About Clearwater Lake Rec Area
Number of accommodations: 38
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Open year round
This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Showers
RV Utilities and Hookups
- Dump station on site
Water and Hygiene
- Potable Water
- Showers
Water Access
- Beach Access
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Rates, Sites & Availability
38 Sites Available
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Site Details
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38 Sites Available
No available sites
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Reviews (433)
What Guests Are Saying
Clearwater Lake Rec Area offers a beautiful and clean campground with spacious and well-maintained sites, friendly hosts, and excellent restroom facilities with hot showers. Visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, access to the Florida Trail, and fun activities such as kayaking and nature walks. However, some guests noted a tick problem and expressed concern about pricing and booking policies, suggesting that improvements could enhance the overall experience.
What Guests Are Saying
Clearwater Lake Rec Area offers a beautiful and clean campground with spacious and well-maintained sites, friendly hosts, and excellent restroom facilities with hot showers. Visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, access to the Florida Trail, and fun activities such as kayaking and nature walks. However, some guests noted a tick problem and expressed concern about pricing and booking policies, suggesting that improvements could enhance the overall experience.
Review Summary
Percy T
VerifiedMay 3, 2026 • Stayed at: 22, Loop: A
The two rangers that helped us out during our stay were absolute godsend. they were so kind and helpful, even helping us bring the firewood we bought to our site. Our dog, Scout, absolutely adore them.
Marvin G
VerifiedMay 3, 2026 • Stayed at: 13, Loop: A
Great place to camp !
Elena V
VerifiedMay 1, 2026 • Stayed at: 15, Loop: A
We arrived on a Sunday in late April when the weather gave us sun and the day's heat - still pleasant without humidity. The nights were extremely cold, so keep that in mind if you're in a tent in April. The crowds had left, and we had the place pretty much to ourselves. The 1.3 mile dirt path around the lake provides both shade and sunny spots, benches along the way, sightings for deer, birds of all kinds, and rabbits. Other trails, including the paisley and the Florida Central State trail can take you as far north into the heart of the park as you want to go. The facilities are very clean, the staff wonderfully pleasant. A bit of noise comes from the traffic coursing up and down the closest road that may interrupt the morning's bounty of birds; but otherwise it's a fine place to retreat to and spend a few days in solitude.
Harry K
VerifiedApril 30, 2026 • Stayed at: 16, Loop: A
Very quiet and nicely shaded sights near the lake which has a nice beach and swimming area. Facilities were clean and well maintained. Staff were very supportive
Krystina D
VerifiedApril 20, 2026 • Stayed at: 8, Loop: A
This was our first visit as campers at Clearwater Lake Campground and was very pleased with our site location and condition as well as the entire campground. There was a lot of area to enjoy; we are walkers and the access to the Florida Trail was a bonus. The bathroom facility was great, clean and hot showers a plus.
Meghan M
VerifiedApril 12, 2026 • Stayed at: 26, Loop: B
Restrooms were clean, the hosts are very friendly. The campground is beautiful.
David K
VerifiedApril 5, 2026 • Stayed at: 25, Loop: B
Site 25 B: furthest from the lake, but very private. Despite fire ban, fire was allowed in fire ring. Bathrooms and showers were clean. Great campground hosts!
Danielle R
VerifiedApril 3, 2026 • Stayed at: 36, Loop: B
Quiet and peaceful sleep!
Myron P
VerifiedApril 1, 2026 • Stayed at: 3, Loop: A
The campgrounds are beautiful... The camp staff are exceptional, friendly and above par. I have been coming here for over 30 years. However, this trip was not a good one for myself and my guests.
All in our party got ticks. Even with Spray. The tick problem was the worst I have experienced anywhere...
Fix the tick problem and the Campground has my definite thumbs up.
Michael B
VerifiedMarch 31, 2026 • Stayed at: 19, Loop: A
I love it here! Peaceful, beautiful, great staff. A great time to be outside in the Lord's creation!
Location Clearwater Lake Rec Area
Address:
24511 Cr 42
Paisley, FL, 32767
United States
From the intersection of Florida Highways 19 and 42, go east on Highway 42 toward Paisley. Drive approximately 6 miles and turn left at the entrance to Clearwater Lake Recreation Area.
Clearwater Lake Recreation Area is accessible via Florida Highway 42, and is located approximately 6 miles east of the intersection with Florida Highway 19.
Latitude & Longitude: 28.9794 / -81.555
Elevation: 16 feet
Policies & Rules
Arrival & departure
Check in time
2PM
Check out time
11AM
General
- Campground gate is locked during Daylight Savings (Mar - Oct) and (Nov - Mar). Campers who check-in after the gatehouse is closed must visit the Gatehouse the next morning to complete their check-in to their site. Failure to do so will lead to a 'no show' charge to your reservation and potential forfeiture of site.
- Campsites are limited to 2 tents, 2 vehicles (campers included), and 5 persons.
- Extra vehicles will be charged a per-vehicle, per-night fee
- Bears and raccoons frequent the area; all food must be kept in approved containers. Failure to comply with this regulation can result in immediate ejection from campground without refund.
- Alligators inhabit the area; use caution around water.
- Private vessel launches in the Juniper Wilderness Run are subject to a fee.
- Dogs/pets are allowed in campground only and must be leashed and supervised at all times. No dogs/pets allowed in day-use area, bathrooms, in lake or on the trail around the lake.
- Click here for more information about Ocala National Forest
- Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.
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Last updated: June 3, 2026
