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

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

Campground Amenities

RV Utilities and Hookups

RV Utilities and Hookups

  • Dump station on site
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

33 Sites Available

Site
Price
β›Ί 002, Loop: LAKESIDE LOOP
8 guests Β· Campfire Β· Pet Friendly
Price not available
β›Ί 003, Loop: LAKESIDE LOOP
8 guests Β· Campfire Β· Pet Friendly
Price not available
β›Ί 004, Loop: LAKESIDE LOOP
8 guests Β· Campfire Β· Pet Friendly
Price not available
β›Ί 006, Loop: LAKESIDE LOOP
8 guests Β· Campfire Β· Pet Friendly
Price not available
β›Ί 008, Loop: LAKESIDE LOOP
8 guests Β· Campfire Β· Pet Friendly
Price not available
β›Ί 010, Loop: LAKESIDE LOOP
8 guests Β· Campfire Β· Pet Friendly
Price not available
β›Ί 012, Loop: FS 520
8 guests Β· Campfire Β· Pet Friendly
Price not available
🚐 015, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
30 Amp Β· Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 016, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
30 Amp Β· Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 017, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
30 Amp Β· Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 018, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
30 Amp Β· Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 019, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
30 Amp Β· Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 021, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
30 Amp Β· Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 024, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
30 Amp Β· Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 027, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
30 Amp Β· Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 028, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
30 Amp Β· Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 030, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
30 Amp Β· Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 033, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
30 Amp Β· Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 034, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
30 Amp Β· Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 035, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
30 Amp Β· Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 036, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
30 Amp Β· Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 037, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
30 Amp Β· Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 038, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
30 Amp Β· Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 039, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
30 Amp Β· Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 040, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
30 Amp Β· Water & Electric
Price not available
β›Ί 042, Loop: LOBLOLLY LOOP
8 guests Β· Campfire Β· Pet Friendly
Price not available
β›Ί 044, Loop: LOBLOLLY LOOP
8 guests Β· Campfire Β· Pet Friendly
Price not available
β›Ί 046, Loop: LOBLOLLY LOOP
8 guests Β· Campfire Β· Pet Friendly
Price not available
β›Ί 047, Loop: LOBLOLLY LOOP
8 guests Β· Campfire Β· Pet Friendly
Price not available
β›Ί 050, Loop: LOBLOLLY LOOP
8 guests Β· Campfire Β· Pet Friendly
Price not available
β›Ί A Group, Loop: LAKESIDE LOOP
10 guests Β· Campfire Β· Pet Friendly
Price not available
β›Ί B Group, Loop: LOBLOLLY LOOP
10 guests Β· Pet Friendly
Price not available
β›Ί C Group, Loop: Sawmill
10 guests Β· Pet Friendly
Price not available

Reviews (891)

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
891 reviews
5
69.2%
617
4
20.4%
182
3
6.5%
58
2
2.5%
22
1
1.3%
12

silvia j

Verified

October 12, 2024 β€’ Stayed at: 012, Loop: FS 520

4

wonderful quiet spot. large campsites.

Toy P

Verified

October 6, 2024 β€’ Stayed at: 015, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP

5

Ratcliff Lake is a great camping experience. If you want to get away from it all, this is the place. We stayed in our 27' travel trailer in campsite 15, which had water and electric. It was long enough to accommodate bigger rigs as well. It was somewhat unlevel, but not terribly so. Some of the campsites do not have water and electric or the water spigot is quite a distance from the campsite. We enjoyed our stay, as always.

Barbara S

Verified

October 6, 2024 β€’ Stayed at: 039, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP

5

I love the water-only sites because they are so spacious. The hosts were welcoming and were ready to help with anything. The peace and quiet was just what I needed.

Toy P

Verified

October 6, 2024 β€’ Stayed at: 015, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP

5

Ratcliff Lake is a great camping experience. If you want to get away from it all, this is the place. We stayed in our 27' travel trailer in campsite 15, which had water and electric. It was long enough to accommodate bigger rigs as well. It was somewhat unlevel, but not terribly so. Some of the campsites do not have water and electric or the water spigot is quite a distance from the campsite. We enjoyed our stay, as always.

Barbara S

Verified

October 6, 2024 β€’ Stayed at: 039, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP

5

I love the water-only sites because they are so spacious. The hosts were welcoming and were ready to help with anything. The peace and quiet was just what I needed.

Chase M

Verified

July 8, 2024 β€’ Stayed at: 027, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP

5

We stayed in spot 27 overnight. Good site and eat to back into with our 32’ fifth wheel. Site had 30A power but water was across the road. About 100’ of hose was needed to supply water. Otherwise it’s a great place. Low traffic and quiet. Has a trail called the Tall Pines trail and it’s close to a two mile trek in the woods of Davy Crocket National Forrest. Would visit again!

Chase M

Verified

July 8, 2024 β€’ Stayed at: 027, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP

5

We stayed in spot 27 overnight. Good site and eat to back into with our 32’ fifth wheel. Site had 30A power but water was across the road. About 100’ of hose was needed to supply water. Otherwise it’s a great place. Low traffic and quiet. Has a trail called the Tall Pines trail and it’s close to a two mile trek in the woods of Davy Crocket National Forrest. Would visit again!

Chuck R

Verified

June 5, 2024 β€’ Stayed at: 033, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP

4

Stayed here for one night, mid-week, terrible weather. Camp host was great, called me and explained current conditions. Nice campground, lots of space between camping spots. Bath house was very clean, four individual rooms each with own shower, sink, and toilet. Short walk to lake, which I didn't visit.
Would definitely recommend.

Chuck R

Verified

June 5, 2024 β€’ Stayed at: 033, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP

4

Stayed here for one night, mid-week, terrible weather. Camp host was great, called me and explained current conditions. Nice campground, lots of space between camping spots. Bath house was very clean, four individual rooms each with own shower, sink, and toilet. Short walk to lake, which I didn't visit.
Would definitely recommend.

Norman R

Verified

May 22, 2024 β€’ Stayed at: 035, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP

4

Because of the recent torrential rains, we nearly had the RV potion to ourselves.

The camp hosts bent over backwards to insure that our stay was pleasant!!!

Location Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area

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

Highway access

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.

Latitude & Longitude: 31.3883 / -95.155

Elevation: 100 feet

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.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: June 4, 2026

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Managed by USDA Forest Service