Dog-Friendly Camping near Kennard, TX

Davy Crockett National Forest surrounds the small town of Kennard, Texas, situated in the Piney Woods region at 350 feet elevation. The forest encompasses 160,000 acres of pine and hardwood forests with numerous trails and water features. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F from June through September while winter nights can drop to near freezing, creating distinct camping seasons with different wildlife activity and water levels.

What to do

Kayaking on still waters: Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area offers a peaceful 4-acre lake ideal for non-motorized boating. "We took an inflatable kayak out on the lake. Decent little lake. People were in the swimming area," notes Sydney L., who mentions the lake is particularly enjoyable after rain showers clear.

Historic site exploration: Visit the reconstructed 1690s Spanish mission at Mission Tejas State Park Campground to walk sections of El Camino Real. "You can WALK on the El Camino Royal!!! Great playground, facilities and staff!" reports Becca H. The park also features remnants of CCC construction and historic structures.

Trail connectivity: The 4C Trail connects multiple camping areas in the forest. "4C Trail southern trailhead is located in Ratcliff Lake RA. I've also accessed the trail from where it crosses FM277," explains VanpeDiem D. This 20-mile trail system ranges from easy to moderate difficulty with several access points.

Winter stargazing: The remote setting creates exceptional night sky viewing during clear winter nights. "Come during a weekday and you'll almost surely have the whole place to yourself!" says Raymond H. about Neches Bluff Overlook Campground, adding that winter offers the best visibility.

What campers like

Private bathroom facilities: The individual shower rooms at Ratcliff Lake earn high marks. "There are 4 large private bathroom/shower rooms at this area. The shower was nice and hot and the water pressure was fantastic," reports Heather B., highlighting amenities not common at many forest service campgrounds.

Diverse camping options: The area provides everything from full-hookup sites to remote primitive camping. "We found a spot that had been used before, and it was very secluded and private. There was a creek nearby that we hiked up and down, even found what appeared to be a natural spring feeding the creek," shares Rachel H. about her experience at Neches Bluff.

Well-maintained facilities: Davy Crockett National Forest Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area earns praise for upkeep. "This park is so well maintained and the people who run it couldn't be more fit for the job," notes Rivers M., highlighting the consistency of maintenance even during busy periods.

Abundant firewood: Many sites feature readily available wood for campfires. "Plenty of cut wood around the park. Easy kid friendly hiking trails around the park," shares Michelle G., noting that some park hosts even deliver firewood directly to campsites.

What you should know

Water supply considerations: The mineral content in local water varies significantly. Charles J. notes at one campground, "The water is also heavily sulphuric which isn't a bad thing, it was just a shock." Bringing drinking water is recommended for tent campers at most locations.

Site selection timing: Weekends fill quickly, especially during spring and fall. "I'd suggest getting here with some daylight to find a site if coming on a weekend," advises David P., who recommends arriving Thursday afternoon for the best selection at Salmon Lake Park & Resort.

Hunting season awareness: Several campgrounds double as hunter camps during deer season. "It's a Primitive camping area for Hunters during hunting season. There are no water or electrical hook-ups, but they do have two port-o-potties," explains David T. about Slay Creek, noting increased activity during fall hunting periods.

Road condition variables: Forest service roads vary in quality throughout the year. "The forest service road to get to the campground is pretty level and appears you could get an rv or pull behind through it," reports David P., though conditions deteriorate after heavy rains.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly water options: The designated swimming area at Ratcliff Lake provides safe water recreation. "There is a small swim area that you should utilize because there are alligators in the lake so it's not safe to swim by the campground," cautions Alana B., emphasizing the importance of using only designated swim zones.

Educational opportunities: Several dog friendly campgrounds near Kennard offer interpretive programs. "The Rangers there were amazing. One came by and invited us to an archery event the next day," reports Brian V., noting that even short stays can include ranger interactions, adding, "he showed us some skulls, animal skins, and a few dead animals."

Playground access: 566 Piney Creek Horse Camp and several other Kennard-area sites feature play areas. "There is a playground by the lake and The lake is gorgeous and the kids like to swim in it. It has a giant slide for them and a swimming dock in the middle," explains Lisa P. about one of the pet-accommodating campgrounds.

Wildlife viewing preparation: Bring binoculars for bird watching opportunities. "We enjoyed the site we had, but our friends were camping in the main camping loop which was very crowded and cramped mid-week," notes Daniel L., suggesting sites farther from main loops offer better wildlife viewing.

Tips from RVers

Water hookup extension needs: Many RV sites require longer-than-standard water hoses. "Do bring an extra long hose for the water connection as other reviews have stated," advises Heather B., who recommends a minimum 50-foot drinking water hose for most sites.

Site leveling requirements: Prepare for uneven terrain at many campgrounds. "The campsites were established in their open fields of grass, are very tight and far from level," warns Charles J., suggesting bringing extra leveling blocks for most areas around Kennard.

Electric service variations: Check amperage before selecting sites. "The vast majority of campsites are 30 amp. I spent a considerable amount of time driving around the park trying to locate a campsite that has 50 amp service," shares Charles about variations in electrical service at pet-friendly camping options near Kennard.

Road navigation challenges: Some access roads require careful driving. "Lastly, the majority of roads are compacted sandy, dirt mixture making it a little dicey to travel in a heavy rig," notes Charles J., recommending arriving in daylight to navigate unfamiliar campground roads safely.