Sites & Rates
Average nightly rates33 total sites
RV Sites
18 sites
Tent Sites
15 sites
About Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area
Number of accommodations: 33
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Open year round
This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.
Campground Amenities
RV Utilities and Hookups
- Dump station on site
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Rates, Sites & Availability
33 Sites Available
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Site Details
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33 Sites Available
No available sites
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Reviews (916)
What Guests Are Saying
Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area is praised for its beautiful location, clean amenities, and peaceful atmosphere, making it a great choice for camping and outdoor activities. Many visitors enjoyed the well-maintained sites, spaciousness, and nearby hiking trails, highlighting the campground's overall comfort and enjoyable experience. However, some concerns were raised about maintenance, particularly regarding road conditions and restroom cleanliness, suggesting improvements could enhance the stay for larger RVs and during peak times.
What Guests Are Saying
Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area is praised for its beautiful location, clean amenities, and peaceful atmosphere, making it a great choice for camping and outdoor activities. Many visitors enjoyed the well-maintained sites, spaciousness, and nearby hiking trails, highlighting the campground's overall comfort and enjoyable experience. However, some concerns were raised about maintenance, particularly regarding road conditions and restroom cleanliness, suggesting improvements could enhance the stay for larger RVs and during peak times.
Review Summary
Ashley K
December 29, 2020
This was a nice place to camp with great scenery. The only downside is that there is not much to do after several days. I was hoping there would be a place to obtain firewood since the park website specifically noted not to bring from outside the area. My family and I had to go search for some since it wasn’t available. Overall we had a great time and would consider coming back.
Sebastian G
VerifiedDecember 29, 2020 • Stayed at: 028, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
The place was very well maintained. We went in December and the place was beautiful. Perfect weather in the evenings and really cold in the 30s during the middle of the night. Restrooms/showers were always cleaned daily. I will definitely
return!
John H
VerifiedDecember 30, 2020 • Stayed at: 038, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
Mostly quiet area within pleasant forest setting and varied fauna.
Thomas C
VerifiedDecember 30, 2020 • Stayed at: 016, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
Nice campground with plenty of space between sites. Hosts were visible and helpful. Many tall trees and lots of grassy area behind campsites. Trails were well maintained and, while not a great reason to go there, were still enjoyable. The recreation area is maintained as a natural area, so fallen trees are left to decompose to the benefit of the critters that live in these woods which gives it a bit of a wild feel.
Thomas C
VerifiedDecember 30, 2020 • Stayed at: 016, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
Nice campground with plenty of space between sites. Hosts were visible and helpful. Many tall trees and lots of grassy area behind campsites. Trails were well maintained and, while not a great reason to go there, were still enjoyable. The recreation area is maintained as a natural area, so fallen trees are left to decompose to the benefit of the critters that live in these woods which gives it a bit of a wild feel.
John H
VerifiedDecember 30, 2020 • Stayed at: 038, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
Mostly quiet area within pleasant forest setting and varied fauna.
Cody S
VerifiedDecember 31, 2020 • Stayed at: 040, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
Great location for hiking and relaxing near the lake. Campsites are far apart and very spacious.
Cody S
VerifiedDecember 31, 2020 • Stayed at: 040, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
Great location for hiking and relaxing near the lake. Campsites are far apart and very spacious.
Kristin H
January 2, 2021
Very spacious spots, some spots don’t have water, so just pay attention to that. Trails are very well maintained, beautiful hikes for all levels. Will absolutely return.
Kristin H
January 2, 2021
Very spacious spots, some spots don’t have water, so just pay attention to that. Trails are very well maintained, beautiful hikes for all levels. Will absolutely return.
Location Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area
Address:
18551 State Highway 7 East
Kennard, TX, 75487
United States
From Crockett, take State Highway 7 east for 15 miles. The recreation area is on the left between the towns of Ratcliff and Kennard.
Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area is accessible via State Highway 7, which connects to nearby towns and serves as the major road leading to the area.
Elevation: 100 feet
2.8 mi drive to downtown Kennard (about 5 min)
Policies & Rules
General
- This facility has first-come, first-served sites
- 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.
- 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.
- No gas motors allowed on the lake
- ATVs or ORVs are not allowed on the ground in the recreation area or any other location on the Davy Crocket National Forest.
- Picnic shelter is for day use only; no overnight camping allowed
- Amphitheater site has no tables or grills
- Click here for information about National Forests and Grasslands in Texas
- 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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Last updated: September 7, 2026
