Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area

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

Sites & Rates

Average nightly rates

33 total sites

RV Sites

18 sites

Tent Sites

15 sites

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? Let us know

Rates, Sites & Availability

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

33 Sites Available

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

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.

Review Summary

4.5
916 reviews
5
69.1%
633
4
20.5%
188
3
6.6%
60
2
2.4%
22
1
1.4%
13

john c

Verified

April 19, 2024 Stayed at: 019, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP

5

quite with a clean bath house. the pad area's could use a periodic sweeping but overall very nice

Michael J

Verified

April 17, 2024 Stayed at: 040, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP

3

Lovely location but the slick, moss covered timbers left me with a fractured arm!

Michael J

Verified

April 17, 2024 Stayed at: 040, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP

3

Lovely location but the slick, moss covered timbers left me with a fractured arm!

Douglas R

Verified

April 4, 2024 Stayed at: 040, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP

5

Spent 3 nights Sun - Weds in late March in the Dogwood Loop with electric and water hookups. Although the campground is old and could use some road work and campsite repairs, the sites are spacious and level and afford nice privacy in nature. Bath house is clean and showers were excellent. The lake is perfect size for kayaking and gets decent fishing action. Perfect weather and no crowds; I couldn't have asked for anything more. This was a focal stop on my monthlong spring RV trip and I will be making it part of my future trips. And for full disclosure my last name is Ratcliffe, I'll excuse the misspelling.

Douglas R

Verified

April 4, 2024 Stayed at: 040, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP

5

Spent 3 nights Sun - Weds in late March in the Dogwood Loop with electric and water hookups. Although the campground is old and could use some road work and campsite repairs, the sites are spacious and level and afford nice privacy in nature. Bath house is clean and showers were excellent. The lake is perfect size for kayaking and gets decent fishing action. Perfect weather and no crowds; I couldn't have asked for anything more. This was a focal stop on my monthlong spring RV trip and I will be making it part of my future trips. And for full disclosure my last name is Ratcliffe, I'll excuse the misspelling.

Dan B

Verified

April 3, 2024 Stayed at: 015, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP

4

Quiet campground. Lots of space between sites for ample privacy. Bath house was exceptionally clean and private rooms. Nice lake with a very large and well kept up recreation area

Dan B

Verified

April 3, 2024 Stayed at: 015, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP

4

Quiet campground. Lots of space between sites for ample privacy. Bath house was exceptionally clean and private rooms. Nice lake with a very large and well kept up recreation area

Karina V

Verified

April 1, 2024 Stayed at: 002, Loop: LAKESIDE LOOP

5

Our RATCLIFF stay was great. The scenery was beautiful. Our stay was late March and the weather was amazing. The lake is good to fish in but the water didn’t not seem very adequate to swim in (we did not allow our children to get in the water). Overall the fishing and hikes were great! We would definitely go back.

Karina V

Verified

April 1, 2024 Stayed at: 003, Loop: LAKESIDE LOOP

5

Our RATCLIFF stay was great. The scenery was beautiful. Our stay was late March and the weather was amazing. The lake is good to fish in but the water didn’t not seem very adequate to swim in (we did not allow our children to get in the water). Overall the fishing and hikes were great! We would definitely go back.

Karina V

Verified

April 1, 2024 Stayed at: 002, Loop: LAKESIDE LOOP

5

Our RATCLIFF stay was great. The scenery was beautiful. Our stay was late March and the weather was amazing. The lake is good to fish in but the water didn’t not seem very adequate to swim in (we did not allow our children to get in the water). Overall the fishing and hikes were great! We would definitely go back.

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.

Elevation: 100 feet

Distance to downtown

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.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: September 7, 2026

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Managed by USDA Forest Service