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

Camela B

October 9, 2021

5

Great time had by all! The facility was very accommodating and clean. We couldn't have asked for a better place to relax and enjoy family! We look forward to our next visit.

Stacie H

Verified

October 4, 2021 Stayed at: 033, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP

5

This is a BEAUTIFUL location. Grounds are well kept, sites are very large. Guests were very well behaved. The swimming are is especially nice with the sandy bottom and steps leading into the water. We can't wait to stay here again!!

Stacie H

Verified

October 4, 2021 Stayed at: 033, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP

5

This is a BEAUTIFUL location. Grounds are well kept, sites are very large. Guests were very well behaved. The swimming are is especially nice with the sandy bottom and steps leading into the water. We can't wait to stay here again!!

Johnie C

Verified

September 26, 2021 Stayed at: B Group, Loop: LOBLOLLY LOOP

5

Had a real good time. Kids swam. Everyone kayaked. Caught bass, catfish and perch. Bathrooms were very clean. Stayed 2 nights. Definitely will return.

Johnie C

Verified

September 26, 2021 Stayed at: B Group, Loop: LOBLOLLY LOOP

5

Had a real good time. Kids swam. Everyone kayaked. Caught bass, catfish and perch. Bathrooms were very clean. Stayed 2 nights. Definitely will return.

irene r

Verified

September 13, 2021 Stayed at: 033, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP

5

This is a fabulous campground. full of tall pine trees, much space between camp sites. Very clean from the trails to beach to bathrooms. It is very well kept up. We biked, swam, and kayaked. We passed on hiking due to the heat. We launched our kayaks at the swim beach and such soft sand on the feet. The whole experience was wonderful. We met so many campers all enjoying the outdoors. I was impressed with the garbage bins. They use very heavy bags and it was cleaned daily. No overflowing bins and no garage outside of the bins. We highly recommend Ratcliff and we will be back. Thank you for taking such good care and making our trip a complete joy. Job well done!!!!

irene r

Verified

September 13, 2021 Stayed at: 033, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP

5

This is a fabulous campground. full of tall pine trees, much space between camp sites. Very clean from the trails to beach to bathrooms. It is very well kept up. We biked, swam, and kayaked. We passed on hiking due to the heat. We launched our kayaks at the swim beach and such soft sand on the feet. The whole experience was wonderful. We met so many campers all enjoying the outdoors. I was impressed with the garbage bins. They use very heavy bags and it was cleaned daily. No overflowing bins and no garage outside of the bins. We highly recommend Ratcliff and we will be back. Thank you for taking such good care and making our trip a complete joy. Job well done!!!!

Kevin H

Verified

August 28, 2021 Stayed at: 027, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP

5

The facilities were great and the campground was perfect for a great weekend getaway

Kevin H

Verified

August 28, 2021 Stayed at: 027, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP

5

The facilities were great and the campground was perfect for a great weekend getaway

John H

Verified

August 20, 2021 Stayed at: 036, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP

4

An exceptional balance between the natural environment and park features that enable camping (in my case RV camping). A heavily forested park surrounding an attractive lake.

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