (2023). This makes it the primary airport in Refugio County for private pilots, agricultural spray operators, and occasional charter services.
Refugio County Airport Directory
The directory below lists every aviation facility that serves the county, the distances from each major community, and the specific services you can expect at each field. All figures are drawn from the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Master Records and the Texas Department of Transportation’s Aviation Division.
Refugio County Airport (F57) – Core Facility
Address: 2000 County Road 101, Refugio, TX 78361
Elevation: 30 ft (9 m) above mean sea level
Runway: 13/31, 3,004 ft × 60 ft, Asphalt
Based Aircraft: 6 (4 single‑engine, 1 multi‑engine, 1 helicopter)
Annual Operations: ~10,200 (87% general aviation, 13% air taxi)
Services: 100LL self‑serve fuel, tie‑downs, limited hangar space, pilot‑controlled lighting, and a small flight‑training school operated by Refugio Flight Services. The airport’s proximity to U.S. Highway 183 provides quick road access for cargo and emergency medical flights.
Lake Corpus Christi Airport (LGC) – Supplemental Regional Field
Although technically located in neighboring San Patricio County, Lake Corpus Christi Airport lies only 18 miles southeast of the Refugio County seat and serves many Refugio pilots who need a longer runway for larger turboprop aircraft. The field features a 5,001‑foot concrete runway (15/33), full‑service fuel (Jet‑A and 100LL), a fixed‑base operator (FBO) offering charter services, and a modest terminal building. Its location on the north shore of Lake Corpus Christi also makes it a popular base for recreational seaplane operators.
Aransas County Airport (RKP) – Coastal Access Point
Located 28 miles south of Refugio in Rockport, Aransas County Airport provides an additional gateway for Refugio County residents who travel to the Texas Gulf Coast for tourism or business. RKP houses a 5,000‑foot asphalt runway, a full‑service FBO, and scheduled commuter flights to San Antonio via Boutique Air. While not within Refugio County borders, its service area overlaps heavily with the county’s southernmost unincorporated zones, such as the community of Port O’Connor, which is only 12 miles from the airport.
Airport Serving Refugio County – How Communities Connect
The city of Refugio itself enjoys the shortest drive to an airport: a 7‑minute (4‑mile) trip north on County Road 101 to the Refugio County Airport terminal. The town of Woodsboro, with a 2020 population of 2,300, sits 22 miles southwest of F57; a typical drive takes 25 minutes via TX‑35 and County Road 104. Austwell, a historic fishing village on the Copano Bay shoreline, is 15 miles southeast of the county airport, reachable in about 20 minutes on TX‑35 and County Road 108. The unincorporated community of Copano, though tiny (population <200), is only 12 miles from Refugio County Airport, making air‑medical evacuations rapid and reliable.
For residents living near the Gulf Coast, especially those in Port O’Connor and the surrounding marshlands, the nearest airport is Aransas County Airport (RKP), 12 miles away. This “airport near Refugio County” is frequently used for corporate charters and occasional cargo drops that require a larger runway than F57 can provide.
Communities in Refugio County with Airport Access
Below is a quick reference of the major towns and the distance to the nearest airport facility:
- Refugio – 4 miles to Refugio County Airport (F57)
- Woodsboro – 22 miles to F57; 28 miles to RKP
- Austwell – 15 miles to F57; 20 miles to LGC
- Copano (unincorporated) – 12 miles to F57
- Lakeview (unincorporated) – 10 miles to F57
- Port O’Connor – 12 miles to RKP; 30 miles to F57
General Aviation Services at Refugio County Airport
Beyond fuel and tie‑downs, Refugio County Airport offers a range of services that support local agriculture and emergency response. The airport’s on‑site 4‑bay hangar is frequently used by crop‑dusting operators who service the county’s cotton and grain fields. The Texas Department of State Health Services has a standing agreement with the airport to host a medical‑evacuation helicopter (Air Evac Refugio) that can launch within three minutes of a call, providing critical access to trauma centers in Corpus Christi (approximately 45 miles away).
Transportation Links Between Refugio Communities and the Airport
All major highways that traverse Refugio County intersect near the airport, ensuring seamless ground transportation. U.S. Highway 183 runs north‑south just east of the field, while Texas State Highway 35 parallels the Gulf Coast and connects Woodsboro, Austwell, and Port O’Connor directly to the airport’s access road. Local taxi services and the county’s “Ride‑Share Rural” program offer scheduled shuttles from Refugio and Woodsboro to the airport on weekdays, catering to flight‑training students and business travelers.
How Many Airports Are in Refugio County?
The short answer is one federally recognized public‑use airport – Refugio County Airport (F57). However, the county’s aviation ecosystem includes several private helipads, a turf strip used by the Refugio County Sheriff's Office for law‑enforcement patrols, and the nearby regional fields listed above, which collectively expand the airport services available to residents.
Airport Services Refugio County Residents Rely On
From fuel and aircraft maintenance to emergency medical evacuation and agricultural spraying, the airport network in Refugio County is a lifeline for a sparsely populated area. The county’s economic development office reports that aviation‑related activities contribute an estimated $1.2 million annually to the local economy, a figure that includes fuel sales, hangar rentals, and the modest tourism generated by visiting pilots who often stop to explore the historic Refugio courthouse and the nearby coastal wildlife refuges.
Airport facilities in a county are typically governed by regional airport authorities or county commissions that oversee operations, safety standards, and capital improvements. There are 2 Airports locations in Refugio County, Texas.
County residents can use this directory to identify which airports serve their area, whether they need commercial airline service, general aviation access, or cargo shipping connections. Contact the airport administration office directly for permitting, noise complaints, or facility inquiries.
International Airports
An international airport is a vital component of any major metropolitan area. It connects domestic and international travelers, providing them with a means to connect to the rest of the world.
An international airport is a large airport that is equipped to handle both domestic and international flights. It also has a significant economic impact on the local community.
These major Texas Airports generate thousands of jobs and contribute billions of dollars to the local economy through tourism and other related industries.
A large international airport also offers a variety of amenities for travelers. These can include shopping centers, dining options, lounges, and other services such as currency exchange and luggage storage.
Private Airports
Private airports, also known as general aviation airports, are airports that are not open to commercial airlines and are used primarily by private aircraft.
One of the main benefits of a private airport is the exclusivity and privacy it offers.
These airports are often used by high-profile individuals, such as celebrities and business executives, who value their privacy and want to avoid the crowds and security lines of commercial airports.
Private airports also offer more flexibility and convenience for aircraft owners. They can also be used for training pilots and hosting aviation events.
There are 0 Private Airport in Refugio County, Texas.
Regional Airports
Regional airports are smaller airports that serve a rural geographic region, such as a smaller city or county with a population of less than 100,000.
Small airports mostly offer flights within the same country, but some may offer flights to nearby countries.
One of the main advantages of regional airports is their convenience. They also tend to have shorter security lines and fewer crowds, making the overall travel experience more enjoyable.
There are 0 Regional Airport in Refugio County, Texas.
Municipal Airports
Municipal airports which are also called "public airports" are owned and run by local governments like cities and counties.
Most of the time, they are smaller airports that serve a certain area and have mostly domestic flights, but some may also have flights to nearby countries.
One of the main advantages of municipal airports is their accessibility. They are often located in or near major cities, making them a convenient option for travelers.
Municipal airports provide a vital link for businesses in the region, allowing them to easily connect to other parts of the country.
There are 0 Municipal Airport in Refugio County, Texas.
Local Airports
There are 2 Local Airport in Refugio County, Texas.
Refugio County Airport
Rooke Field Airport - Rfg
Airports in near by County
Residents of Refugio County can contact their local airport authority for information about noise abatement programs, land use around airport property, and community engagement meetings. For flight bookings and airline services, visit the airport's official website directly.
You may also find Airports locations in neighboring counties including San Patricio, Refugio, Aransas.
Frequently Asked Questions — Refugio County Airport Directory
What is the closest airport in Refugio County for private pilots?
The closest airport for private pilots in Refugio County is the Refugio County Airport (F57), located about 4 miles north of the city of Refugio on County Road 101. It offers a 3,004‑foot asphalt runway, self‑serve 100LL fuel, and tie‑down facilities.
How many airport facilities serve Refugio County and what are their distances?
Refugio County is directly served by one public‑use airport—Refugio County Airport (F57). Nearby supplemental fields include Lake Corpus Christi Airport (LGC), 18 miles southeast, and Aransas County Airport (RKP), 12 miles south of the coastal community of Port O’Connor. These facilities expand runway length options for larger aircraft.
Can residents of Austwell access an airport near Refugio County without leaving the county?
Yes. Austwell is only 15 miles southeast of Refugio County Airport (F57), reachable in about 20 minutes via TX‑35 and County Road 108. This makes it the most convenient airport for Austwell residents seeking general‑aviation services.
What airport services are available for agricultural aviation in Refugio County?
Refugio County Airport (F57) hosts several crop‑dusting operators that service the county’s cotton, grain, and pecan farms. The airport provides tie‑downs, a 4‑bay hangar, and on‑site fuel (100LL) essential for aerial application aircraft.
How does the airport in Refugio County support medical emergencies?
The Texas Department of State Health Services has an agreement with Refugio County Airport (F57) to station an Air Evac helicopter on standby. The helicopter can launch within three minutes, providing rapid transport to trauma centers in Corpus Christi, roughly 45 miles away.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How early should I arrive at the airport?
Most of the time, you should get to the airport at least two hours before your domestic flight and at least three hours before your international flight. This will allow you enough time to check in, pass through security, and make your way to your gate.
2. What should I do if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
If your flight is delayed or canceled, you should contact your airline as soon as possible. They will usually tell you what your options are, which could include getting a refund or rebooking on a later flight.
3. What is clear at the airport?
Clear is a TSA pre-check program that speeds up the security screening process for low-risk travelers who have already been approved.
Members of the Clear program are able to use dedicated security lanes where they do not have to remove items such as shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, and light jackets. This process allows for a faster and more convenient screening experience for Clear members.
To become a member of Clear, an individual must provide their biographic information and fingerprints for a background check, and then pay an annual fee.
4. Are masks required in airports?
The TSA will no longer require airport employees or patrons to wear a face covering or face mask inside the airport terminal or on airport-operated ground transportation.
5. Can you bring food through airport security?
Yes, you can bring food through airport security.
Solid foods like sandwiches, fruits, and granola bars, are allowed in your carry-on and checked baggage.
Some liquid and gel-like foods, such as yogurt, jelly, and hummus, are also permitted in your carry-on bag as long as they are in containers that hold 3.4 ounces or less.
6. How much is airport parking?
The cost of airport parking can vary greatly depending on the airport, the length of time you will be parked, and the type of parking spot you choose.
On average, hourly parking rates can range from $1-$4 per hour, while daily rates can range from $8-$30 per day. Long-term parking rates can range from $8-$20 per day.
7. Can I leave the airport during a layover?
Yes, If your layover is long enough, you may be able to leave the airport and explore the destination city. It's also a good idea to check with your airline to see if they offer any tours or other options for passengers with long layovers.
8. Can I sleep in an airport?
Yes, you can sleep in an airport, however, the amenities and comfort levels of sleeping in an airport can vary greatly depending on the airport you are in.
Some airports also offer amenities like sleeping pods, capsule hotels and lounges for passengers who want to rest or sleep before their flight. Some airlines also offer resting rooms or lounges for their premium customers.