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
Phillip H
VerifiedJune 19, 2020 • Stayed at: 019, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
We camped here from June 8 through 12th. There were only about 10 campsites being used. Ratcliff had been closed and not taking reservations, but opened for camping the last two or three days of May. Those with existing reservations could camp plus any new reservations. Only the Dogwood RV camping loop ( Electric and water) opened. It was my understanding that only RVs were able to camp but we noticed several sites were occupied by tents. There was no camp host and we didn't see a Park Ranger or anyone connected with the Forest Service. Perhaps if there had been someone from NFS on site, the tents would not have been used. We really enjoyed the spacing of camp sites. It seemed that campsites were 50 yards apart. The campsites are in fair condition but the drive and parking location are asphalt with chunks of asphalt missing.
The area is beautiful with thick forests and Lake Ratcliff. It was disappointing that the concessions were not open, we would have liked to have rented a canoe or kayak. It may sound like I'm unhappy but I'm not. It was quiet and relaxing and beautiful natural areas. We would like to come again when things are running normally.
Diana Y
VerifiedMay 14, 2020 • Stayed at: 047, Loop: LOBLOLLY LOOP
We enjoyed our stay, we go every year. The place is well kept and i love how they clear the areas around each site.
Diana Y
VerifiedMay 14, 2020 • Stayed at: 047, Loop: LOBLOLLY LOOP
We enjoyed our stay, we go every year. The place is well kept and i love how they clear the areas around each site.
Ray D
VerifiedMarch 22, 2020 • Stayed at: 034, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
Sites are very large, and well separated. Nice combo of campers and RV'rs. The lake has a couple of docks to fish from. Shoreline fishing requires hip waders or more. We have a large Class C, and Google maps brings you in to the park through some fair condition roads. We took SR 7 West to I-45, on the way home. Much better route. Several activities within easy drive from site.
Ray D
VerifiedMarch 22, 2020 • Stayed at: 034, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
Sites are very large, and well separated. Nice combo of campers and RV'rs. The lake has a couple of docks to fish from. Shoreline fishing requires hip waders or more. We have a large Class C, and Google maps brings you in to the park through some fair condition roads. We took SR 7 West to I-45, on the way home. Much better route. Several activities within easy drive from site.
Matthew C
VerifiedMarch 19, 2020 • Stayed at: 015, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
Enjoyed a nice quiet stay
Matthew C
VerifiedMarch 19, 2020 • Stayed at: 015, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
Enjoyed a nice quiet stay
Jason V
VerifiedJanuary 30, 2020 • Stayed at: 021, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
Every time somebody would pull up to visit they would be just a tiny bit just had like one side just barely touching off the road the caretaker would come out and complain. I can understand if we were drunk and being loud but we don't even drink. P.S. Probably will not come back to Ratclif Lake it's sad because when i was a kid i remember have so much fun.
Francis P
VerifiedJanuary 30, 2020 • Stayed at: 027, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
Love this place!
Jason V
VerifiedJanuary 30, 2020 • Stayed at: 021, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
Every time somebody would pull up to visit they would be just a tiny bit just had like one side just barely touching off the road the caretaker would come out and complain. I can understand if we were drunk and being loud but we don't even drink. P.S. Probably will not come back to Ratclif Lake it's sad because when i was a kid i remember have so much fun.
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
