Davy Crockett National Forest & Ratcliff Lake, TX
Today’s Forecast:
Today’s Report:
Hiking
Excellent for hiking. High near 65°F. Low rain risk (1%). Light wind (10 mph).
- Temp: Favorable conditions
- Rain: Favorable conditions
- Wind: Favorable conditions
- Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Camping
Excellent for camping. High near 65°F. Low rain risk (1%). Light wind (10 mph).
- Temp: Favorable conditions
- Rain: Favorable conditions
- Wind: Favorable conditions
- Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Paddling
Good for paddling. High near 65°F. Low rain risk (1%). Breezy winds (10 mph).
- Temp: Marginal weather factor
- Rain: Favorable conditions
- Wind: Marginal weather factor
- Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Fishing
Excellent for fishing. High near 65°F. Low rain risk (1%). Light wind (10 mph).
- Temp: Favorable conditions
- Rain: Favorable conditions
- Wind: Favorable conditions
- Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
About Davy Crockett National Forest & Ratcliff Lake
Forecast guidance is centered on the principal visitor area near Ratcliff. The wider forest and small lake setting reaches toward Ratcliff Lake, so local wind and access deserve a second check.
Plan Around Conditions
Confirm the named launch, water level and wind exposure near Ratcliff; a usable shoreline does not guarantee a safe return trip. Consult U.S. Forest Service district notices and local fire restrictions before relying on conditional access.
Weather Tips
- No biking card is included because the page does not rely on motor-vehicle maps as evidence of a maintained recreational cycling destination.
- Turn toward the selected launch before thunderstorm outflow reaches open water; wind near Ratcliff Lake can arrive ahead of rain.
- For heat, favor the portion near Ratcliff with the shortest return and dependable shade or drinking-water plan.
Nearby Towns and Areas
- Ratcliff
- Ratcliff Lake
- Four C Trail
- Neches River
- Kennard
Adjust the Day to the Forecast
If wind or water conditions rule out the planned launch, use a legal shore-fishing or land route near Ratcliff instead of moving blindly to another access point.
7-Day Forecast
Weather by Season
Winter
Cold rain and occasional ice leave shaded roads and camps near Ratcliff soft or slick; reduced services and hunting activity require advance checks.
Spring
Repeated thunderstorms can saturate trails and raise rivers or reservoirs well after local rain ends around Ratcliff Lake.
Summer
High humidity, mosquitoes and warm nights reduce recovery; tropical remnants may add falling limbs, flooded roads and poor water clarity near Ratcliff.
Fall
Early fall can remain tropical, while later dry spells raise fire danger and expose low-water access; hunting-season visibility matters around Ratcliff Lake.
Key Climate Data Points
- Local climate: Forest and small lake conditions near Ratcliff make forest-road condition the leading local planning signal.
- Annual mean temperature: Near Ratcliff, the annual mean temperature is generally in the mid to upper 60s °F; forest shade slows drying and moderates afternoon heat.
- Warmest or primary-use period: June through August is the hottest period; forest-road condition often determines whether the primary activity remains practical.
- Coldest or limited-access period: December through February is coolest; snowfall is variable and generally brief, while ice, wind and shaded-road conditions cause the larger access impact.
- Most consequential precipitation period: Spring, with tropical rainfall possible through fall is the most consequential precipitation period here because it can affect forest-road condition near Ratcliff Lake.
- Primary hazard timing: Spring flooding, summer heat and late-summer tropical remnants most directly affects heat.
- Best general outdoor window: March through may and october through early december when trails are firm; the useful window still depends on forest-road condition.