National Forests & Grasslands in Texas
Angelina National Forest Caddo/LBJ National Grasslands Davy Crockett National Forest Sabine National Forest Sam Houston National Forest Southern Research Station Lab National Forests &
Grasslands in Texas Phone: (936)-639-8501
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Davy Crockett National Forest
Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area
Warning
Fishing
Advisory:
Largemouth bass at Ratcliff Lake, Bouton Lake,
Boykin Springs, and Double Lake have recently shown elevated levels
of mercury. This is a common occurrence in East Texas lakes.
Only largemouth bass and bowfin are affected. Please observe
Texas Department of Health's advisory that adults should limit consumption
of largemouth bass from these lakes to no more than two 8-oz. meals
per month. Children should limit consumption of largemouth
bass to no more than two 4-oz. meals per month. Women who are pregnant, nursing, or may become pregnant should not consume any fish from these areas.
**Fee Increases Proposed At Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area** [Read more about it]
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.
Ratcliff Lake is open year round. Facilities include 76 camping units (29 with electrical hookups – 20 & 30 amps only), 17 single-family picnicking units, two picnic shelters, swimming area, concession stand, fishing piers, amphitheater and playground. In the camping area are flush toilets, hot & cold showers and centralized garbage containers. Electrical hook-ups are available in the Dogwood Loop.
Swimming is allowed only in the designated area delineated by buoys. There are no lifeguards on duty.
Fishing is permitted (except in the swim area) under applicable Federal and State laws. Only electric motors are allowed on the lake.
Trails
The Tall Pines is a 1½ mile hiking trail can be accessed from the campground or the picnic area. (Blue Markers)
The Trail Tamers is a ¾ mile accessible trail can be accessed from the picnic area. (Yellow Markers)
The Four C National Recreation Trail is 20 miles and originates in the Ratcliff Recreation Area and goes to the Neches Bluff Overlook. (White Markers)
Directions
From Lufkin: Take Hwy. 103 west for 16 miles where it merges with Hwy. 7. Continue west for 12 miles and turn right at entrance to the recreation area.
From Crockett: Take Hwy. 7 east for 15 miles and turn left on entrance road ($3 day-use fee per vehicle, per day at Ratcliff Lake).
Ratcliff Lake Fees
| Camping (includes 2 vehicles per site & up to 8 people) | |
| Full Hookups (electric, water, sewer) first come, first served - only available if no camp hosts are present | $20 per day ($15 for camping, $5 for hookup) |
| Full Hookups with Interagency Senior/Access or Golden Age/Access | $15 per day ($10 for camping, $5 for hookups) |
| Electrical Sites | $15 per day ($10 for camping, $5 for hookup) |
| Electrical Sites with Interagency Senior/Access or Golden Age/Access | $10 per day |
| Non-Electrical Sites | $10 per day |
| Non-Electrical with Interagency Senior/Access or Golden Age/Access | $5 per day |
| Additional vehicles over 2 at each site | $3 per vehicle, per day |
9 of the 29 electrical sites can be reserved 2 days in advance at www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. (All others are first come, first served) Fee required. |
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| Picnicking, Boating, Fishing, Hiking, Swimming, and Dump Station |
| $3 per vehicle, per day |
| Motorcycles |
| $1 per vehicle, per day |
| Group Camping (church, scouts, organized groups, etc.) |
| $1 per person, per day; plus $3 per vehicle, per day. First come, first served. |
| Group Shelters & Amphitheater – By reservation only -- fee required (no discounts) Reserve 2 days in advance at www.recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777. |
| $3 per vehicle, per day |
For More Information:
Davy Crockett
National Forest
18551 State Highway 7 East
Kennard, TX 75847
(936)-655-2299 Monday - Friday
USDA Forest Service - National Forests & Grasslands in
Texas
Last Modified: July 2008