Ratcliff Campground

For Texans who seek the deep shade and rich history of the Pineywoods, the **Ratcliff Campground** within the **Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area** is a cherished retreat. Tucked away in the sprawling **Davy Crockett National Forest**, this campground offers a distinctly peaceful and natural camping experience, a stark contrast to the bustle of Texas's larger urban centers. It's a true escape into the heart of East Texas's diverse woodlands, perfect for those prioritizing tranquility, hiking, and non-motorized water recreation.

The area surrounding Ratcliff Campground boasts a fascinating history, constructed back in 1936 by the dedicated hands of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The centerpiece is the picturesque 45-acre Ratcliff Lake, which was originally a log pond for a massive sawmill complex that operated in the early 1900s. Today, the lake provides a serene setting for fishing, swimming, and quiet paddling, as only electric motors are allowed—a feature that preserves the park's tranquil environment.

Management by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) ensures the campground is nestled among towering loblolly pine, oak, and other hardwoods. This heavily forested setting offers excellent shade and a high likelihood of spotting diverse wildlife, including various bird species and, if you're lucky, the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. With a mix of sites, from fully-equipped electric hookups in the Dogwood Loop to more primitive tent sites, Ratcliff Campground caters to every style of Texan camper looking for an authentic, year-round experience in the National Forest. It truly embodies the legacy of conservation and outdoor enjoyment the CCC intended.

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**Ratcliff Campground** is situated deep within the Davy Crockett National Forest, a location that offers ideal seclusion while still being reachable from major East Texas cities. Its setting places it centrally within the Neches and Trinity River basins.

The general location and primary mailing address are:

Address: Texas 75847, USA (Near Kennard, TX, on State Highway 7)

More specific directions guide travelers from nearby towns. From Crockett, Texas, the park is approximately 15 miles east on State Highway 7. From Lufkin, it’s a longer drive west on State Highway 7. The final approach involves a clear turn-off from the highway directly onto the recreation area’s entrance road. Accessibility within the campground is generally good, with paved loop roads accessing the various campsite areas (Lakeside, Dogwood, Loblolly, and Sawmill). The most developed section, the Dogwood Loop, is designated for larger RVs and trailers, accommodating vehicles up to 50 feet in length and providing the most amenities. While the park is deep in the woods, the main roads are well-maintained. Campers should be mindful of low-hanging branches typical of a heavily forested USFS area, especially when navigating with tall RV roof equipment. The remote location ensures a high level of peace, perfect for those needing a break from the city.

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The Ratcliff Campground provides a robust set of services typical of a high-quality National Forest Recreation Area, balancing rustic charm with essential modern comforts across its approximately 56 campsites.

The following centralized services are reliably provided:

• **Electric and Water Hookups:** Sites in the popular Dogwood Loop feature electric hookups (30-amp, sometimes 50-amp) and water spigots at the sites, accommodating modern RV and trailer needs. Other loops are primarily non-electric tent-only sites.
• **Flush Toilets and Hot Showers:** Modern, well-maintained restroom facilities with flush toilets and hot and cold running water showers are available, ensuring a comfortable experience for all campers.
• **Sanitary Dump Station:** A centralized dump station is provided for the convenient disposal of grey and black water from self-contained RVs and trailers.
• **Picnic Tables and Fire Rings:** All campsites are equipped with a sturdy picnic table, a grill or fire ring, and a lantern pole, essential for cooking and socializing outdoors.
• **Potable Water Access:** Centrally located potable water spigots are distributed throughout the campground loops for all campers, especially those in non-water hookup sites.
• **Group Facilities:** Reservable facilities, including group shelters with electric hookups and an amphitheater, are available for larger family gatherings or organizational events.
• **Pet-Friendly Policies:** Pets are welcome on campsites and trails, provided they are kept on a leash no longer than six feet and follow all National Forest regulations.

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The key features of Ratcliff Campground are its historical significance, the beautiful 45-acre lake, and its role as a premier gateway to the expansive Davy Crockett National Forest trails.

Key features and highlights of the park include:

• **Ratcliff Lake:** The picturesque 45-acre lake is the focal point, offering a designated swimming area (no lifeguard on duty) that is perfect for cooling off during a hot Texas summer day.
• **Paddling and Non-Motorized Boating:** Only electric motors are allowed on the lake, ensuring a wonderfully quiet and peaceful environment ideal for canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. This policy is a major draw for those seeking quiet water recreation.
• **Four C National Recreation Trail:** The campground serves as the southern trailhead for the famed 20-mile Four C National Recreation Trail, a significant hiking path that traverses the Davy Crockett National Forest, offering multi-day backpacking opportunities and scenic views like the Neches Bluff Overlook.
• **Accessible Hiking Trails:** Shorter, less strenuous loop trails, such as the 1.5-mile Tall Pines Trail and the 0.75-mile Trail Tamers (which is wheelchair accessible), are available directly from the recreation area for easy day hikes and nature viewing.
• **Fishing:** The lake provides excellent fishing opportunities, stocked with largemouth bass, bream, and channel and blue catfish. Accessible fishing piers and boat ramps make it easy for all anglers to cast a line.
• **Wildlife Observation:** The park’s heavily forested environment is habitat for a wide variety of East Texas wildlife, including the endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker, making it a fantastic spot for birdwatching and nature photography.
• **Historic CCC Structures:** Campers can appreciate the enduring craftsmanship of the Civilian Conservation Corps, whose 1930s work established the roads, lake, and early facilities that visitors still enjoy today.

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For reservations, current site fees, or information regarding trail closures (especially for the Four C Trail), Texas campers should contact the local US Forest Service office or use the national reservation system.

Address: 18551 State Highway 7 East, Kennard, TX 75487 (General area for Ratcliff Lake)

Davy Crockett Ranger District Phone: (936) 544-2045 (Recommended for local information)

National Reservation Line: 1-877-444-6777 (For reservations via Recreation.gov)

Reservations are strongly recommended for the electric sites in the Dogwood Loop, especially during the spring and fall seasons, though some sites are often available on a first-come, first-served basis.

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For Texas outdoor enthusiasts, choosing **Ratcliff Campground** within the Davy Crockett National Forest is an investment in a quiet, nature-focused, and historically rich camping experience, highlighted by three compelling reasons: **Deep Forest Seclusion, Unrivaled Paddling Peace, and Access to Epic Trails.**

First, the **Deep Forest Seclusion** offers the authentic "getaway" many Texans seek. Unlike crowded commercial parks, Ratcliff provides a serene, heavily shaded atmosphere, enforced by its USFS management and quiet hours, which encourages true relaxation and immersion in the sounds of the Pineywoods.

Second, the **Unrivaled Paddling Peace** on the 45-acre lake is a signature feature. The restriction to only electric motors ensures the water remains calm and quiet, making it an ideal, safe environment for kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards. This focus on tranquility over speed makes Ratcliff Lake a unique and highly enjoyable waterway.

Finally, the **Access to Epic Trails**, particularly the 20-mile Four C National Recreation Trail, provides serious hikers and backpackers with a significant challenge right from their campsite. For those seeking shorter jaunts, the in-park Tall Pines and Trail Tamers loops offer easily accessible, beautiful walks through the CCC-planted forest.

Ratcliff Campground is a preserved piece of Texas history that continues to offer clean facilities and superb recreation, making it the perfect destination for a quiet adventure in the heart of the Lone Star State's National Forest system.