Davy Crockett National Forest Guide
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Davy Crockett National Forest is an easily accessible forest located near the towns of Crockett and Lufkin in the state of Texas. Named for the legendary pioneer, Davy Crockett National Forest contains more than 160,000 acres of woodlands, as well as streams and wildlife habitats. It's located in Houston and Trinity counties and was established on October 15, 1936, by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Located inside the Davy Crockett National Forest is the Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area, which has a 4-acre lake. Visitors to this lake can enjoy activities such as swimming, camping, boating, and fishing. There is also a bathhouse with showers, an amphitheater, and a forest trail.
RV Rentals Near Davy Crockett National Forest
Davy Crockett National Forest Hiking Trails
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Four C National Recreational Trail
The Four C National Recreational Trail takes pedestrians through upland forests, boggy sloughs, and towering pines. It begins at Ratcliff Lake and takes people past the Walnut Creek campsite, and traverses the Big Slough Wilderness Area.
Length: 20 miles
Intensity: Easy for the central and south sections. The north section is more difficult due to the steeper terrain.
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Piney Creek Horse Trail
The Piney Creek Horse Trail is a horse trail with two trailheads, Piney Creek Trailhead and White Rock trailhead, with pit toilets. There are campsites and municipal water available.
Length: 50 miles
Intensity: Easy, but the trail is primitive, so use caution in wet weather.
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Neches Bluff Trail
The Neches Bluff Trail is located near Grapeland, Texas, and is good for beginners to expert hikers. It is used for camping, trail running, and hiking. It is kid friendly, and dogs are welcome as long as they are on a leash at all times.
Length: 4.8 miles
Intensity: Easy
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Ratcliff Lake Trail
Near Ratcliff Lake, the Ratcliff Lake Trail offers a view of wildlife and wildflowers, views of the lake, and activities such as bird watching, running, hiking, and camping. Dogs must be kept on a leash but are welcome on the trail.
Length: 2.8 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Activities in Davy Crockett National Forest
Davy Crockett National Forest offers a wide range of activities for people to choose from. However, there are several prohibited activities. These include:
Timber harvesting
Landing aircraft
Bicycles
Removing archaeological or historical artifacts
Removing moss, stones, or plants for personal or commercial use
Activities that visitors to Davy Crockett National Forest can do include hunting, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, camping with campfires (as long as there's no fire ban), and collecting food for personal use. For fishing, Davy Crockett National Forest only allows non-motorized boats, and there's an accessible fishing platform for those who don't wish to be on the water. There are picnic tables at all camping sites. Swimming and boating are both permitted.
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Hunting
When hunting in Davy Crockett National Forest, all hunters and those with the hunters must wear daylight fluorescent orange, except if they are hunting animals with fur turkeys, migratory birds, or nocturnal predatory animals. They must also have a hunting permit to hunt the small game, waterfowl, feral hogs, turkey, and deer within Davy Crockett National Forest.
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Bird Watching
Davy Crockett National Forest is a great place for birdwatchers. Depending on where you are in the forest, you'll see herons, waterfowl, kingfishers, the red-headed woodpecker raptors, pileated woodpeckers, cardinals, and more.
How to get to Davy Crockett National Forest
Address: 18551 State Highway East Kennard, Texas 75847.
Fee: Annual Pass $80.0
Annual passes are free for U.S. 4th grade students, active military, military dependents, and volunteers who contribute 250+ hours a year.
Fee: Lifetime Senior Pass (age 62+) $90.0
Fee: Access Pass $10.0
For those with a permanent disability.
Fee: Annual Senior Pass (age 62+) $30.0
From hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, and other nearby parks, Davy Crockett National Forest has something to offer everyone. An RV is a great way to experience Davy Crockett National Forest, and there's nothing quite like feeling as though you have the whole place to yourself. Whether you're here to hunt, camp, swim, or just a little bit of everything, your memories will stay with you for a lifetime. Start your vacation of a lifetime with RVShare!
Frequently Asked Questions About Davy Crockett National Forest
What is the closest town to Davy Crockett National Forest?
Some of the closest towns to Davy Crockett National Forest include Crockett and Lufkin. Lufkin is the larger of the two towns, but both have grocery stores, restaurants, hotels, campgrounds, and other services. Campers can stock up for their trip in either town.
Do you need a permit to fish or hunt in Davy Crockett National Forest?
Yes, you do need a permit to hunt in Davy Crockett National Forest. You need a fishing license if you're 16 or older in order to fish in the forest as well.
Is there a fee to get into Davy Crockett National Forest?
No, there is no fee to get into Davy Crockett National Forest. However, there are fees for certain day-use areas. There are also fees for some recreational activities like camping in developed campgrounds.
Can you kayak, canoe, or raft in Davy Crockett National Forest?
Yes, you can kayak and canoe in Davy Crockett National Forest. In fact, the Neches-Davy Crockett Paddling Trail is perfect for canoes and kayaks. Whitewater rafting is not a popular activity in the area.
Does Davy Crockett National Forest offer free camping sites?
Yes, the Davy Crockett National Forest offers free camping sites. Dispersed camping is allowed throughout the forest year-round, although it's restricted to 20 designated hunter camps during deer season each fall for safety reasons. The ranger office has maps showing these camps.
