Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area

4.6·278 reviews
·National Forests and Grasslands in Texas

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.

Great Facilities and Amenities

  • Campfire Allowed

    (50 of 58 campsites have Campfire Allowed)

  • Checkin Time

    (Majority of the campsites have 2:00 pm)

  • Checkout Time

    (Majority of the campsites have 12:00 pm)

  • Driveway Entry

    (Majority of the campsites have back in)

  • Firepit

    (38 of 58 campsites have Firepit)

  • Hike In Distance To Site

    (Up to 180')

  • Max Num Of People

    (Up to 20)

  • Max Num Of Vehicles

    (Up to 3)

  • Pets Allowed

    (55 of 58 campsites have Pets Allowed)

  • Picnic Table

    (57 of 58 campsites have Picnic Table)

  • Shade

    (Majority of the campsites have true)

  • Site Access

    (57 of 58 campsites have Site Acceses)

  • Water Hookup

    (13 of 58 campsites have Water Hookup)

Natural Features

RATCLIFF LAKE RECREATION AREA - Credits:
Ratcliff Recreation Area - Credits:
Ratcliff Recreation Area - Credits:
Ratcliff Recreation Area - Credits:
The campground is heavily forested with loblolly pine, oak and other hardwoods, and surrounds Ratcliff Lake. A wide variety of wildlife exists in the area, including the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker.

Recreation

RATCLIFF LAKE RECREATION AREA - Credits:
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 aboutrecreationin the national forest.

Permitted Equipment

  • tent-Up to 60ft

  • rv-Up to 60ft

  • trailer-Up to 60ft

Nearby Attractions

The Big Slough Wilderness Area, located along the Neches River about five miles north of Ratcliff, is free of modern development and gives the visitor a place for solitude and primitive experiences.

Additional Information

Campsites