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

Nicole J

Verified

January 23, 2023 Stayed at: 006, Loop: LAKESIDE LOOP

5

Beautiful campsite!

Richard P

Verified

January 22, 2023 Stayed at: 037, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP

5

Ratcliff had very well kept facilities. The trails were easy to access and we walked them daily. We will definitely return if In the area again.

Marlynda M

January 14, 2023

2

We have rented this location many times over the last 2 years. The park attendants have always been super friendly as well as the maintenance/ ground keepers…. We’ve only had a problem one time and it was with the new park ranger…. He is a little gruff and unfriendly…. Overall the grounds are well maintained and clean

Wade H

Verified

January 11, 2023 Stayed at: 016, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP

4

First time visiting. Campground is clean & well maintained with lots of shade. Lots of trails to walk on. Small, no motor lake limits noise to the highway, which is closer and makes more noise than anticipated. We brought our kayaks & caught several nice bass (1 to 3 lbs) in the lake. Bath house is aged but is clean & well maintained. Cell signal for AT&T was okay, T-Mobile had very weak signal. The camping spots on the interior hook up loop has shared water hookups. This necessitates very long fresh water hose to connect. Keep this in mind if looking to hook up an RV to water. Tent area was very nice with large, shaded spots with nice, level tent pads. A really good place if you like tent camping. Really enjoyed our stay and plan to return.

Greg A

Verified

January 6, 2023 Stayed at: 040, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP

5

Always enjoy camping at this Campground. Great trails, beautiful views, great hiking trails, gorgeous pine forests. Can't wait until it next visit!

Cathy B

Verified

December 27, 2022 Stayed at: 036, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP

4

We had a wonderful time at this little hidden treasure! The park was pretty well kept- it is an older park and of course there are always little things that could be improved, but overall, very nice! We loved the way the camping spaces are far apart! The few people staying in the park were very friendly and helpful. We enjoyed hikes through the forest and the wildlife we experienced. Our choice of going in December meant that the weather was cold and wet, but that was our choice. Overall, we were very pleased with the stay and plan to go back!

Marissa P

Verified

December 25, 2022 Stayed at: 008, Loop: LAKESIDE LOOP

5

Always a fun place to stay and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city

Dustin C

Verified

December 24, 2022 Stayed at: 044, Loop: LOBLOLLY LOOP

5

This park was in the best condition of any that we have visited. The park hosts clearly take great pride in their work and were very accommodating. They even provided free firewood during our stay. We will certainly return to Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area in the future.

Terry E

Verified

December 23, 2022 Stayed at: 016, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP

5

the facility is well maintained. the restrooms are always clean and well stocked. the campground (except for leaves) was also clean and well maintained. The campground host and his wife were very friendly and helpful. I had a good time staying there.

James M

Verified

December 12, 2022 Stayed at: 038, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP

4

Love this park.

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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