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
John R
October 29, 2020
First time at Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area and found a great place to get away and relax. Campsites were large and well shaded, as well as having level pads. Enjoyed the hiking trails and lake. Will plan trips here again. Bathhouses were as clean as i have seen.
Lorrel L
VerifiedOctober 25, 2020 • Stayed at: 050, Loop: LOBLOLLY LOOP
Loved our trip to Ratcliff Lake. It was incredibly easy to book online and get to. Once there, signage was clear and we had no trouble finding our loop and campsite. The campgrounds, trails and bathrooms were kept very clean. Campers and hikers were courteous and we didn’t have any noise complaints. Happy with the distance between campsites. Trails were short and easy (we didn’t take the 4C) so if your looking for a nice leisurely stroll with the kids, this is a great location. Enjoyed the multiple observation points (with seating) throughout the trails with pictures and descriptions of wildlife to watch for. We will be returning regularly!
Lorrel L
VerifiedOctober 25, 2020 • Stayed at: 050, Loop: LOBLOLLY LOOP
Loved our trip to Ratcliff Lake. It was incredibly easy to book online and get to. Once there, signage was clear and we had no trouble finding our loop and campsite. The campgrounds, trails and bathrooms were kept very clean. Campers and hikers were courteous and we didn’t have any noise complaints. Happy with the distance between campsites. Trails were short and easy (we didn’t take the 4C) so if your looking for a nice leisurely stroll with the kids, this is a great location. Enjoyed the multiple observation points (with seating) throughout the trails with pictures and descriptions of wildlife to watch for. We will be returning regularly!
Chris S
VerifiedOctober 21, 2020 • Stayed at: 040, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
Good clean accommodations. It did take a little bit of searching to find someone to help when we arrived and there was no power available to my site, but once someone was contacted the issue was addressed very quickly. Enjoyed the quiet, peaceful weekend.
Chris S
VerifiedOctober 21, 2020 • Stayed at: 040, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
Good clean accommodations. It did take a little bit of searching to find someone to help when we arrived and there was no power available to my site, but once someone was contacted the issue was addressed very quickly. Enjoyed the quiet, peaceful weekend.
Tammy W
VerifiedOctober 18, 2020 • Stayed at: 028, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
This is a beautiful campground. Very clean showers/ bathrooms, and room around your campsite. Small lake that is wonderful for fishing. Had a nice swimming area with beach area. Lots of hiking trails around. I would recommend this campground.
Tammy W
VerifiedOctober 18, 2020 • Stayed at: 028, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
This is a beautiful campground. Very clean showers/ bathrooms, and room around your campsite. Small lake that is wonderful for fishing. Had a nice swimming area with beach area. Lots of hiking trails around. I would recommend this campground.
Stephen E
VerifiedOctober 17, 2020 • Stayed at: 019, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
Clean Bathrooms, cleaned twice a day,due to covid.
Some sites do need maintenance.
All in all, this is a great place to bring the kids, and have a great time!
Stephen E
VerifiedOctober 17, 2020 • Stayed at: 019, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
Clean Bathrooms, cleaned twice a day,due to covid.
Some sites do need maintenance.
All in all, this is a great place to bring the kids, and have a great time!
Daniel L
VerifiedOctober 16, 2020 • Stayed at: 042, Loop: LOBLOLLY LOOP
Site was very large and peaceful. We spend two nights at Mission Tejas State Park prior to switching campsites. Lake Ratcliff needs a better name, but it is beautiful and spread out in comparison to Mission Tejas. Both are beautiful, but Lake Ratcliff was a dramatically less crowded and the vibe was a bit more chill. Also the bathhouse was exceptionally clean well maintained.
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
