Forest Information
The Davy Crockett National Forest, located in eastern Texas, is comprised of 162,012 acres. There are two developed campgrounds, one of which met the selection criteria.
The Davy Crockett National Forest is one of Grandma's old crazy quilts. Ranch land, farms, small towns and forest land form the different patches sown together to form the forest. Running like a golden thread through the northern corner of the Forest is the Four C Hiking Trail. With the Neches Overlook at one end and Ratcliff Recreation Area at the other, Walnut Creek campground (not included in the Guide - less than 10 sites) is strategically located as an overnight stop. This 20-mile trail leads the hiker through pines, bottomland hardwoods, boggy sloughs, and upland forests. It also passes through the Big Slough Wilderness Area, providing visitors an opportunity to see a variety of wildlife.
If Four C Hiking Trail is the Forest Service's golden thread, the Ratcliff Recreation Area is the Crockett quilt's priceless gem. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1937 near the Central Coal and Coke Company (4C) sawmill, this recreation area is a delightful place. Designed for car, tent, recreational vehicle (RV) and motorhome camping enthusiasts, Ratcliff has a lot to offer its campers. Some recreational opportunities found there are wildlife watching, exploring the old sawmill ruins, fishing for the "big one" (at Ratcliff Lake) from one of the several fishing piers, relaxing at a lake-side campsite, hiking through tall pines and canoeing on the 45-acre Ratcliff Lake.
If you are looking for more history, then visit the Mission Tejas State Park, a short trip north of Ratcliff Recreation Area on State Route 21. There you will find CCC Camp-888's 1935 reconstruction of the 1690 Mission Tejas's chapel. To explore evidence of Native American's presence in the area, a few miles further north on Rt. 21 brings you to Caddoan Mounds State Historical Park.
The camping and recreational experiences found in the Forest are limited only by the amount of time you stay. Go and enjoy the beauty and variety of activities found in the Davy Crockett National Forest.
ADDRESSES
SUPERVISOR ADDRESS
415 South First St.
Suite 110
Lufkin, Texas 75901-3801
936-639-8501
RANGER DISTRICT ADDRESSES
Davy Crockett
18551 State Hwy 7 East
Kennard, Texas 75847
936-655-2299 |
