Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area
4.69135 reviews18551 State Highway 7 East, KENNARD, TX 75487, USA
Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area
$15.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$20.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$30.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Facility rates vary by season and site type. Standard Electric: $20/night plus $5 for electric hookup; Tent-Only Non-Electric: $15/night; Group Shelter Electric: $35/night; Group Tent-Only Non-Electric: $30/night.
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of the Davy Crockett National Forest, Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area beckons visitors to experience the timeless beauty of East Texas. This 45-acre lake, embraced by towering pines and historic structures dating back to 1936, offers a perfect blend of natural serenity and outdoor adventure. Whether you're seeking a peaceful lakeside retreat at one of the reservable campsites or hoping to snag a first-come, first-served spot for spontaneous weekend getaways, this cherished recreation area provides an authentic taste of Texas forest camping. Anglers cast their lines from weathered fishing piers while families gather in shaded picnic areas, and hikers explore winding trails that tell the story of this remarkable landscape.
Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area accommodates various camping styles, including tent camping, RV sites, and group shelters. Sites are spacious and equipped with amenities like electricity and water hookups.
Historical SignificanceThe weathered stones and careful craftsmanship throughout Ratcliff Lake whisper tales of the Civilian Conservation Corps, whose young workers transformed this wilderness into a recreational haven during the Great Depression of 1936. Before their arrival, massive logs floated across these waters, feeding the hungry sawmill that operated here from 1902 to 1920—a chapter of Texas timber history that shaped the very forest you see today. Modern visitors can delve deeper into this heritage at the nearby Texas Forestry Museum, where the stories of loggers, conservationists, and the mighty pines themselves come alive through fascinating exhibits and artifacts.
Weather and SeasonsEast Texas reveals its moods through the seasons at Ratcliff Lake, where sultry summer days invite early morning paddles and refreshing swims, while gentle winters offer crisp air perfect for campfire conversations. The region's generous rainfall keeps the forest lush and the lake full, though visitors should come prepared for nature's unpredictable moments—from sudden summer thunderstorms that drum on tent roofs to those occasional winter nights when temperatures dip low enough to frost the pine needles. Spring and fall emerge as crowd favorites, painting the forest in wildflowers and autumn gold while offering ideal temperatures for outdoor exploration.
ElevationSituated in the gently rolling terrain characteristic of East Texas woodlands, Ratcliff Lake rests at an elevation that perfectly captures the region's subtropical charm. This modest height above sea level creates an environment where morning mists dance across the water's surface and afternoon breezes whisper through the pine canopy, offering comfortable camping conditions throughout most of the year.
Natural Features and SceneryA cathedral of towering loblolly pines and spreading oaks creates a natural sanctuary around Ratcliff Lake, where shafts of sunlight filter through the dense canopy to dapple the forest floor. This verdant haven serves as home to the remarkable red-cockaded woodpecker, an endangered species whose distinctive call and tree-cavity homes remind visitors of the forest's ecological importance. Despite the distant hum of Highway 7, the campground maintains a profound sense of tranquility—a place where the splash of jumping fish, the rustle of leaves, and the evening chorus of tree frogs create nature's own symphony.
Geological RegionRatcliff Lake lies within the vast embrace of the Davy Crockett National Forest, a 160,000-acre testament to the enduring beauty of East Texas woodlands. Carved by the ancient waters of the Neches and Trinity River basins, this landscape tells a geological story millions of years in the making. The sandy soils support magnificent forests dominated by loblolly pine and various oak species, creating a classic Southern forest ecosystem where prehistoric river terraces meet modern recreational paradise. This unique geological setting provides not just scenic beauty, but a living classroom where visitors can witness the intricate dance between water, soil, and forest that defines East Texas.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features include spacious campsites, level driveways, and accessible picnic areas. User reviews noted, "Plenty of space between campsites" and "Driveways were level and easy to back into."
Sites SizeSpacious sites accommodating RVs up to 50 feet with ample room for tents and vehicles.
Sites PrivacyWell-spaced campsites offering privacy; users found the campground quiet and secluded. Reviews such as "Nicely spaced lots feels very private" highlight this aspect.
Total Campsites56 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor privacy and lake views, choose tent sites in Lakeside Loop. Sites in Dogwood Loop are ideal for RVs with water and electricity hookups. Long hoses may be needed.
Best CampsitesUser reviews mention sites like 040, 036, and Lakeside Loop for good views and proximity to the lake.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
15:00
Check-out
11:00
Stay Limit
Limit of one RV unit or two tents per site.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Limit of 8 guests per site.
Groups
The group shelter area can accommodate multiple tents or RV setups. User reviews noted the spaciousness and accessibility of group sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampground divided into loops such as Dogwood, Lakeside, and Loblolly. Spaces are well-separated with options for tents and RVs.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. Peak season pricing applies from January 1 through December 31.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served sites are available, including Dogwood Loop.
Cancellation PolicyScan and Pay system: no refunds or modifications allowed for payments. Standard reservations canceled on the day before arrival incur a $10 cancellation fee and forfeit the first night's fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area provides various recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, and wildlife observation. The campground features a designated swimming area, three hiking trails, and fishing piers. Visitors can also engage in hunting within the Davy Crockett National Forest. User reviews highlight the enjoyable hiking trails and lake activities, with direct quotes such as "Great trails and beautiful forest" and "Fishing in the lake was relaxing."
Hiking
Three main hiking trails are available: the 1.5-mile Tall Pines Trail, the 0.75-mile Trail Tamers, and the 20-mile Four C Trail. Reviews frequently praise the trails for their scenic beauty and accessibility. One user commented, "The trails were well-marked and covered in soft pine needles," while another noted, "The 4-C Trail cuts through trees that are around 60-80 years old."Fishing
Fishing piers are available for anglers aiming to catch largemouth bass, bream, and channel/blue catfish. However, user reviews indicate mixed experiences, with one camper mentioning, "Fishing was not good at all," and another stating, "Caught several nice bass (1 to 3 lbs) in the lake."Swimming
The designated swimming area provides opportunities for water activities. While there is no lifeguard on duty, user reviews note that the swimming area is enjoyable for families.Biking
Though biking is permitted on paved roads within the campground, bicycles are not allowed on the trails. User reviews highlight the roads as suitable for casual cycling and family rides.Boating
The lake allows boating activities, but only non-motorized boats such as kayaks and canoes. One reviewer stated, "Kayak fishing was very relaxing," while another mentioned the difficulty of launching kayaks due to limited access points.Wildlife viewing
The campground is home to various wildlife, including the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. User reviews often highlight the abundance of songbirds and other forest creatures.Winter Activities
Winter camping is possible due to the year-round availability of facilities. User reviews suggest quieter stays during this time when the campground is less crowded.Water Sports
Kayaking and canoeing are popular activities at Ratcliff Lake. Reviews mention enjoyable experiences, such as "Easy in and out for kayak fishing."Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed except during burn bans. Firewood available for purchase nearby.
- Quiet hours enforced but specific timeframes not provided.
Hazards
General hazardsHighway noise is a common complaint. Some fish consumption advisories exist for the lake. Wildlife includes squirrels and deer.
Active alertsSeasonal burn bans may apply.
Weather forecast
94
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 28%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 8.9 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest hospital located in Lufkin, TX, about 30 miles away. Police services available in Kennard.
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1 through December 31.
Trash and recyclingTrash bins are provided throughout the campground. Recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Ratcliff Lake with fishing piers and a boat ramp. Swimming allowed in designated areas with no lifeguards.
Common complaintsComplaints include highway noise, shared water hookups requiring long hoses, and insufficient restroom facilities for volume of campers.
HostHosts are frequently praised for their friendliness and helpfulness. Reviewers mention park hosts Pat and Eileen Wright.
Campground Map
18551 State Highway 7 East, KENNARD, TX 75487, USA
Driving directionsFrom Crockett, take State Highway 7 east for 15 miles. The recreation area is on the left between the towns of Ratcliff and Kennard.
Accessible via State Highway 7. Roads are paved but reviews mention some parking pads and drives within the campground may be poorly maintained.Nearby places
Kennard (approximately 5 miles), Ratcliff (approximately 7 miles), Lufkin (approximately 30 miles)
Nearby supplies
Supplies available in nearby towns such as Kennard and Crockett, including groceries, firewood, and camping essentials.
Camper Reviews
4.7
135 reviews
Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, spaciousness, and natural beauty. Positive sentiments dominate, with frequent praise for the well-maintained facilities and peaceful environment. Complaints include noise from nearby Highway 7, water hookup distances, and occasional restroom shortages.
Review Summaries
Based on 135 reviews
What Campers Love
Key positive aspects include clean and spacious campsites, friendly staff, well-maintained trails, and a peaceful environment. User quotes such as "Extremely clean facilities" and "Restrooms are the...
Based on 135 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints involve noise from Highway 7, overcrowding in RV areas by tent campers, shared water hookups necessitating long hoses, and occasional shortages of toilet paper. Reviews include comments...
Based on 135 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Tips for visitors include bringing long water hoses for RVs, arriving early to secure first-come, first-served sites, and preparing for noise from Highway 7. Visitors also recommend exploring the...
Based on 135 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Winter reviews praise the quiet and less crowded conditions, while summer reviews highlight the swimming area and lake activities despite higher temperatures. Spring and fall are popular for hiking...
Based on 135 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. "Restrooms are the cleanest we've ever seen."
2. "The trails were well-marked and covered in soft pine needles."
3. "Kayak fishing was very relaxing."
4. "Campsites are large with plenty of room...
Based on 135 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews indicate that Dogwood Loop is popular for RVs and offers electricity, while Lakeside Loop provides proximity to the lake but fewer restrooms. Site 36 was praised for its...
Based on 135 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility reviews emphasize well-spaced campsites and level driveways suitable for individuals with mobility concerns. Comments include "Driveways were level and easy to back into."
Based on 135 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Reviews from pet owners praise the spacious sites and shaded areas, suitable for dogs. One user noted, "Plenty of space for animals if you have a dog."
Based on 135 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025