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

Leslie J

Verified

October 26, 2022 Stayed at: 017, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP

5

Park beautiful and clean as always, our favorite park which we love to call our home park. Great trails and beautiful forest, great roads for walking or riding bikes.

Tom N

Verified

October 23, 2022 Stayed at: 027, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP

4

The park is well maintained and put together. We loved the spacious sites and the abundance of trees. The trails were well-marked. It was unfortunate there was a burn-ban but we still enjoyed ourselves despite this shortcoming. Next time we will bring our canoe to enjoy the lake more directly. The park rangers and volunteers were kind and delightful.

William E

Verified

October 21, 2022 Stayed at: 015, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP

5

We love this campsite. Restrooms are the cleanest we've ever seen. Camp host is friendly and helpful. Peaceful spot to relax and enjoy the woods and hiking trails. We also enjoyed our trip to Lufkin to the Texas Forestry Museum.

Alexander K

Verified

October 16, 2022 Stayed at: 038, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP

5

Amazing cozy campground. Well maintained and plenty of space around.

Sandi M

Verified

October 12, 2022 Stayed at: 036, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP

5

Beautiful. Quiet campground

Eric R

Verified

October 9, 2022 Stayed at: 010, Loop: LAKESIDE LOOP

4

Great campsite with much to do: hike, fish, and relax. Bathrooms were decently maintained. The trail needs maintenance, particularly on the bridges. Next site to us was partying until 3am. Some sort of noise enforcement is encouraged, atleast a camp host contact phone number. However, overall I reommend for a trip to the forest.

Will B

Verified

October 5, 2022 Stayed at: 034, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP

4

Beautiful, generally quiet, low crowd campground. Staff and camp host are friendly and helpful. Nicely spaced sites with plenty of shade. Each site has a table and steel fire ring with grill bars. Dogwood loop is for RVs or tents. Each site has power and water access is generally available along the roads and at many individual sites. Bathroom/showers are adequate and fairly clean.

Tiffany W

Verified

September 25, 2022 Stayed at: 010, Loop: LAKESIDE LOOP

5

Beautiful and peaceful place to camp. We loved it.

Kathie C

Verified

September 24, 2022 Stayed at: 028, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP

3

Campsites are large but drives are not well-maintained. Quiet and peaceful except for highway noise. Close to home so we will try it again. Should note that not all sites have water hookups at that location. We had to use a 100’ hose for hookup.

Leslie J

Verified

September 17, 2022 Stayed at: 019, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP

5

We love Ratcliff, this is a secluded park that is well manicured always clean with some of the cleanest bathrooms around with hot showers. Nice swimming area but remember its a lake, two wooden fishing piers and wonderful hiking trails. Excellent paved roads great for bike riding with the kids. Reasonably priced with beautiful sites.

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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