Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area
Open year-round. Both first-come-first-served and reservable sites available. No current alerts or closures.
Extreme Heat Warning issued July 21 at 12:50PM CDT until July 22 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Houston/Galveston TX
* WHAT...For the Heat Advisory, heat index values up to 109. For the Extreme Heat Warning, dangerously hot conditions with high temperatures between 100 to 104 and heat index values up to 115 expected. * WHERE...Portions of south central and southeast Texas. * WHEN...For the Heat Advisory, until 8 PM CDT this evening. For the Extreme Heat Warning, from 11 AM to 8 PM CDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events. Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.
Heat Advisory issued July 21 at 12:50PM CDT until July 21 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Houston/Galveston TX
* WHAT...For the Heat Advisory, heat index values up to 109. For the Extreme Heat Warning, dangerously hot conditions with high temperatures between 100 to 104 and heat index values up to 115 expected. * WHERE...Portions of south central and southeast Texas. * WHEN...For the Heat Advisory, until 8 PM CDT this evening. For the Extreme Heat Warning, from 11 AM to 8 PM CDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events. Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.
Know Before You Go, Davy Crockett and Sam Houston National Forests Road Work
Know Before You Go.Visitors to the Sam Houston and Davy Crockett National Forests should plan ahead and use extra caution as the first phase of Heavy Road Maintenance associated with disaster recovery efforts across the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas begins the week of June 23.Work will…
About
Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area surrounds a 45-acre lake in the heart of Davy Crockett National Forest. The lake originated as a log pond for the Central Coal and Coke Company sawmill that operated from 1902 to 1920. In 1936, the Civilian Conservation Corps transformed the area into a public recreation site, and much of that historic infrastructure remains today. The campground offers 56 campsites spread across multiple loops, with the Dogwood Loop providing 30-amp electric hookups and accommodating vehicles up to 50 feet. Sites include centralized drinking water, flush toilets, and hot showers. A designated swimming beach with playground, two wooden fishing piers, an earthen pier, fishing platform, and boat ramp provide water-based recreation. Only electric motors are permitted on the lake. Three hiking trails depart from the recreation area: the 1.5-mile Tall Pines Trail, the 0.75-mile Trail Tamers, and the 20-mile Four C Trail that traverses diverse forest types to a scenic overlook. The nearby Big Slough Wilderness Area offers additional opportunities for solitude and primitive backcountry experiences.
Directions
From Crockett, take State Highway 7 east for 15 miles. The recreation area is on the left between the towns of Ratcliff and Kennard.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $15 - $35 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 60ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 60ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (936) 655-2299 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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