Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area

We camped in a tent on the Loblolly Loop and really enjoyed ourselves. The campsite was well tended (no trash, etc.) and I was impressed by how clean the bathrooms were. We also enjoyed hiking on the trails during the day. We would love to come back to camp and hike again.

Great little campground! Tall pines and many other trees, great trails, and a great little lake that you can fish or boat on (electric motors or paddle only). They also have a nice swimming area with very clean bath houses. Parks restrooms were cleaned daily. Did have a 30 amp power issue when we got hooked up, 20 amp worked but had to watch what we ran. When park attendant came assertions we told her and she called someone and had it fixed in no time! Will keep this on the return to list for sure!!!

We had so much fun, the park was practically empty during the week and we could ride our bikes all over and walk in the beautiful forest. So many really beautiful woodpeckers everywhere. Only downfall, we were afraid to swim due to a alligator notice posted near the swimming area! We will return, hopping for the same quiet and tranquility.

What a beautiful area, we kept forgetting we were in Texas! Area is well kept with Rangers driving around daily. Will definitely be coming back often! Awesome shade lots of nature around so bring plenty of bug spray.

Campsite had the RSVP tag when we arrived, site was clean. The guy who changes out the trash in the bins each morning was very friendly and helpful.

Nice shady park. Water is not necessarily at the site so bring a long hose. Maybe revisit your pet policy. Pit bull across the road barked most of the time we were there. Would stay again.

We loved this site! Lots of room for us and our dogs.

We camped here from June 8 through 12th. There were only about 10 campsites being used. Ratcliff had been closed and not taking reservations, but opened for camping the last two or three days of May. Those with existing reservations could camp plus any new reservations. Only the Dogwood RV camping loop ( Electric and water) opened. It was my understanding that only RVs were able to camp but we noticed several sites were occupied by tents. There was no camp host and we didn't see a Park Ranger or anyone connected with the Forest Service. Perhaps if there had been someone from NFS on site, the tents would not have been used. We really enjoyed the spacing of camp sites. It seemed that campsites were 50 yards apart. The campsites are in fair condition but the drive and parking location are asphalt with chunks of asphalt missing.

The area is beautiful with thick forests and Lake Ratcliff. It was disappointing that the concessions were not open, we would have liked to have rented a canoe or kayak. It may sound like I'm unhappy but I'm not. It was quiet and relaxing and beautiful natural areas. We would like to come again when things are running normally.

We enjoyed our stay, we go every year. The place is well kept and i love how they clear the areas around each site.