OutReserve

Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area

18551 State Highway 7 East, Kennard, Texas, United States

Ratcliff Lake View
Ratcliff Recreation Area
Ratcliff Recreation Area
RATCLIFF LAKE RECREATION AREA
Ratcliff Recreation Area

About Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area

Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area was built in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It surrounds a picturesque 45-acre lake that was once a log pond and a source of water for the Central Coal and Coke Company sawmill which operated from 1902 to 1920. The facility is open year-round and includes a large campground, picnic areas, a reservable amphitheater, a swim area and many opportunities for outdoor recreation. Camping is available year-round. The Davy Crockett National Forest, named for the legendary pioneer, contains more than 160,000 acres of East Texas woodlands, streams, recreation areas and wildlife habitat. Located in Houston and Trinity Counties, the forest is centrally located within the Neches and Trinity River basins.

Number of accommodations: 33

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Open year round

This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.

365 Days

Campground Amenities

RV Utilities and Hookups

RV Utilities and Hookups

  • Dump station on site
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

33 Sites Available

Site
Price
⛺ 002, Loop: LAKESIDE LOOP
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ 003, Loop: LAKESIDE LOOP
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ 004, Loop: LAKESIDE LOOP
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ 006, Loop: LAKESIDE LOOP
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ 008, Loop: LAKESIDE LOOP
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ 010, Loop: LAKESIDE LOOP
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ 012, Loop: FS 520
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
🚐 015, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
30 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 016, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
30 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 017, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
30 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 018, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
30 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 019, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
30 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 021, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
30 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 024, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
30 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 027, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
30 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 028, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
30 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 030, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
30 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 033, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
30 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 034, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
30 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 035, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
30 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 036, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
30 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 037, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
30 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 038, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
30 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 039, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
30 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 040, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP
30 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
⛺ 042, Loop: LOBLOLLY LOOP
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ 044, Loop: LOBLOLLY LOOP
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ 046, Loop: LOBLOLLY LOOP
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ 047, Loop: LOBLOLLY LOOP
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ 050, Loop: LOBLOLLY LOOP
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ A Group, Loop: LAKESIDE LOOP
10 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ B Group, Loop: LOBLOLLY LOOP
10 guests · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ C Group, Loop: Sawmill
10 guests · Pet Friendly
Price not available

Reviews (891)

Verified Only

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

4.5
891 reviews
5
69.2%
617
4
20.4%
182
3
6.5%
58
2
2.5%
22
1
1.3%
12

James R

Verified

January 7, 2020 • Stayed at: 040, Loop: DOGWOOD LOOP

5

Enjoyed our trip. TV reception is limited. Like this site.

Location Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area

Address:
18551 State Highway 7 East
Kennard, TX, 75487
United States

Highway access

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

Map of Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area location at Kennard, TX, United States
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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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Nearby destinations

Kennard
Apple Springs
Crockett

Last updated: June 4, 2026

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Managed by USDA Forest Service