Ratcliff Recreation Area

🌲 **Introduction / Overview: Your Escape to the Heart of the East Texas Pineywoods**

Nestled deep within the magnificent **Davy Crockett National Forest**, the **Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area** stands as a treasured destination for Texans seeking a classic outdoor experience. This isn't just a place to pitch a tent; it’s a picturesque, heavily-wooded park surrounding a serene 45-acre lake. Historically significant, the area was revitalized in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) from what was once a sawmill log pond, giving it a rich and foundational story that adds to its charm.

Managed by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area offers a comprehensive suite of amenities that cater to a wide range of campers, from those in smaller RVs needing electric hookups to those preferring a simple tent site under the towering loblolly pines. The atmosphere is distinctly tranquil and family-friendly, though as noted by local visitors, its popularity means that during peak season—especially weekends and holidays—it can become quite crowded. This popularity is a testament to its beauty, clean facilities, and the sheer quality of the natural environment.

Whether you're looking to hike a segment of the epic Four C National Recreation Trail, enjoy a picnic by the water, or simply relax beneath a canopy of East Texas hardwoods, Ratcliff provides the perfect backdrop. Visitors consistently praise the beauty of the woods, the cleanliness of the restrooms, and the convenience of having everything needed for a great camping trip in one spot.

📍 **Location and Accessibility**

Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area is conveniently located in Houston County, Texas, and is easily accessible from several East Texas towns. Its official location places it between the communities of Ratcliff and Kennard, deep inside the 160,000 acres of the Davy Crockett National Forest.

The main access point is:

Address: TX-7, Ratcliff, TX 75858, USA (The physical entrance is approximately 18551 State Highway 7 East, Kennard, TX 75487)

To reach the park from Crockett, local users will take State Highway 7 East for approximately 15 miles. For those traveling from Lufkin, take Highway 103 west until it merges with Highway 7, and then continue west to the entrance. The roads leading to and within the park are generally well-maintained, ensuring relatively easy access for both passenger vehicles and RVs.

The park is open year-round, though some facilities may have seasonal availability. An important note for all users: there is a **day-use fee** (typically $5 per vehicle per day, separate from camping fees) that must be paid upon entry for non-campers and for the vehicles of campers beyond the standard limit per site.

🛠️ **Services Offered**

Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area provides multiple loops for camping, ensuring a variety of experiences and catering to different needs. The facility is well-equipped to support comfortable overnight stays in a rustic setting.

• **Total Campsites:** The campground features approximately 56 campsites across multiple loops (Dogwood, Lakeside, Loblolly, Sawmill).
• **Electric Hookups:** Sites in the **Dogwood Loop** offer electrical hookups (typically 30 amp) and water hookups, and can accommodate vehicles up to 50 feet in length.
• **Tent/Primitive Sites:** Various loops, including Lakeside, Loblolly, and Sawmill, offer tent-only, non-electric sites, providing a more traditional camping experience.
• **Sanitary Facilities:** The recreation area includes flush toilets and modern facilities, including **hot and cold showers**, which are frequently noted by users as being clean and well-maintained.
• **RV Sanitary Dump Station:** A dedicated dump station is available for RV users within the area.
• **Group Facilities:** Two picnic shelters (Sawmill Shelter and CCC Shelter) and an amphitheater are available for reservation, making it perfect for family reunions or group outings.
• **Water and Trash:** Potable drinking water is available via centrally located faucets, and trash bins are provided for waste disposal.

✨ **Features / Highlights**

The features of Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area are deeply rooted in its natural setting and its access to the wider Davy Crockett National Forest. Its highlights make it a truly memorable East Texas destination.

• **Designated Swimming Area:** A clear, defined area in the 45-acre lake allows for safe swimming, a popular activity during the hot Texas summers (note: no lifeguard on duty).
• **Boating and Fishing:** The lake is ideal for non-motorized and electric-powered boating, such as kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle boarding. Anglers will find the lake stocked with Largemouth Bass, Bream, and Channel/Blue Catfish, with fishing piers available.
• **Four C National Recreation Trail (20 Miles):** Ratcliff is the originating point for the Four C Trail, a major highlight for serious hikers. This trail winds through diverse forest habitats all the way to the Neches Bluff Overlook.
• **Shorter Nature Trails:** For a quick walk, the 1.5-mile **Tall Pines Trail** and the 0.75-mile **Trail Tamers Trail** offer scenic loops and access to the longer Four C Trail. The Lakeshore Trail provides a short, relaxing walk along the lake's edge.
• **CCC Heritage:** The entire area benefits from the rustic beauty of structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.
• **Shade and Privacy:** The campsites are well-spaced and protected by a thick canopy of loblolly pines and hardwoods, offering much-needed shade and a good degree of privacy.

📞 **Contact Information**

For Texans planning their trip, reservations and inquiries should be directed to the Forest Service’s primary contact points for the Davy Crockett National Forest.

Park Office Phone:

(936) 655-2299

Mobile Phone (Alternate/Backup):

+1 936-655-2299

Reservations:

Many sites are reservable and should be booked well in advance, especially for the electric hookup sites in the Dogwood Loop. Reservations are made through the National Recreation Reservation Service:

Online Reservations: www.recreation.gov

Note: While reservations are strongly recommended, some first-come, first-served (FF) spots are usually available, especially outside of peak seasons.

👍 **What is Worth Choosing: A Beautiful, Active, and Accessible National Forest Gem**

Texans should choose Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area when they want a **full-featured, nature-centric getaway that is accessible year-round**. The value here lies in the exceptional combination of clean, developed amenities and true wilderness access.

Unlike simple roadside parks, Ratcliff offers the prestige of a national forest setting, including the opportunity to hike on a National Recreation Trail. For families, the dedicated swimming area and playground, coupled with clean showers and restrooms, create a stress-free environment. For the serious camper, the electric sites in the Dogwood Loop provide essential convenience, while the tent-only loops offer a more rugged, authentic experience under the massive pines.

The reviews confirm that this is a "great camping spot" with "everything you need," but they also provide a critical piece of local wisdom: **plan ahead or visit during the off-season**. The park's immense popularity, particularly during Texas school breaks and summer weekends, means spots are competitive, and crowds can be significant. However, embracing the beautiful woods, enjoying a paddle on the quiet lake (where only electric motors are allowed), and knowing your campsite is secured through the reservation system makes Ratcliff Lake an unbeatable choice for an active, scenic East Texas adventure.