US Forestry Department

For Texas residents seeking a genuine, tranquil escape into the historic woodlands of the Pineywoods, the **Ratcliff Campground** within the **Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area** is an unmatched destination. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), this campground is nestled deep within the vast **Davy Crockett National Forest**, near the historic town of Crockett, offering an experience that beautifully balances rustic, deep-woods seclusion with essential modern amenities. This is where you trade the traffic and noise of the city for the towering shade of loblolly pines and the serene waters of a 45-acre lake.

The area has a rich history, with the recreation area itself having been developed by the dedicated hands of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) back in 1936. The park’s centerpiece, the picturesque 45-acre Ratcliff Lake, was originally a log pond for the massive Central Coal and Coke Company sawmill that once operated here. Today, it’s a sanctuary for quiet recreation, as the lake restricts motorized boats to electric motors only—a key feature that ensures its famous peaceful atmosphere remains intact. It’s a favorite among local users for its clean, well-maintained facilities and the incredibly friendly, helpful staff who manage this beautiful corner of the National Forest. Visitors often describe it as a great place to take the family for a much-needed blast of nature.

Ratcliff Campground offers diverse camping loops—including Dogwood, Loblolly, and Lakeshore—to suit different needs, from full electric and water hookups for larger RVs to simple, beautiful tent-only sites right on the water's edge. This East Texas gem is not merely a place to stay; it is a gateway to the region’s best hiking and a quiet retreat where the only sounds you’ll hear are those of the forest and the gentle lapping of water. It is a true example of Texas's commitment to preserving its natural heritage for all to enjoy year-round.

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**Ratcliff Campground** is advantageously located in Houston County, deep within the boundaries of the Davy Crockett National Forest. While the administrative address is associated with the US Forest Service office in Crockett, the campground itself is several miles away, ensuring a quiet, remote feel while remaining accessible via major routes.

The address for the Davy Crockett National Forest District office (which manages the park) is:

Address: TX-304 Loop, Crockett, TX 75835, USA

The actual campground is situated off State Highway 7, near the smaller community of Kennard. Access is straightforward, with well-maintained, paved roads leading into the recreation area. The park is conveniently located about two hours from Houston and relatively central to much of East Texas. Campers driving large RVs or pulling trailers will appreciate the wide, paved-to-gravel loop roads and the designated sites in the Dogwood Loop, which are specifically designed to accommodate rigs up to 50 feet in length, often featuring spacious parking aprons. While the park is deep within the forest, its proximity to the community of Crockett (a short drive) means last-minute supplies are not entirely out of reach. For the ultimate peaceful experience, this secluded location, protected by the dense woods, is hard to beat in Texas.

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As a well-established US Forest Service Recreation Area, Ratcliff Campground provides reliable, well-kept services across its loops, catering to both the modern RV traveler and the traditional tent camper.

The following centralized services are reliably provided:

• **Electric and Water Hookups:** The popular Dogwood Loop offers up to 25 sites with electrical hookups (30-amp and occasionally 50-amp) and water spigots, ensuring comfort for RV and travel trailer users.
• **Modern Comfort Stations:** Multiple facilities across the campground (specifically in the Dogwood and Loblolly Loops) feature flush toilets and the crucial comfort of hot and cold showers, consistently praised for their cleanliness.
• **Sanitary Dump Station:** A centralized dump station is available within the park for the convenient disposal of grey and black water, an essential service for all self-contained RVs.
• **Watercraft Rentals and Concession:** A concession-operated area in the day-use section offers rentals of canoes and paddle boats, making the quiet lake instantly accessible.
• **Picnic Tables and Fire Rings:** Every individual campsite, including tent-only spots, comes equipped with a picnic table and a dedicated fire ring with a cooking grate.
• **Potable Water Access:** Centrally located potable water faucets are distributed throughout the park for easy access, including for campers in non-hookup sites.
• **Group Facilities:** Reservable facilities include group picnic shelters and an amphitheater, ideal for large gatherings, family reunions, or educational events.

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Ratcliff Campground’s appeal to Texans lies in its natural features and its commitment to quiet, family-friendly outdoor recreation, making it stand out among the crowded options in the state.

Key features and highlights of the park include:

• **Electric-Motor-Only Lake:** The 45-acre Ratcliff Lake is strictly limited to electric motors, creating a uniquely peaceful environment for fishing, swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding, free from the noise of gasoline engines.
• **Gateway to the Four C National Recreation Trail:** The campground serves as the southern trailhead for the challenging and highly regarded 20-mile Four C (Central Coal and Coke Company) National Recreation Trail, a favorite among serious East Texas hikers and backpackers.
• **Designated Swimming Area:** A beautiful, maintained swim area/beach on the lake offers a perfect spot to cool off and enjoy the water safely during warm Texas weather.
• **Historic CCC Architecture:** Visitors can appreciate the enduring craftsmanship of the Civilian Conservation Corps in the stone and timber structures, including the historic bathhouse, which adds a layer of unique history to the setting.
• **Fishing Excellence:** The lake is stocked and offers great opportunities to catch largemouth bass, catfish, and bream, with accessible fishing piers for bank anglers.
• **Wildlife and Birdwatching:** Nestled in the Davy Crockett National Forest, the park is a prime location for observing native Texas wildlife and is part of the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, with sightings of the endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker possible.
• **Children's Playground:** A dedicated playground is located in the Overflow Loop, providing an on-site, safe area for younger campers to play.

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For reservations, current park alerts (especially for the hiking trails), or direct inquiries, local Texas users should contact the Davy Crockett Ranger District Office, which oversees the campground.

Address: TX-304 Loop, Crockett, TX 75835, USA (Davy Crockett Ranger District Office)

Park Office Phone: (936) 544-2046

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

Since the campground is popular, especially the electric sites in the Dogwood Loop, reservations, which can be made up to six months in advance, are highly recommended to secure your preferred spot in this peaceful setting.

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For Texas residents, choosing **Ratcliff Campground** is selecting a high-quality, nature-focused experience, distinguished by three key benefits that make it an East Texas gem: **Guaranteed Peace and Quiet, Unrestricted Trail Access, and Historic CCC Quality.**

First, the **Guaranteed Peace and Quiet** is invaluable. The restriction of Ratcliff Lake to electric motors only ensures the waterway is serene, enhancing the experience for paddlers, swimmers, and bankside campers. This policy, combined with the dense forest setting, creates a genuinely restful atmosphere for those escaping the noise of Texas cities.

Second, the **Unrestricted Trail Access** is a major highlight for adventurers. The campground’s position as the official trailhead for the renowned 20-mile Four C National Recreation Trail offers unparalleled hiking and backpacking opportunities right from your campsite. Whether you take a short hike on the accessible Trail Tamers loop or embark on a multi-day trek, the options are excellent.

Finally, the **Historic CCC Quality** adds unique charm and reliability. The campground’s 1930s origins, visible in the stone and timber structures, speak to a legacy of durable construction and thoughtful design that is still evident in the well-maintained grounds and clean, modern bathhouses today. This commitment to quality is what makes the staff friendly and the grounds so reliably "great."

Ratcliff Campground is the ideal choice for Texans seeking a peaceful, family-friendly, and nature-immersive camping adventure in the heart of the Pineywoods.