Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area
Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area is a national forest campground in Texas. Hookups: full hookups.
- Type
- National forest campground
- Location
- Texas
- Coordinates
- 31.38833, -95.15500
- Hookups
- Full hookups
- Activities
- Boating, Camping, Canoeing, Day Use Area, Fishing, Hiking, Historic & Cultural Site, Kayaking, Swimming Site
- Map
- Open in OpenStreetMap
- Phone
- 936-655-2299
Amenities
- Reservable sites
Only amenities a source confirms are listed; an amenity missing here is unknown, not absent.
About Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area
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 f
Cell coverage
No coverage data for this location yet.
Nearby RV services
- Dump station
- None mapped within 50 mi
- Water fill
- None mapped within 50 mi
- Propane
- None mapped within 50 mi
- Low clearances
- None mapped within 10 mi
- Off-road routes
- 94 designated routes (166 mi) within 10 mi
Other places to stay nearby
| Name | Type | Distance | Fee | Hookups |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ratcliff Lake Day Use | National forest campground | 0.3 mi | — | — |
| Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area | Private campground | 0.3 mi | — | — |
| 566 Piney Creek Hc | National forest horse camp | 5.2 mi | — | — |
| Walnut Creek Shelter | Free campsite | 6.3 mi | Free | — |
| Pond Camp | Free campsite | 7.6 mi | Free | — |
| White Rock Hc | National forest horse camp | 9.3 mi | — | — |
Open Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area in DryRig
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Sources. Recreation.gov (RIDB). Updated June 2026. Facility facts only; DryRig does not publish ratings or reviews on this page.