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

Tom N

November 10, 2020

4

Very peaceful and quite

Samantha C

Verified

November 9, 2020 Stayed at: 040, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP

5

Had a wonderful time camping at Ratcliff Lake with our family! The sites are nice and big with plenty of room for the kids to play. The bathrooms were clean and well maintained too. Next time we come we will have to bring our bikes!

Peggy P

Verified

November 4, 2020 Stayed at: 042, Loop: LOBLOLLY LOOP

5

Really enjoyed my camping/hiking trip to Ratcliff. The campsites in Loblolly Loop are spacious and well maintained as are the restrooms. All in all, a very enjoyable trip!

Patrick M

Verified

November 3, 2020 Stayed at: 040, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP

5

Not much privacy. Nice woodsy setting. Good bathhouse. Very nice well maintained park.

David L

Verified

November 3, 2020 Stayed at: 040, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP

4

We arrived on a cool misty Sunday afternoon, so it was super quiet. We did a lot of walking with our dogs. We walked the blue trail once. The one thing that caught me off guard was the amount of ticks we found on our dogs after that walk. It was CRAZY!

Kristy S

November 1, 2020

5

We live over 3 hours away from this park, but it is well worth the drive. It is absolutely beautiful! The campsites are very spaceous. We will definitely come back!

Monica M

Verified

October 31, 2020 Stayed at: 018, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP

5

We camp at Ratcliff Recreation Area once or twice each year and really love October. The trails are a wonderful experience and full of nature scenes. I wish for more places to just sit and absorb the area, but that might destroy some of the natural feel.
We look forward to each visit with yearning for the peace and tranquility.

Paul M

October 30, 2020

5

Ratcliff recreation area park is a very quiet peaceful park that offers nice camping, clean showers, and bathroom accommodations.
We enjoyed the hiking trails and the beautiful serene camp site setting the park offers.
We will definitely visit this park again.

John R

October 29, 2020

5

First time at Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area and found a great place to get away and relax. Campsites were large and well shaded, as well as having level pads. Enjoyed the hiking trails and lake. Will plan trips here again. Bathhouses were as clean as i have seen.

Lorrel L

Verified

October 25, 2020 Stayed at: 050, Loop: LOBLOLLY LOOP

5

Loved our trip to Ratcliff Lake. It was incredibly easy to book online and get to. Once there, signage was clear and we had no trouble finding our loop and campsite. The campgrounds, trails and bathrooms were kept very clean. Campers and hikers were courteous and we didn’t have any noise complaints. Happy with the distance between campsites. Trails were short and easy (we didn’t take the 4C) so if your looking for a nice leisurely stroll with the kids, this is a great location. Enjoyed the multiple observation points (with seating) throughout the trails with pictures and descriptions of wildlife to watch for. We will be returning regularly!

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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