About Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area
Number of accommodations: 33
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Open year round
This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.
Campground Amenities
RV Utilities and Hookups
- Dump station on site
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Rates, Sites & Availability
33 Sites Available
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Site Details
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33 Sites Available
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
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.
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
Casey W
VerifiedJanuary 9, 2021 • Stayed at: 021, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
Beautiful, quiet, clean facilities, clean camp ground, hike was nice!!
Bethany H
VerifiedJanuary 6, 2021 • Stayed at: 010, Loop: LAKESIDE LOOP
Loved our time here! Beautiful sites with lots of trees. Bathrooms were pretty clean. Trails were all really nice. Incredibly peaceful location!
Bethany H
VerifiedJanuary 6, 2021 • Stayed at: 010, Loop: LAKESIDE LOOP
Loved our time here! Beautiful sites with lots of trees. Bathrooms were pretty clean. Trails were all really nice. Incredibly peaceful location!
Kristin H
January 2, 2021
Very spacious spots, some spots don’t have water, so just pay attention to that. Trails are very well maintained, beautiful hikes for all levels. Will absolutely return.
Kristin H
January 2, 2021
Very spacious spots, some spots don’t have water, so just pay attention to that. Trails are very well maintained, beautiful hikes for all levels. Will absolutely return.
Cody S
VerifiedDecember 31, 2020 • Stayed at: 040, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
Great location for hiking and relaxing near the lake. Campsites are far apart and very spacious.
Cody S
VerifiedDecember 31, 2020 • Stayed at: 040, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
Great location for hiking and relaxing near the lake. Campsites are far apart and very spacious.
John H
VerifiedDecember 30, 2020 • Stayed at: 038, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
Mostly quiet area within pleasant forest setting and varied fauna.
Thomas C
VerifiedDecember 30, 2020 • Stayed at: 016, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
Nice campground with plenty of space between sites. Hosts were visible and helpful. Many tall trees and lots of grassy area behind campsites. Trails were well maintained and, while not a great reason to go there, were still enjoyable. The recreation area is maintained as a natural area, so fallen trees are left to decompose to the benefit of the critters that live in these woods which gives it a bit of a wild feel.
John H
VerifiedDecember 30, 2020 • Stayed at: 038, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
Mostly quiet area within pleasant forest setting and varied fauna.
Location Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area
Address:
18551 State Highway 7 East
Kennard, TX, 75487
United States
From Crockett, take State Highway 7 east for 15 miles. The recreation area is on the left between the towns of Ratcliff and Kennard.
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.
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Last updated: June 4, 2026
