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Best Campgrounds near Ratcliff, TX

43 Reviews

Camping options around Ratcliff, Texas include several RV resorts and established campgrounds that cater to various camping preferences. Bluebonnet RV Resort and Bentsen Palm Village RV Park both provide full hookup sites for RVs along with cabin accommodations for those seeking more amenities. Split Rail RV Park and Sleepy Valley Resort primarily serve the 55+ community with concrete pads and various recreational facilities. Most campgrounds in this region maintain year-round operations, allowing for consistent availability regardless of season.

Access to most established campgrounds near Ratcliff requires no special vehicles, as the sites typically feature paved roads and developed infrastructure. "Very friendly atmosphere, neat and tidy. We have reserved a spot next year," notes one camper about Bluebonnet RV Resort. The climate in this region remains relatively mild through winter, making it popular with seasonal travelers seeking warmer temperatures during colder months. Many parks require reservations, especially during peak winter months when "Winter Texans" frequent the area. Cell service can be inconsistent at some locations, particularly those situated along the Rio Grande River where border patrol presence is common.

The camping experience in this area centers around community activities rather than isolation in nature. Several RV parks offer organized social events, recreation halls, and amenities like swimming pools and dog parks. Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park provides a contrast to the developed RV resorts, offering more natural surroundings with wildlife viewing opportunities. Bird watching represents a significant attraction, with multiple reviewers noting excellent bird sighting opportunities. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "Interesting park. Used to be a full RV campground but has limited camping to hike-in primitive only." Many campgrounds provide concrete pads for RVs, electric and water hookups, and sewer connections. The proximity to the Rio Grande Valley provides opportunities for visiting natural attractions, museums, and shopping areas within reasonable driving distance.

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Best Camping Sites Near Ratcliff, Texas (73)

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Recent Camping Photos near Ratcliff, TX

17 Photos of 73 Ratcliff Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Ratcliff, TX

43 Reviews of 73 Ratcliff Campgrounds

  • Mark S.
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Americana RV Resort

    Best RV community in South TX

    Great little spot in Palmview TX. Under new management the staff is thriving to improve the landscape and amenities. Well maintained park with 150 sites, a pool and clubhouse, and events happening every weekend to keep you busy. Great place to relax.

  • Michael Vincent O.
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Rancho El Charco

    Rancho El Charco

    Rancho el Charco is a place to power up the chakras and heal the spirit. One deep breath gazing over the mirrored waters of Walker Lake and you'll know; this is heaven. Waking up in Henry's tent every morning to a lake side sunrise was a powerful heart warming experience. That big Texas Sky will make you catch your breath. Thank you staff for a memorable experience. See you soon.

  • Red S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2025

    Falcon State Park Campground

    Great Park

    I don't understand why people put 3 stars for this park. I thought it was great. The camping spots were super clean. All the pads are pull through. They can accommodate different size campers. The pads are well maintained and new. Each spot has a covered pavilion. I was able to pick up TV signal here. The bathrooms were clean and maintained. I had 4G network with T-Mobile. The service is iffy kind of in and out. Spots #222 and #223 are directly across from the Wi-Fi extender. And you'll have 5 bars. The other spots near the restrooms. The Wi-Fi is okay, but not great. The 2 spots that I took pictures of with their numbers are the best spots if you want Wi-Fi.

  • Matteo S.
    Feb. 21, 2025

    Falcon County Park

    It's great i love doing it every year.

    I had an amazing time at this campground! The location is absolutely stunning, nestled in nature with breathtaking views. The facilities were top-notch clean bathrooms, well-maintained trails, and plenty of activities for all ages. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just relaxing by the fire, there's something for everyone. The staff were friendly and always ready to help with any questions. It’s the perfect spot for a peaceful getaway or a fun weekend with family and friends. Highly recommend this campground for anyone looking to escape into nature! Me and poki give you 5 stars. Thanks.

  • William M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 18, 2025

    Falcon County Park

    Free camping

    Amazing that there is free camping, with no stay limit, anywhere, but there is! Very clean, hot showers, laundry, water hookups, dump station, community pavilion, and more. I've been here two weeks and think I may stay until spring.

  • ron R.
    Jan. 1, 2025

    Falcon County Park

    Boy what a fine this was

    This place was amazing cell phone service for the five bars for T-Mobile. Water hookup at almost half the sights. Camper maintained bathrooms and office which contain a washer bunch of small kitchen appliances. A sheltered gazebo with electric and many appliances to share. Camper maintained library and donation center. Most sites are quite level. Everyone I met was amazing. Almost every day there's a breeze which really conquers some of the heat. Completely free and no stay limit.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 28, 2024

    Lazy Palm Ranch

    All in all a good quiet place to stay

    The campground is located about 1 1/2 miles off the main highway. It is quiet. The help is friendly helpful if they would clean up, the grass burns and the stickers it would be a very nice place to stay, but it’s hard to get out of your camper and walk around because your feet load up with stickers the dogs cannot walk because of the stickers and I mean a lot of stickers

  • l
    Jun. 30, 2024

    Val Verde RV Park & Apartments

    I'd like to stay here for the night

    I'd love a fun night in watching movies with a few good friends

  • a
    Mar. 31, 2024

    Tip O' Texas RV Resort

    fine

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Guide to Ratcliff

Ratcliff, Texas camping spots offer a distinctively social experience centered around established RV resorts rather than primitive backcountry sites. Located in East Texas, the area maintains mild temperatures even during winter months, with average daytime highs rarely dropping below 60°F from November through February. The camping culture here primarily caters to seasonal "Winter Texan" visitors seeking community activities and concrete pad sites with full hookups.

What to do

Bird watching opportunities: Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park Campground features extensive hiking trails with dedicated bird blinds. "Fun place to hike and check out what is in the bird blinds," notes one visitor, adding that "busy season is November-February when birds are easy to spot and winter Texans are in."

Visit the National Butterfly Center: Located near Bentsen Palm Village RV Park, this attraction draws nature enthusiasts. "They have lots of outdoor activities around the park and are next door to the Rio Grande State Park," states one reviewer who described the area as feeling "like a true tropical resort."

Organized social activities: Most RV parks in the area host regular community events. At Split Rail RV Park & Resort, campers can participate in numerous scheduled activities. One visitor arrived "in time for evening of Christmas carols and fellowship" and noted there are "plenty of activities to keep you busy."

What campers like

Community atmosphere: The social environment ranks high among visitor preferences. At Sleepy Valley Resort, campers appreciate the welcoming community. "Nice concrete pads very friendly. We were welcomed by Jim who escorted us to our site. Always something to do," reports one camper.

Clean facilities: Well-maintained grounds and facilities receive consistent praise. Visitors to Bluebonnet RV Resort note the "beautifully maintained, very clean" grounds and mention "all buildings and laundry are exceptionally clean" with "grounds well maintained. No weeds and grass is mowed throughout."

Pet amenities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated pet facilities. One Bluebonnet RV Resort camper highlighted the "dog wash with fresh towels-all you need is your doggie's favorite shampoo" and mentioned the park is "very pet friendly with a dog bath and dog playground."

What you should know

Winter is peak season: The region fills with seasonal residents from northern states and Canada during winter months. According to a visitor at Chimney Park RV Resort, "Most of the people there are Winter Texans are 55+. Very friendly. Lots of fun activities."

Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. As one Chimney Park visitor noted, "No cable and cell service spotty," which can affect remote work capabilities or online activities.

Border patrol presence: Some campgrounds near the Rio Grande have security measures in place. A Chimney Park RV Resort camper mentioned, "Border patrol post on the property. Very safe," providing context for first-time visitors to the area.

Reservation requirements: Advance booking is essential during winter months. Sites fill quickly from November through March, with many seasonal visitors booking the same site year after year.

Tips for camping with families

Outdoor education: Take advantage of the natural surroundings for learning opportunities. At Rancho El Charco, visitors can enjoy lakeside views where "waking up in Henry's tent every morning to a lake side sunrise was a powerful heart warming experience" according to one camper.

Swimming pools: Many resorts offer swimming facilities for children. Americana RV Resort features "a pool and clubhouse, and events happening every weekend to keep you busy," making it suitable for families with children who need regular activities.

Wildlife spotting: Plan morning walks for better wildlife encounters. One visitor to Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park Campground remarked, "We saw a turkey too!" after exploring the trails, noting "the trees surrounding the trails made the experience beautiful."

Tips from RVers

Site layout considerations: Several parks feature unique designs that accommodate larger rigs. Bentsen Palm Village RV Resort's "unique hub-and-spoke circle design allows ample space to maneuver even the biggest RVs," according to one RVer.

Extended stay pricing: Many parks offer significant discounts for monthly or seasonal stays. Daily rates average $49-69 with full hookups, but monthly rates can reduce costs by 50% or more for long-term visitors.

Park age demographics: Most RV parks in this region primarily serve older adults. Split Rail RV Park specifically markets as a "55+" community, and another reviewer described Chimney Park as catering to seniors, noting "Most of the people there are Winter Texans are 55+."

Community integration: Longer-term visitors report building lasting relationships. One Bluebonnet RV Resort camper mentioned "we've met some wonderful people and lifetime friends" during their winter season stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area?

Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area offers a variety of amenities for campers. The recreation area features clean restrooms with flush toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and water hookups at campsites. There are both RV sites with electric hookups and tent camping areas available. The park includes a swimming beach on the lake, picnic shelters, and a playground for children. Similar to Falcon County Park, Ratcliff maintains well-kept grounds with plenty of shade trees throughout the camping areas. The day-use area has additional picnic facilities and shoreline access.

Is fishing allowed at Ratcliff Lake?

Yes, fishing is absolutely allowed and popular at Ratcliff Lake. The lake is stocked with bass, catfish, and sunfish, making it a great destination for anglers. No fishing license is required when fishing from the shore within the recreation area. The lake features accessible fishing piers and plenty of shoreline access for bank fishing. Similar to Falcon State Park Campground, early mornings and evenings typically offer the best fishing opportunities. Small boats, canoes, and kayaks are permitted on the lake, but there's a no-wake policy and motor restrictions in place to preserve the peaceful environment.

What are the best hiking trails near Ratcliff Lake?

Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area features several excellent hiking trails for all skill levels. The signature trail is the 1.5-mile Ratcliff Lake Trail that loops around the lake, offering beautiful water views and opportunities to spot wildlife. For more serious hikers, the 20-mile Four C National Recreation Trail connects to the recreation area, winding through diverse pine forests of the Davy Crockett National Forest. Similar to Bentsen - Rio Grande Valley State Park Campground, the trails are well-marked and maintained with interpretive signs highlighting local flora and fauna. The shorter 0.5-mile Forest Trail is perfect for families with young children or those wanting a quick nature walk.

How much does camping at Ratcliff Lake cost?

Camping at Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area costs $20 per night for standard sites and $25 for sites with electric hookups. Day use fees are $5 per vehicle. The recreation area accepts payment by credit card, cash, or check. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance through Recreation.gov, with a $10 reservation fee. Similar to Bentsen Palm Village RV Park, discounts are available for seniors and Access Pass holders. Group campsites are also available at different rates depending on the size and amenities required.

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