This newsletter drop summarizes my first trip to Davy Crockett National Forest. If you follow the YouTube channel, this will likely answer any questions you had about locations, camp conditions, and points of interest within the video. If you are not a subscriber but are planning a trip this will provide a good starting point and inspiration.
Destination
~Davy Crockett National Forest
This forest is named after the legend Davy Crockett and spans 160,000 acres of east Texas forest to explore. This is a small forest but has plenty of established campgrounds, trails, and primitive campsites. Texas has only a few small national forests, I wish we had larger public lands to explore. On the other side of the coin it does make it is easier to thoroughly explore all of the public lands.
Campsite Location
~ This campsite is on Forest road 511. There are a few spots at a place called Neches Bluff, however these were all taken when I got there. I drove down a little ways and found a pull off spot along the trail. I believe this is a big game shoot off for hunters. Since it wasn’t deer season I figured this spot would do for the night. The coordinates will take you to Neches Bluff area. If all of those sights are taken, drive down the trail a little and you will find the exact spot I was at.
Campsite coordinates: 31.56532, -95.16341
Campsite at Davy
Campsite accessibility
~ This campsite is easily accessible by any vehicle. The only variable that could change that is heavy rain leading to muddy trails which could be troublesome for less capable vehicles.
Trails and Route
~ The trails I used on this trip were all forest service roads or county roads. On my way to the campsite there was a patch that had large tire ruts. If it rains there it could be troublesome but other than that it was a smooth ride.
~ This trip started at Ratcliff lake. I drove through and checked it out. Its a nice family spot with well maintained camping areas and a small lake to explore. This wasn’t the type of camping I was looking for so I pulled up onX and started looking for some trails.
Ratcliff Lake
Going east on highway seven just passed Ratcliff Lake I took a left on County Road 1155. Once I went all the way down 1155 I took another left onto road Forest Service Road 511, this is where I shot the intro of my truck going down the trail.
Beginning drive on FS 511
A quick detour onto county road 2729 and then a left onto county road 1175 will bring you right back to FS 511. From there I took FS 511 all the way down to Neches Bluff and my soon to be campground for the night.
Birds-eye view of Neches Bluff
Points of interest
~ Ratcliff lake is a good place for large groups or families to enjoy the lake and outdoors. Keep in mind this is a public campground that requires a reservation.
Ratcliff lake Coordinates: 31.39116, -95.15011
~ Mission Tejas State park is where I stopped at the end of the trip. There is a lot of cool historical places and history within the park. Also a lot of nice public campgrounds available if dispersed camping isn’t your thing
Mission Tejas State Park Coordinates: 31.54607, -95.23385
Mission replica in Mission Tejas State Park
Gear notes
~The induction cooktop that I used has been awesome so far. I originally tried a coil style cooktop and that thing was terrible, but the induction setup has been super easy to cook with and cooks fast! I am excited to keep experimenting with induction cooking and I would recommend this product if you are on the same journey. https://amzn.to/41KrqjZ
Induction stove doing work
Scripture of the month:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
Link to video below:
