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
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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
Abel G
December 18, 2020
Nicely wooded area, spacious, friendly service when we arrived and a short trail loop behind the campground. Close to highway 7, with easy access and a bit of road noise. Thanks -
michael R
VerifiedDecember 17, 2020 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: LAKESIDE LOOP
Trying out my new tent that attaches to my SUV. Got to site in the rain and began to set up. Thoroughly soaked, but content to be done, I laid back to rest. I was then approached by a park host who told me that I would have to move my car. My tent being attached would make this very difficult so I pleaded with him. He informed me this was some sort of sacred, protected site and that where I parked was unacceptable. There was no other way I could set my tent up to where my suv was not very near. Who puts a camping site on a sacred burial site anyway??? I was offered an alternate site but as it was now getting dark AND raining, I declined. Not a very good experience. I would neither go back or recommend this place
michael R
VerifiedDecember 17, 2020 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: LAKESIDE LOOP
Trying out my new tent that attaches to my SUV. Got to site in the rain and began to set up. Thoroughly soaked, but content to be done, I laid back to rest. I was then approached by a park host who told me that I would have to move my car. My tent being attached would make this very difficult so I pleaded with him. He informed me this was some sort of sacred, protected site and that where I parked was unacceptable. There was no other way I could set my tent up to where my suv was not very near. Who puts a camping site on a sacred burial site anyway??? I was offered an alternate site but as it was now getting dark AND raining, I declined. Not a very good experience. I would neither go back or recommend this place
Billy B
VerifiedDecember 15, 2020 • Stayed at: 040, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
We enjoyed our stay. Ratcliff Lake is a beautiful park with lots of trees. Restrooms are clean and showers are hot. The hiking trail is pretty and easy to walk on. We found the campground hosts to be friendly and fun to chat with.
Billy B
VerifiedDecember 15, 2020 • Stayed at: 040, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
We enjoyed our stay. Ratcliff Lake is a beautiful park with lots of trees. Restrooms are clean and showers are hot. The hiking trail is pretty and easy to walk on. We found the campground hosts to be friendly and fun to chat with.
Ricky C
VerifiedDecember 9, 2020 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: FS 520
Beautiful camping area. My only complaint is the water in the shower is barely warm. It was 26 degrees out side that shit needs to be hot enough to steam up the room so you can tolerate the cold. But my over all experience was great.
Ricky C
VerifiedDecember 9, 2020 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: FS 520
Beautiful camping area. My only complaint is the water in the shower is barely warm. It was 26 degrees out side that shit needs to be hot enough to steam up the room so you can tolerate the cold. But my over all experience was great.
Manuel C
VerifiedDecember 7, 2020 • Stayed at: 033, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
Enjoyed walking trails, bike riding, being able to take a good shower. Just overall a very good experience.
Manuel C
VerifiedDecember 7, 2020 • Stayed at: 033, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
Enjoyed walking trails, bike riding, being able to take a good shower. Just overall a very good experience.
Gwen R
VerifiedDecember 6, 2020 • Stayed at: 035, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
We love that the sites on the Dogwood Loop are large and have a big open area in the middle, so you don't feel like you're right on top of your neighbors.
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
