About Clearwater Lake Rec Area
Number of accommodations: 38
Campground Amenities
-
Beach Access -
Potable Water -
Showers -
Dump Station
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Open year round
This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.
Sites & Availability
38 Sites Available
No sites found matching your criteria.
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
Site Details
Select a site to view details
38 Sites Available
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
Reviews (428)
What Guests Are Saying
Clearwater Lake Recreation Area is praised for its beautiful campground, clean restrooms, and friendly hosts, creating a peaceful and enjoyable atmosphere for visitors. Many guests appreciate the spacious, well-maintained sites and the variety of outdoor activities available, including swimming, kayaking, and hiking. However, there are concerns about a significant tick infestation, which has affected several campers and their pets, suggesting the need for better awareness and prevention measures.
What Guests Are Saying
Clearwater Lake Recreation Area is praised for its beautiful campground, clean restrooms, and friendly hosts, creating a peaceful and enjoyable atmosphere for visitors. Many guests appreciate the spacious, well-maintained sites and the variety of outdoor activities available, including swimming, kayaking, and hiking. However, there are concerns about a significant tick infestation, which has affected several campers and their pets, suggesting the need for better awareness and prevention measures.
Review Summary
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!
John D
VerifiedMarch 27, 2026 • Stayed at: 25, Loop: B
Campsite 25 was very clean very private. camp hosts are awesome. They checked on us several times let me know if I need anything or help let them know. That’s all the positive. I
Philip D
VerifiedMarch 26, 2026 • Stayed at: 40, Loop: B
Clearwater Lake campground was clean and quiet, Our site (B40) was spacious and nicely shaded by live oaks. Beware of ticks though, we each had one!
Eugene H
VerifiedMarch 23, 2026 • Stayed at: 28, Loop: B
Staff was very friendly and helpful. Facilities were clean and hot showers were a plus. The lake was clear near the shoreline but got darker the further out we kayaked. We saw one alligator about 3 to 4 ft long and a super curious soft shell turtle that would come right up to you and check you out. Overall my family had a wonderful experience. We were definitely going to be back over this summer.
Rita T
VerifiedMarch 17, 2026 • Stayed at: 1, Loop: A
The beach was so nice to have. The fish and turtles swim right up to you.
Rita T
VerifiedMarch 16, 2026 • Stayed at: 1, Loop: A
Nice little beach. The turtles and fish swim right up to you.
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.
Latitude & Longitude: 28.9794 / -81.555
Elevation: 16 feet
Policies & Rules
| Category | About |
|---|---|
| General |
Campers can check in at 2:00 pm and must check out by 11am. We do not accomodate early check-ins or late check-outs. |
| General |
Campground gate is locked at 6 p.m. during Daylight Savings (Mar - Oct) and 4 p.m. (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. |
| General |
Campsites are limited to 2 tents, 2 vehicles (campers included), and 5 persons. |
| General |
Extra vehicles will be charged a per-vehicle, per-night fee |
| General |
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. |
| General |
Alligators inhabit the area; use caution around water. |
| General |
Private vessel launches in the Juniper Wilderness Run are subject to a fee. |
| General |
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. |
| General |
Click here for more information about Ocala National Forest |
| General |
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. |
