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Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area
FSU.S. Forest Service — KENNARD · Texas · National Forests and Grasslands in Texas
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | National Forests and Grasslands in Texas |
| Location | KENNARD · Texas · National Forests and Grasslands in Texas · 31.38833, -95.15500 · Map |
| Sites | 58 public sites counted from the federal listing — 27 tent only nonelectric; 25 standard electric; 3 group shelter electric; 3 group tent only area nonelectric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 30 of 58 sites (up to 30 amp where reported) Water hookups at 15 of 58 sites Sewer hookups at 1 of 58 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 1 of 58 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 60 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 42 sites · 30 ft: 42 sites · 35 ft: 41 sites · 40 ft: 32 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Standard Electric sites: Add $5.00 / night electical hookup fee |
| Check-in / out | In 2:00 PM · Out 12:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 59 sites, as reported |
| Accessibility | N |
| Phone | 936-655-2299 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-02-25.
From the official listing
Overview 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. Recreation Swimming, fishing, hunting, hiking and picnicking are the area's main activities. The designated swimming area and playground provides much fun for the kids (no lifeguard on duty). Fishing piers are available for anglers to try for largemouth bass, bream and channel/blue catfish. Only electric motors are allowed on the lake. Principal game for hunting on the national forest includes squirrel, deer, quail, dove, turkey and waterfowl. Three main hiking trails can be accessed from the facility: the 1.5-mile Tall Pines, 0.75-mile Trail Tamers and the 20-mile Four C, which winds through many types of forests to a scenic overlook. Learn more about recreation in the national forest.
Facilities Ratcliff Lake has 56 campsites, both first-come, first-served and reservable. Campsites in Dogwood Loop have electrical hookups and can accommodate vehicles up to 50 ft. Flush toilets, hot and cold showers and trash bins are also provided. Two picnic shelters and an amphitheater are also reservable.
The day-use area has 17 single family picnicking units, a swimming area, flush toilets, two wooden fishing piers, one earthen pier, one fishing platform and a boat ramp. Natural Features The campground is heavily forested with loblolly pine, oak and other hardwoods, and surrounds Ratcliff Lake. A wide variety of wildlife exists in the area, including the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. Nearby Attractions The Big Slough Wilderness Area, located along the Neches River about five miles north of Ratcliff, is free of modern development and gives the visitor a place for solitude and primitive experiences.
Directions, from the listing
From Crockett, take State Highway 7 east for 15 miles. The recreation area is on the left between the towns of Ratcliff and Kennard.
Nearest federal campgrounds
45 mi straight-line · JASPER TexasFSU.S. Forest ServiceTownsend
50 mi straight-line · TexasFSU.S. Forest ServiceCaney Creek
56 mi straight-line · TexasFSU.S. Forest ServiceBoykin Springs Camping
57 mi straight-line · TexasFSU.S. Forest ServiceBoykin Springs Pavilion
57 mi straight-line · ZAVALLA Texas
Trip Card — Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area
KENNARD · Texas · National Forests and Grasslands in Texas
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | KENNARD · Texas · National Forests and Grasslands in Texas |
| Fees | Standard Electric sites: Add $5.00 / night electical hookup fee |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | Electric at 30 · full hookups at 1 |
| Max RV | Up to 60 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 58 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234362 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.