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Davy Crockett National Forest (Ratcliff Lake): Petrified Wood & Agatized Wood Rockhounding in Houston County, Texas

Updated June 2026

The Davy Crockett National Forest sits in the petrified-wood belt of East Texas, where silicified and agatized wood weathers out of Catahoula and Manning Formation gravels alongside jasper and agate. The US Forest Service issues free use permits for personal collection of petrified wood and common lapidary minerals on the forest. Vertebrate fossils and artifacts remain off limits. Reported finds include petrified wood, agatized wood, jasper, agate, chalcedony. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Davy Crockett National Forest (Ratcliff Lake) photos

Public image records connected to this spot or its reported material.

1 photo

A polished slab of multicolored petrified wood, like that collected in Davy Crockett National Forest

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Houston County
State: Texas
Coordinates: 31.37286, -95.16580

Geology at Davy Crockett National Forest (Ratcliff Lake)

This spot sits on Yegua Formation, mapped as claystone and sandstone that formed roughly 56 to 34 million years ago. Sedimentary beds like these are the typical host for petrified and silicified wood, which weathers out as durable float on slopes and in washes.

Mapped unit: Yegua Formation
Age: 56–34 Ma (Eocene)
Rock types: claystone and sandstone
Elevation: 340 ft

Geologic mapping via Macrostrat and the underlying state geological survey maps (CC BY 4.0). Bedrock at the surface can vary within a mapped unit.

Best time to visit Davy Crockett National Forest (Ratcliff Lake)

Best months: October to May. Typical highs run 96°F in midsummer and 62°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 38°F. Summer heat here is intense, so carry more water than you think you need and work the early morning.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, GROVETON station (12 mi away).

Land & collecting status

Generally open to casual rockhounding

Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig.

Public-land rules vary by agency, season, and field office. The RockHoundR app pulls live BLM, USFS, NPS, and tribal overlays so you can see exactly which agency manages the ground at this spot.

Sources & verification

Spot details combine the public RockHoundR location dataset, normalized mineral labels, agency land-status checks in the app, and community submissions. Coordinates are approximate until verified in the field.

State guidance last verified: April 1, 2026

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Bureau of Economic Geology — Texas geology
Big Bend National Park — Rules
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Davy Crockett National Forest (Ratcliff Lake)

Each chip opens all spots that produce that material; the encyclopedia link opens the full ID and field guide.

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Davy Crockett National Forest (Ratcliff Lake).

Davy Crockett National Forest (Ratcliff Lake) FAQ

Where is Davy Crockett National Forest (Ratcliff Lake)?+

Davy Crockett National Forest (Ratcliff Lake) is in Houston County, Texas, at 31.37286, -95.16580.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Davy Crockett National Forest (Ratcliff Lake)?+

Davy Crockett National Forest (Ratcliff Lake) is reported to produce Petrified Wood, Agatized Wood, Jasper, Agate, Chalcedony.

Is collecting allowed at Davy Crockett National Forest (Ratcliff Lake)?+

Generally open to casual rockhounding. Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.

What tools should I bring to Davy Crockett National Forest (Ratcliff Lake)?+

A rock hammer, sturdy gloves, and a padded bag cover petrified wood hunting. Most pieces are surface float, so walking slopes and washes beats digging.

When is the best time to visit Davy Crockett National Forest (Ratcliff Lake)?+

The most comfortable months at Davy Crockett National Forest (Ratcliff Lake) are October to May. Summer heat here is intense, so carry more water than you think you need and work the early morning.

How do I get to Davy Crockett National Forest (Ratcliff Lake)?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 31.37286, -95.16580 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

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