Ratcliff Lake

USFS Volunteer Opportunity

The Davy Crockett National Forest is seeking interested candidates to volunteer as campground hosts at Ratcliff Lake Recreational Area. Interested candidates please contact the Davy Crockett Ranger District office 936-655-2299

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 area offers opportunities for camping, picnicking, swimming, fishing and hiking.

~ Recreation Area Map ~

Reservations

Make Reservations Here

Some sites are reservable. Please call 1-877-444-6777 or visit www.recreation.gov for more information.

General Information

The Four C National Recreation Trail is 20 miles and originates in the Ratcliff Recreation Area and goes to the Neches Bluff Overlook.

Quiet Time 10:00 pm-6:00 am

Day Use Area hours 6:00 am- 10:00 pm

For recreation pass information please visit: https://store.usgs.gov/recreational-passes

Overnight Use:
Single Site: $15 per night
Single Site with electric hook-up (30 amp): $20 per night
Day Use:
$5 per vehicle per day
Group Site: $30 per day (up to 20 people; three vehicles)
Additional Vehicle Fee: $5 per vehicle per day

Ratcliff Lake Day Use Fees: All non-camping Visitors are required to pay $5 per vehicle, per day

Ratcliff Lake Camping Fees:

Single campsites allow for two vehicles and eight people camping per site.
- Non-electrical: $15 per day
- Electrical (30 amp): $20
Group campsites allow three vehicles and 20 people.
- Non-electrical: $30 per day
  A fee of $5 for each additional vehicles per day.

Group Shelters –

By reservation only -- fee required (no discounts)
Reserve 2 days in advance at www.recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777.
Day Use Fee applies to each vehicle ($5 a day)

36 CFR § 261.16

(j) Bringing in or possessing an animal, other than a service animal, unless it is crated, caged, or upon a leash not longer than six feet, or otherwise under physical restrictive control. (k) Bringing in or possessing in a swimming area an animal, other than a seeing eye dog

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 31.3835

Longitude: -95.1533

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 ($5 day-use fee per vehicle, per day at Ratcliff Lake).