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
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.
Ashley K
December 29, 2020
This was a nice place to camp with great scenery. The only downside is that there is not much to do after several days. I was hoping there would be a place to obtain firewood since the park website specifically noted not to bring from outside the area. My family and I had to go search for some since it wasn’t available. Overall we had a great time and would consider coming back.
Sebastian G
VerifiedDecember 29, 2020 • Stayed at: 028, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
The place was very well maintained. We went in December and the place was beautiful. Perfect weather in the evenings and really cold in the 30s during the middle of the night. Restrooms/showers were always cleaned daily. I will definitely
return!
Ashley K
December 29, 2020
This was a nice place to camp with great scenery. The only downside is that there is not much to do after several days. I was hoping there would be a place to obtain firewood since the park website specifically noted not to bring from outside the area. My family and I had to go search for some since it wasn’t available. Overall we had a great time and would consider coming back.
Sebastian G
VerifiedDecember 29, 2020 • Stayed at: 028, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
The place was very well maintained. We went in December and the place was beautiful. Perfect weather in the evenings and really cold in the 30s during the middle of the night. Restrooms/showers were always cleaned daily. I will definitely
return!
Kimberly H
VerifiedDecember 27, 2020 • Stayed at: 038, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
Was clean and quite as always! Friendly people throughout the camp sites.
Arthur G
December 27, 2020
Great site. Super Hosts!
Enjoyed even with heavy rain
Kimberly H
VerifiedDecember 27, 2020 • Stayed at: 038, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
Was clean and quite as always! Friendly people throughout the camp sites.
Arthur G
December 27, 2020
Great site. Super Hosts!
Enjoyed even with heavy rain
Brenda M
December 24, 2020
Restroom and shower facilities were exceptionally clean. They had recently experienced a water line break so the water was a bit brownish.
Nice area. It has become our go-to place for a close by getaway!.
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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: June 4, 2026
