Davy Crockett National Forest
RV Guide
Introduction
Head out today to camp in the great state of Texas to surround yourself with the rustic, wild beauty of the Davy Crockett National Forest outside Lufkin and Crockett, Texas. Centrally located within the Neches and Trinity River basins, you’ll find that this area covers both Houston and Trinity counties. Named for the famous hero from that popular childhood tune, Davy Crockett National Forest is an excellent site for some RV camping. Officially created in 1936, this area has 160,000 acres of East Texas to explore on foot, horse, bike, or ATV. The Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area offers excellent facilities for RV campers of all ages including an amphitheater and picnic area among the majestic pines. Once you’re here, you’ll quickly see why this wildlife-rich national forest is the perfect place for camping in the great outdoors. Make plans to reserve your camping site at one of the 25 RV spots at the Ratcliff Lake Campground. View the lush green trees and the gorgeous Texas wildflowers - it’s East Texas wildlife at its best!
RV Rentals in Davy Crockett National Forest
Transportation
Driving
Head out to the Lone State for your next RV camping adventure! With the vast trees, abundant wildlife, and majestic views, you’ll find your trip totally Instagram-worthy. This national forest is perfectly center of the towns of Crockett and Lufkin, Texas and covers both Houston and Trinity counties. A fabulous getaway destination, this area is two hours from Houston and under four hours from Austin.
Make sure to follow all rules and regulations and as you travel to your camping site, and be on the lookout for visitors riding mountain bikes, ATVs, and horses. To access the ranger district office, you’ll find it near Ratcliff, Texas on Highway 7.
Parking
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Davy Crockett National Forest
Campsites in Davy Crockett National Forest
Reservations camping
Ratcliff Lake Campground
Get a little zen and c’mon out in your RV for a quiet camping experience. The Ratcliff Lake Campground provides flush toilets, hot and cold showers, picnic shelters and an amphitheater. Twenty-five RV sites are well spaced, and you can reserve in advance. The spots also comfortably fit rigs up to 50 feet in length. Need electricity during your stay? Consider reserving yourself a spot on the Dogwood Loop that offers electrical hookups to use during your trip.
Relax and read a book under the generous pine trees that surround this well-maintained and treasured camping area. This campground has it all with access to swimming, fishing, and hiking the 20-mile-long Four C National Recreational Trail. Enjoy s’ mores by your campfire and listen to the sound of frogs and the crackle of the fire rather than cars at nighttime here in the forest. With amazing views of the lake for a breathtaking sunset, you’ll be glad that you got away from it all to camp here by yourself or with family and friends to vacation at Davy Crockett National Forest. This place is simply heaven on earth, and it’s only missing you.
Seasonal activities in Davy Crockett National Forest
Off-Season
Horseback Riding
There is nothing like the unique experience of traveling a national forest on horseback! Head out from your RV camping site to enjoy the Davy Crockett National Forest from a different viewpoint as you travel more than 50 miles of horse trails. There are two main trails to follow - Piney Creek Trail and White Rock Trail - that will take you through all the different areas of this beautiful landscape.
Hiking on the Four C National Recreational Trail
Get out and enjoy the sunshine as you travel the 20-mile-long Four C National Recreation Trail. Start at Ratcliff Lake and take in the majestic pines, upland forest, and bottomland hardwoods. At the end of the trail, you’ll be rewarded by the fantastic views from Neches Bluff Overlook. You’ll want to bring your camera in your rig so you can capture the panoramic views of the pine-hardwood forest of this incredible Texas forest.
Picnicking
There are gorgeous spots throughout this amazing forest for you to enjoy your next meal among the pines. Have fun as you soak up the sunshine, view nature and eat your lunch next to the peaceful water of Ratcliff Lake. Meeting up with a large group? Visitors can reserve the picnic area for reunions or family functions.
In-Season
Watching Texas’ Wildlife
Make sure that your hiking boots are packed in your RV. The Davy Crockett National Forest is a fantastic spot to view wildlife unique to eastern Texas area. Home to an array of wildlife including deer, quail, turkey, waterfowl, and dove - you’ll want to have your camera on hand as you explore the different areas of the forest. There have even been sightings of the endangered Red-cockaded woodpecker so plan on bringing your binoculars.
Fishing at Davy Crockett National Forest
An angler’s delight, you’ll be glad you headed to Davy Crockett National Forest for a little relaxation and fishing on your next camping trip. With rivers and lakes full of largemouth bass, crappie, white bass, and channel catfish - dinner will never be the same. Depending on the area of the forest, boat ramps are available for visitors to use during their trip. Before you cast your rod, make sure to secure your Texas fishing license and pack your favorite rod and bait in your camping trailer.
Recreation at Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area
C’mon out and surround yourself with amazing views of Ratcliff Lake, a 45-acre lake at Davy Crockett National Forest. A former log pod and water source for the Central Coal and Coke Company sawmill, it was renovated by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1936 into some spectacular for all visitors to enjoy for nearly a century. This facility is open year-round and includes a large camping area, picnic areas, swimming, and even an amphitheater you can reserve for events.
