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
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.
Elizabeth T
VerifiedDecember 4, 2020 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: FS 520
Great space, beautiful area!
Elizabeth T
VerifiedDecember 4, 2020 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: FS 520
Great space, beautiful area!
Michael W
December 3, 2020
Very nice camp ground, close to the lake and hiking trail. Camp sights are very spread out, you are not stacked on top of each other. The bathroom and showers are cleaned daily which is very nice. Great place to stay for Few days or a week.
Michael W
December 3, 2020
Very nice camp ground, close to the lake and hiking trail. Camp sights are very spread out, you are not stacked on top of each other. The bathroom and showers are cleaned daily which is very nice. Great place to stay for Few days or a week.
Glenn C
VerifiedDecember 2, 2020 • Stayed at: 040, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
Always have a great time at Ratcliff at my favorite site!!!
Royce B
VerifiedDecember 2, 2020 • Stayed at: 037, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
Great campsite. Well run, clean bathrooms (daily), camping spots are spaced out nicely with plenty of room between sites. Beautiful large mature pine trees offer plenty of shade. Hiking and fishing is easily accessed and fun for kids. The only real downside is the occasional truck road noise but over time it's not that noticeable.
I am spoiled having lived and camped in Utah for many years but for Texas camping, this is one of the best.
Ken H
VerifiedDecember 2, 2020 • Stayed at: 033, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
Sites could stand to be releveled and graveled.
Bathrooms were spotless. Grounds in great shape.
For those without reservations the fee post is to far from the campground.
Glenn C
VerifiedDecember 2, 2020 • Stayed at: 040, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
Always have a great time at Ratcliff at my favorite site!!!
Royce B
VerifiedDecember 2, 2020 • Stayed at: 037, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
Great campsite. Well run, clean bathrooms (daily), camping spots are spaced out nicely with plenty of room between sites. Beautiful large mature pine trees offer plenty of shade. Hiking and fishing is easily accessed and fun for kids. The only real downside is the occasional truck road noise but over time it's not that noticeable.
I am spoiled having lived and camped in Utah for many years but for Texas camping, this is one of the best.
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
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Last updated: June 4, 2026
