KE Bushman's Camp

## 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

Campground at Rusk

Nestled in the Piney Woods near Rusk, the campground offers the exclusive experience of staying onsite at a historic railroad. Campers have access to depot amenities which include lunch, gift shop and movie theater access on train departure days.

Campsites with water only; water and electricity; or full hook-ups with 30- and 50-amp service and sewer.

Grounds are open to campers and train ticket holders at no charge. For all other use, there is a $10 per vehicle, or $5 per person, day-use fee which can be paid at the campground office.

    Picnic tables, grills, fire rings, laundry facilities and wi-fi hotspot provided
     Separate restrooms and showers on site
    Water playground
    Quarter-mile nature trail
    Campground office complete with sundries, firewood, and ice for purchase


Rusk - Palestine Park

The quiet country setting of our cabins is a great alternative to traditional hotel style lodging. Whether you stay a night, a week, a month or longer, you’ll find the fully furnished cabins to be comfortable and cozy. In talking with our guests, we have learned that finding short term housing or furnished housing can be challenging, so we offer our cabins for Corporate Housing or Extended Stay. All of our cabins offer air conditioning, satellite television, and WiFi. All of our Cabins include basic kitchenware (Dishes, Cookware, Appliances, Etc) and linens. Most cabins are small pet friendly.

The Ranch at Walton Springs

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This is a trailhead for the 4C Hiking Trail.  Neches Bluff Overlook, located at the north end of the trail, offers a panoramic view of pine-hardwood forests in the Neches River bottomlands with picnic and primitive camping facilities.

Neches Bluff Overlook Campground

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It is located between two beautiful lakes nestled in the trees of deep East Texas - our 89 RV sites are wide w/gravel with full hook-ups in a peaceful,  picturesque setting. Rallies & clubs - no matter your size of group - turn your stay into a learning experience. Stay 3 or 5 days for hands-on RV maintenance training.

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