davy crockett national forest

The weekend of March 13-15th was ours for the taking. Four of us planned a weekend excursion to hike from Ratcliff Lake to the mid-way point of the primitive campgrounds beyond the wildlife area. This was our first time on this trail. Our hope was to hike 10-12 miles on Saturday to stay the night in the primitive camp. We intended to reverse our trail the next morning to hike back to Ratcliff Lake where our truck awaited us. That didn't quite pan out the way we'd hoped. Mother Nature derailed our plans with heavy rains. Here are some notes:Friday: We drove to Crocket National Forest from San Antonio. We decided to camp at a site in the park near the lake. The ground host was very kind and courteous with firewood. We set up camp. Relaxed that evening in preparation of hiking 10-12 miles the next day. The bathrooms at the camp were exceptionally clean with hot showers and clean toilets. The camp site was clean and in order.Saturday: We set out at about 0900 on our hike. The trails were clearly marked. We faced muddy paths and numerous small pools of water due to recent rains. The weather and humidity were definitely in our favor. We hiked and hiked and hiked. The dense forest opened up here and there. Several deep wood creeks were traversed better with small bridges recently repaired/built. We didn't see another person but from the presence of other bootprints heading north, I suspected there was another one or two hikers in front of us. We never did find them, though. As Saturday progressed, we entered the wildlife area. Water was everywhere. None of us had been there before so we pushed forward. At one point, the trail led to an elevated berm that looked like an old railroad bed. The berm led to a small river (as we saw it) that washed out the bridge trail to get us to the camp grounds about a mile or two or three away. Big Bummer for us! We had no choice but to reverse direction. The mosquitoes started to dominate. Daylight was burning. Feet were wet and muddy. Our GPS put us just shy of 10 miles when we found the washed our bridge. The last camp spot we saw for a decent campsite was somewhere past mile marker 5. Uugggh! We sloshed through the mud and puddles to go back to where we were. It sounds terrible...it was...but it sure made us appreciate the evening once we set up camp.We all slept like rocks that night. We estimated a total hike of about 15 miles but the GPS had it closer to 13.5. It was one of those times to appreciate what you had and avoid bellyaching about what you wished you had. We made the best of it for a great time in fellowship.Sunday: We packed up camp to head back to Ratcliff Lake. By 1130 AM we were at the truck. Advil was our friend for aches and pains in the neck, legs, and shoulders. The Positive for Hiking: The trails were, for the most part, clearly followed with white markers. If an area of the trail wasn't apparent by marker, it wasn't difficult to see by beaten path. The Non-Positive for Hiking: There were few mile markers along the trail. I personally saw mile markers 2, 4, and 5. I may have missed the others but that's all I saw on the entire trek. The fact that bridge washed out was a big disappointment but I'm guessing it happened the night before we started. The risk of crossing deep waters, mud, debris, and the muck wasn't worth the payoff. I called the HQ to let them know about the bridge so others are informed as to the conditions should they be looking to push through north and get picked up at the other end.Our experience on the trail was average overall. Even the washed out bridge could could merit a negative review but that's not the park's fault. Poop happens everywhere. Because the park host so kind and the bathrooms were exceptionally clean, I'd rate the experience with four stars (very good). If I had to rate the hike alone, it would be three stars (average).

Rolled in here (1st visit ) mid February, arriving from the frozen northlands of Michigan. Billy, the campground host, greeted us warmly and suggested some sites.Campfire wood would have been delivered to our site had I not wanted to tote it after the extended drive, but I chose for the DIY option. Large sites, some with H2O and elect....some elect. only.Choose accordingly.Off-loaded 2 kayaks the next day for an adventure on the lake. Walking trails, picnic area, boat launch (non-motorized), sawmill ruins and fishing piers are available as well.Great place between Lufkin and Crockett for some peace & quiet.

OMG! Where do I start! We have been coming to this forest for 20 years and just love every little thing it has to offer. I love my early morning walks along the tall pine trees and taking in the fresh air and sounds of the birds! The camp grounds are clean and safe. Hunting,fishing and camping are the things we enjoy doing here. Hunting is AWESOME! And fishing has been good in the past, but the Ratcliff Lake camp grounds closed for a few years and the lake is grown over with weeds and moss of some sort. This was sad to see, but we are hoping they will take care of this issue.This would be the only reason I have given this review 4 stars. Thanks to the hosts for always taking such good care of us during our stay.

We were pleasantly surprised upon arriving at the Campground! It was clean, well laid out and had lots to do,I.E.; Camping for RV's, Trailers, or roughing it in a tent. Hiking, swimming fishing. Seasonal dining.