|
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 facilities at Ratcliff Lake are open year-round. The area includes 77 camping units, 17 single-family picnicking units, two picnic shelters, swimming area, concession stand, bathhouse with showers, fishing piers, and playground. There is also an amphitheater for evening programs. The 1-1/2 mile "Tall Pines" hiking trail can be accessed from the campground or the picnic area. A 3/4 mile "Trail Tamers" accessible trail can be accessed from the picnic area. In the camping area are flush toilets, cold showers and centralized garbage containers. Electrical hook-ups are available in the Dogwood Loop.Visitors must swim only in the designated area delineated by buoys. There are no lifeguards on duty. Fishing is permitted (except in the swim area) under applicable Federal and State laws. Only electric motors are allowed on the lake. Visitors may want to hike the 20-mile-long Four C National Recreation Trail, which originates in the Ratcliff Recreation Area and goes to the Neches Bluff Overlook.
| 
