## 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.   
  
The facility is open year-round and includes a large campground, picnic areas, a reservable amphitheater, a swim area and many opportunities for outdoor recreation. Camping is available year-round.   
  
The Davy Crockett National Forest, named for the legendary pioneer, contains more than 160,000 acres of East Texas woodlands, streams, recreation areas and wildlife habitat. Located in Houston and Trinity Counties, the forest is centrally located within the Neches and Trinity River basins.

## Recreation

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 about [recreation](http://www.fs.fed.us/outernet/r8/texas/recreation/index.shtml) in the national forest.

## Facilities

Ratcliff Lake has 56 campsites, both first-come, first-served and reservable. Campsites in Dogwood Loop have electrical hookups and can accommodate vehicles up to 50 ft. Flush toilets, hot and cold showers and trash bins are also provided. Two picnic shelters and an amphitheater are also reservable.   
The day-use area has 17 single family picnicking units, a swimming area, flush toilets, two wooden fishing piers, one earthen pier, one fishing platform and a boat ramp.

## Natural Features

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. 

## 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.

Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area

Davy Crockett National Forest Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area

## Overview

Hanks Creek Park has something for everyone, with plenty of water sports on Sam Rayburn Reservoir and volleyball, mountain biking, wild life viewing and birding for those who want to stay on shore.   
  
The Red-cockaded woodpecker, an endangered species, is found throughout the forest surrounding the reservoir. The bird makes its home by pecking cavities in large, living pine trees.

## Recreation

Fishing is excellent for largemouth bass, crappie, catfish and sunfish, with frequent fishing tournaments. The lake is also popular for jet skiing, water skiing and swimming.

## Facilities

The park features 47 campsites with electric hookups. Additional amenities include group camping, a playground, boat ramp and hot showers.

## Natural Features

Sam Rayburn Reservoir, also called Lake Sam Rayburn, boasts over 114,000 surface acres, making it the largest man-made lake completely in Texas. It's surrounded by the Angelina National Forest, and is within short proximity to the Sabine and Davy Crockett National Forests. 

## Nearby Attractions

The 20,700-acre Bannister Wildlife Management Area is on the northern peninsula of the lake. Hikers and bikers can come here to explore the designated Eastern Wild Turkey restoration site.

Hanks Creek

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Planning a camping trip on the water in Texas? Don't miss the chance to enjoy some of the best campgrounds right on the water. Search nearby boat-in campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.

Texas

The Best Boat-In Camping in Texas

For campers seeking a new way to experience the outdoors, Bonaldo boat-in campsites are a great way to make a splash. Paddle, row, or cruise up to these sites and set up your tent. They're perfect for an unforgettable evening under the stars. Find the perfect spot to set up camp near Bonaldo with The Dyrt.

Bonaldo

The Best Boat-In Camping Near Bonaldo, Texas

This recreation area is part of Sam Rayburn Reservoir

Shirley Creek Marina & Campground

Crockett Family Resort is nestled in the outskirts of Crockett, Tx, right on the waters of the beautiful Houston County Lake. Known for some of the best bass fishing in the state the resort offers 116 RV spots, and 32 different cabins to accommodate any guest's needs. We also have 2 clubhouses ready to host a variety of events. Some of the park amenities include lake swimming, heated pool, beach, basketball court, paddleboat rental, and a splash pad.

Crockett Family Resort

Rosie Jones Park

## Overview

San Augustine Park is set along the Ayish Bayou tributary on the shores of Sam Rayburn Reservoir.   
  
In spring, take advantage of excellent birding opportunities as neotropical birds like warblers and vireos pass through the lake en route to the Gulf of Mexico.

## Recreation

The lake is a highly popular destination for boating and fishing. Game fish include largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish, but it is the abundance of bass, which inspires more than 500 annual tournaments.

## Facilities

San Augustine features 100 sites with electric and water hook-ups. Among the many amenities are a group shelter, swimming beach, volleyball, boat ramp and an interpretive trail.

## Natural Features

With more than 114,000 surface acres, Sam Rayburn is the largest man-made lake that is completely within the boundaries of the state of Texas. The reservoir is fed by the Angelina River, a major tributary of the Neches River.   
  
The piney woods region boasts native flora like orchids, insect-eating plants and scores of animal species. 

## Nearby Attractions

From the eastern edge of the lake, hikers can embark on a 28-mile trail that heads east to the Toledo Bend Reservoir.

San Augustine

Texas Airstream Harbor (Airstreams Only)

COE Sam Rayburn Reservoir San Augustine Park

Decker Hill Park - Lake Murvaul

Join the fun near Houston. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Houston camping trip.

Houston

The Best Camping Near Houston, Texas

Join the fun near San Antonio. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Texas camping has to offer. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your San Antonio camping trip.

San Antonio

The Best Camping in San Antonio | Texas Campgrounds

Dallas, TX is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Texas camping has to offer. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Texas camping adventure.

Dallas

The Best Camping Near Dallas, Texas

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Austin, TX has a lot to offer. Austin is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Austin camping trip.

Austin

The Best Camping Near Austin, Texas

Are you in need of a campground near Fort Worth, TX? Fort Worth is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Discover great camping spots near Fort Worth, reviewed by campers like you.

Fort Worth

The Best Camping Near Fort Worth, Texas

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, El Paso, TX has a lot to offer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of El Paso. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your El Paso camping trip.

El Paso

The Best Camping Near El Paso | Texas Campgrounds

Arlington is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Arlington is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near Arlington, TX. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Arlington

The Best Camping Near Arlington, Texas

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Corpus Christi. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Corpus Christi, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Corpus Christi

The Best Camping Near Corpus Christi, Texas

Plano, TX is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Plano, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Plano

The Best Camping Near Plano, Texas

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Lubbock, TX is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Lubbock, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Lubbock

The Best Camping Near Lubbock, Texas

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Caddo National Grassland. Caddo National Grassland is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Caddo National Grassland camping trip.

Caddo National Grassland

The Best Camping Near Caddo National Grassland, Texas

Davy Crockett National Forests, TX is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Davy Crockett National Forests. Find the best campgrounds near Davy Crockett National Forests, TX. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Davy Crockett National Forests

The Best Camping Near Davy Crockett National Forests, Texas

Searching for the best camping near Sam Houston National Forest, TX? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Sam Houston National Forest is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Sam Houston National Forest

The Best Camping Near Sam Houston National Forest, Texas

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Padre Island National Seashore. Padre Island National Seashore is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Padre Island National Seashore, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Padre Island National Seashore

The Best Camping Near Padre Island National Seashore, Texas

The crown jewel of the Lone Star State is Big Bend National Park. This spot of southwest Texas is the pinnacle of all things outdoors in the state of Texas. Whether you want to explore the history of the state, spot wildlife, or just enjoy a hike, Big Bend is the place to be.

There are a number of campgrounds associated with Big Bend. Some are run by the park, and one is an RV park operated by a resort. The busy season here is actually November to April, where campsites will be harder to come by. Make sure to reserve your campground ahead of time, especially during peak season. The best camping near Big Bend is in the park itself, as Texas has little BLM land to make use of. Study Butte, TX, and the surrounding areas offer some accommodations if you can't get a spot in the park.

Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Big Bend National Park is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near Big Bend National Park, TX. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

The Best Camping Near Big Bend National Park, Texas

Are you in need of a campground near Lake Meredith National Recreation Area, TX? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Texas camping has to offer. Discover great camping spots near Lake Meredith National Recreation Area, reviewed by campers like you.

Lake Meredith National Recreation Area

The Best Camping Near Lake Meredith National Recreation Area, Texas

Looking for the best campgrounds near Sabine National Forest, TX? Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Sabine National Forest campgrounds just for you. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Sabine National Forest camping trip.

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The Best Camping Near Sabine National Forest, Texas

Angelina National Forest is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Angelina National Forest. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Texas camping adventure.

Angelina National Forest

The Best Camping Near Angelina National Forest, Texas

Near the Guadalupe Mountains is some of the best camping in Texas. Guadalupe Mountains National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert in western Texas. The park has more than 80 miles of hiking trails and is just a short drive from Dell City, TX. Follow the winding trails through grasslands and fossilized reef mountains up to the conifer forests from the nearby campsites and see stunning views of the El Capitan peak. Camping in the fall is the perfect time to see the colorful leaves along the McKittrick Canyon Trail. RV campers will find plenty of spots complete with all the amenities.

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The Best Camping Near Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas

McClellan Creek National Grassland, TX is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near McClellan Creek National Grassland, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in McClellan Creek National Grassland, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

The Best Camping in Bonaldo, Texas

Top Bonaldo Campgrounds

Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area

Davy Crockett National Forest Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area

Hanks Creek

Shirley Creek Marina & Campground

Crockett Family Resort

Rosie Jones Park

San Augustine

Texas Airstream Harbor (Airstreams Only)

COE Sam Rayburn Reservoir San Augustine Park

Decker Hill Park - Lake Murvaul

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Davy Crockett National Forest Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area

Hanks Creek

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