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National Forests and Grasslands in Texas
The U.S. Forest Service manages approximately 675,000 acres of public land in Texas. This land is divided into four National Forests in east Texas and the Caddo-Lyndon B. Johnson National Grasslands in northeast Texas
Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area (Updated May 17)
The National Forests and Grasslands in Texas, Davy Crockett National Forest, is closing the camping area, the Sawmill shelter, and playground starting April 18 for water line repair work. The work is estimated to be completed in the near future. However, day-use will remain open.
Anyone with reservations using recreation.gov for April 18 through the end of May has been canceled. The DCNF will barricade the road and post signs for the short-term closure.
Prescribed burning will take place around the lake during this closure period. Burn notices are below on this page and our Facebook link found on this page.
Other camping options include dispersed camping on the DCNF (Piney Creek and White Rock Horse Camps and Neches Bluff), Texas Parks and Wildlife camping areas, and commercial facilities.
Road and trails
UPDATE: February 25, 2022
The National Forests and Grasslands in Texas continue to repair damaged roads caused by excessive rainfall. Visitors should use extreme caution when visiting. Road and trail conditions can change rapidly, and visitors are reminded to check their local weather. Current list of roads, trails and recreation areas temporarily closed or with limited access.
Angelina National Forest (Updated April 25)
Boykin Springs, to include all access is closed from today, Monday, April 25th through June 6th.
Davy Crockett National Forest
- FSR 511 is passable with a four-wheel drive.
- FSR 533 is closed, a culvert is compromised.
- FSR 517 is closed at the midway point because of a washout.
- 4C Trail continues to be closed from Neches Bluff to CR 1170.
Sabine National Forest
- NFSR 111 is closed 1/2 mile south of Six Mile Creek Bridge due to a washed out culvert.
For more information, visit our website at: www.fs.usda.gov/texas.
Burn notices May 11.
Officials with the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas, Sabine National Forests, have advised prescribed burns today located in Compartment 134 (Fairmount RX) Block A only. The burn unit is located in the Fairmount Community, off State Highway 87 and Farm Market 3315. The proposed burn is 927 acres, with Helicopter Support.
Also, Compartment 134 (Fairmount RX) Block B & C only. The burn unit is located in the Fairmount Community, off State Highway 87 (Fox Hunters Hill) and Farm Market 3315.
The proposed burn is 1170 acres, with Helicopter Support.
Winds are predicted from South @ 6-10 MPH. Please drive with caution. Also, be advised that long-range drift SMOKE may affect some areas.
Please see the attached map of the projected burn areas.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Sabine Ranger District office at (409) 625-1940.
Officials with the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas, Sam Houston National Forest, have advised a prescribed burn today in West Side Black Land Prairies (5 Prairies), located in Montgomery and Walker Counties. Several locations are on the northwest portion of the Sam Houston National Forest. Near FS 208, FS 209 and Taliaferro Road.
Please visit National Forests and Grasslands in Texas - Home (usda.gov) for information on SHNF prescribed burns.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Sam Houston National Forest District office at (936)-344-6205.
Forest Service Coronavirus (Covid-19) Updates may be found here.
Closed areas in the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas
Due to storms and excessive rainfall, portions of roads, trails and recreation areas are closed. See the list of closed roads and areas here.
Recreation areas are starting to reopen. See the Recreation Conditions Report on the Recreation page for recreation site status.
USFS Volunteer Opportunity
The Davy Crockett National Forest is seeking interested candidates to volunteer as campground hosts at Ratcliff Lake Recreational Area. [Read more]
Features
Fire Information
Links the NFGT planned burns, completed burns, and the Texas Burn Ban Map may be found here.
Spotlights
Interested in Volunteer Work?
Visit Volunteer.gov to search and apply for volunteer opportunities in the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas.
Hunter Camp Maps
Hunter camp locations on the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas.
Plant-a-Tree Program
The Plant-A-Tree Program enables individuals or groups to contribute funds for planting trees on National Forests. Donations may be made to honor or memorialize friends or relatives.
Travel Management Rule
Restricting Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Use to Designated Routes.
Marijuana detection - Report suspicious activity on the forest to law enforcement at (936-639-8507) or (936-639-8530).