Sites & Rates
Average nightly rates38 total sites
RV Sites
37 sites
Tent Sites
1 site
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
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 (445)
What Guests Are Saying
Clearwater Lake Recreation Area is highly praised for its spacious, well-maintained campsites and friendly, supportive staff, making it a favorite for many campers. The natural setting and lake provide enjoyable swimming and outdoor activities, although there are concerns regarding ticks and the recent algae bloom in the water. Overall, visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and cleanliness of the facilities, with many expressing their intention to return.
What Guests Are Saying
Clearwater Lake Recreation Area is highly praised for its spacious, well-maintained campsites and friendly, supportive staff, making it a favorite for many campers. The natural setting and lake provide enjoyable swimming and outdoor activities, although there are concerns regarding ticks and the recent algae bloom in the water. Overall, visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and cleanliness of the facilities, with many expressing their intention to return.
Review Summary
John B
VerifiedDecember 19, 2019 • Stayed at: 19, Loop: A
Great staff
nicholas s
VerifiedJanuary 17, 2020 • Stayed at: 36, Loop: B
we rate clearwater at the top of our campgrounds. clean bath house,friendly host,beautiful spot.
Ryan W
VerifiedJanuary 24, 2020 • Stayed at: 15, Loop: A
Our campsite was clean and had an amazing view of the lake. The bear-proof storage containers are a nice addition since my last visit. The bathrooms/showers are well cared for and there is forest access near the northeast corner of the campgrounds for those who want to hike or see the forest away from the campsites.
Cindy V
VerifiedJanuary 24, 2020 • Stayed at: 42, Loop: B
This was our 3rd time visiting with a large group of about 10-12 families that go annually. The park is beautiful and peaceful in itself. Unfortunately, this year, we had a negative encounter with Jim, the campground host. We were taking pictures of our kids in a beautiful tree while they sat on a low lying branch, about 4 feet off the ground. He comes out of his camper and in a very nasty manner starts yelling at us about killing a 100 year old tree. When we couldn’t completely understand what he was saying, another mom said I’m sorry, I can’t hear you and he barked back at her “well that’s obvious! Get down before I call the ranger and give you a citation. At first we all thought he was joking. When we realized he was just a nasty old curmudgeon, we said ok and they got out of the tree. We asked him if there is a law about tree climbing because we had never heard of it nor did we see a sign about it. We certainly were not intending to break any laws. When we got back to our camp, we checked the campground rules and never saw anything about tree climbing. For heavens sake, we’ve climbed trees our whole lives without breaking any laws. We all want our kids off electronics and to enjoy the outdoors, then to run into this nasty jerk, was disappointing to say the least. And even if this is a rule, why be so nasty and speak to us in such a rude manner. So if this park seems to be loosing guests, I have a pretty good idea of why. I think Jim wants the entire park to himself. If you decide to give this park a try, good luck and beware of “Jim’s rules”. For our next family camping trip, we will be looking elsewhere, where kids are allowed to be kids and climb trees😂
Kirby C
VerifiedJanuary 25, 2020 • Stayed at: 35, Loop: B
Great place to camp, clean restrooms and campsites, the staff is friendly and helpful, I'll be back soon.
Glenn G
VerifiedJanuary 25, 2020 • Stayed at: 13, Loop: A
No hesitation in recommending the Clearwater Lake Campground for a great camping experience. You’ll find scenic and well-maintained campsites, professional, knowledgeable, accommodating and congenial staff, and affordable rates.
Dawn B
VerifiedJanuary 27, 2020 • Stayed at: 37, Loop: B
We go every year and love it more each time! Great park, clean and well kept bathrooms and showers. Beautiful scenery and wildlife, couldn't ask for more!
Gerald H
VerifiedFebruary 3, 2020 • Stayed at: 41, Loop: B
Beautiful place. Well maintained. Hosts were friendly and wonderful.
Ed H
VerifiedFebruary 4, 2020 • Stayed at: 13, Loop: A
Great location, facilities, and staff
Ed H
VerifiedFebruary 4, 2020 • Stayed at: 15, Loop: A
Great location, facilities, and staff.
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.
Elevation: 16 feet
1.5 mi drive to downtown Paisley (about 3 min)
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: September 8, 2026
