OutReserve

Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area

Ratcliff Lake View
Ratcliff Recreation Area
Ratcliff Recreation Area
RATCLIFF LAKE RECREATION AREA
Ratcliff Recreation Area

About Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area

Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area was built in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It surrounds a picturesque 45-acre lake that was once a log pond and a source of water for the Central Coal and Coke Company sawmill which operated from 1902 to 1920. The facility is open year-round and includes a large campground, picnic areas, a reservable amphitheater, a swim area and many opportunities for outdoor recreation. Camping is available year-round. The Davy Crockett National Forest, named for the legendary pioneer, contains more than 160,000 acres of East Texas woodlands, streams, recreation areas and wildlife habitat. Located in Houston and Trinity Counties, the forest is centrally located within the Neches and Trinity River basins.

Number of accommodations: 33

Campground Amenities

  • Dump Station
    Dump Station

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Open year round

This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.

365 Days

Sites & Availability

33 Sites Available

Site
Price
002, Loop: LAKESIDE LOOP
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$15.00
/ per night
003, Loop: LAKESIDE LOOP
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$15.00
/ per night
004, Loop: LAKESIDE LOOP
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$15.00
/ per night
006, Loop: LAKESIDE LOOP
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$15.00
/ per night
008, Loop: LAKESIDE LOOP
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$15.00
/ per night
010, Loop: LAKESIDE LOOP
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$15.00
/ per night
012, Loop: FS 520
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$15.00
/ per night
🚐 015, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
30 Amp · Water & Electric
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 016, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
30 Amp · Electric Only
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 017, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
30 Amp · Water & Electric
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 018, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
30 Amp · Water & Electric
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 019, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
30 Amp · Water & Electric
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 021, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
30 Amp · Electric Only
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 024, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
30 Amp · Water & Electric
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 027, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
30 Amp · Electric Only
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 028, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
30 Amp · Water & Electric
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 030, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
30 Amp · Electric Only
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 033, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
30 Amp · Water & Electric
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 034, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
30 Amp · Water & Electric
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 035, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
30 Amp · Electric Only
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 036, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
30 Amp · Water & Electric
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 037, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
30 Amp · Electric Only
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 038, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
30 Amp · Water & Electric
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 039, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
30 Amp · Electric Only
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 040, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
30 Amp · Water & Electric
$20.00
/ per night
042, Loop: LOBLOLLY LOOP
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$15.00
/ per night
044, Loop: LOBLOLLY LOOP
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$15.00
/ per night
046, Loop: LOBLOLLY LOOP
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$15.00
/ per night
047, Loop: LOBLOLLY LOOP
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$15.00
/ per night
050, Loop: LOBLOLLY LOOP
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$15.00
/ per night
A Group, Loop: LAKESIDE LOOP
10 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$30.00
/ per night
B Group, Loop: LOBLOLLY LOOP
10 guests · Pet Friendly
$30.00
/ per night
C Group, Loop: Sawmill
10 guests · Pet Friendly
$30.00
/ per night

Reviews (444)

What Guests Are Saying

Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area is praised for its beautiful scenery, spacious and quiet campgrounds, and well-maintained facilities, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and outdoor activities. Many visitors enjoyed the hiking trails, clean restrooms, and peaceful atmosphere, with some returning frequently. However, there were a few concerns regarding noise from neighbors, occasional maintenance issues, and a lack of sewer hookups, but overall, guests had a positive experience and expressed a desire to return.

Review Summary

4.5
444 reviews
5
69.1%
307
4
20.5%
91
3
6.5%
29
2
2.5%
11
1
1.4%
6

Chelle J

Verified

December 3, 2024 Stayed at: 036, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP

4

My family loves coming here. The camping areas are spacious and well taken care of. We do wish that the playground had more activities for the littles. The lake is easily accessible. There is plenty of hiking trails and shade galore.

Jim G

Verified

December 2, 2024 Stayed at: 018, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP

5

Very spacious campsites. We were at a site with water and electricity for our trailer. We use Starlink and were able to find a break in the trees to connect easily to internet. The bathrooms were clean. Lots of walking trails to walk the dogs. Would love to come back for a longer stay in the FALL. The weather was perfect. Warmish during the day and cool at night, but not so cold you couldn't sit out by a campfire. Staff was friendly.

Alyssa M

Verified

December 1, 2024 Stayed at: 010, Loop: LAKESIDE LOOP

5

So lovey and nice? The grounds are well taken care of and they have great hikez

Karen B

Verified

November 24, 2024 Stayed at: 017, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP

5

Patrick and Tuck, the park hosts, were very nice and helpful. The park was very nice and the bath house was always clean. I really enjoyed it here. I especially enjoyed the wildlife, I saw a nanny deer and her baby fawn was nursing. I was able to get a picture of the 8 point buck. I would recommend this park. I stay here every year around deer hunting season .

Murray S

Verified

November 22, 2024 Stayed at: 036, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP

5

Awesome campground nice facilities. Always kept clean and hot showers. A+

Randall W

Verified

November 17, 2024 Stayed at: 044, Loop: LOBLOLLY LOOP

4

Honestly, I was here a few years ago and the park host was downright rude. My last visit and I met two different host, and they were absolutely awesome. There was a storm overnight and they came around checking on the guest the next morning to make sure everything was ok. The campground and bathroom facilities were clean. Only downside is the fire ants. Them little stinging rascals are out of control! Welcome to East Texas.

Andy T

Verified

November 10, 2024 Stayed at: 030, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP

4

Visited end of October. Beautiful park, lake and campground. Bike around with my kids and it was just so calm and relaxing. The forest is just so beautiful and quiet. Highly recommended. Definitely a revisit for me.

The restrooms here are SUPERB! nice, big, and clean. Individual stalls with shower in each stall... how great is that?

NOT a complaint, but the campground spots are a little close to each other with clean line of site, but people are very quiet and respecting so big deal. Still coming back.

Ryan L

Verified

November 10, 2024 Stayed at: 042, Loop: LOBLOLLY LOOP

4

Emaculately clean restrooms. Quiet campsites with a few exceptions. Friendly staff. Well run campground.

Henry C

Verified

November 9, 2024 Stayed at: 008, Loop: LAKESIDE LOOP

2

Did not know that there was a burn ban and that we were not allowed to have a campfire.

Maria G

November 2, 2024

5

Out first visit, we were only there a for a few days, A very beautiful place, the view of the whole place is super beautiful, very quiet, and highly recommended.

Good phone signal.
Clean restrooms.

Location Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area

Address:
18551 State Highway 7 East
Kennard, TX, 75487
United States

Latitude & Longitude: 31.3883 / -95.155

Elevation: 100 feet

Policies & Rules

Category About
General

This facility has first-come, first-served sites

General

The Day-use fee at Ratcliff is $5.00 per vehicle and is required for all day-use activities including the Group Shelters and Amphitheater.

General

Limit one RV unit (fifth-wheel, motorhome, trailer or pop-up) or two tents per site; each extra vehicle is charged $5 and may need to parked in an additional parking area away from the camping loop.

General

No gas motors allowed on the lake

General

ATVs or ORVs are not allowed on the ground in the recreation area or any other location on the Davy Crocket National Forest.

General

Picnic shelter is for day use only; no overnight camping allowed

General

Amphitheater site has no tables or grills

General

Click here for information about National Forests and Grasslands in Texas

General

Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.

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