RV Sites
Tent Sites
Carl S
VerifiedJanuary 26, 2022 Stayed at: 37, Loop: B
This is a wonderful destination for tent or RV. No shortage of trails for hiking or biking and a gorgeous lake to catch a sunset on.
Helpful
About Clearwater Lake Rec Area
Clearwater Lake Recreation Area offers a quiet getaway along the southeastern edge of the Ocala National Forest, just outside the community of Paisley, Florida. With a shaded campground, day use picnic area, beach and a nature trail that winds through the pine woods and scrub around Clearwater Lake, this facility has plenty of activities to keep campers occupied.
The Ocala National Forest, in north central Florida, spans four counties and 383,000 acres. It is the southernmost and oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River, and protects the world's largest, contiguous sand pine scrub forest.
Available sites
38 total sitesSeasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
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Open year round
This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.
365 Days
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Showers
RV Utilities and Hookups
- Dump station on site
Water and Hygiene
- Potable Water
- Showers
Water Access
- Beach Access
Missing information?
Rates, Sites & Availability
Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.
38 Sites Available
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1, Loop: A
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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10, Loop: A
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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11, Loop: A
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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12, Loop: A
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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13, Loop: A
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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14, Loop: A
Tent
Paved · Pet Friendly · Yes shade
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15, Loop: A
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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16, Loop: A
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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17, Loop: A
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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18, Loop: A
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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19, Loop: A
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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2, Loop: A
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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20, Loop: A
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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21, Loop: A
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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22, Loop: A
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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24, Loop: B
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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25, Loop: B
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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26, Loop: B
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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27, Loop: B
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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28, Loop: B
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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29, Loop: B
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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3, Loop: A
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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32, Loop: B
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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34, Loop: B
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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35, Loop: B
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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36, Loop: B
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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37, Loop: B
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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38, Loop: B
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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39, Loop: B
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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4, Loop: A
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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40, Loop: B
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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41, Loop: B
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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42, Loop: B
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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5, Loop: A
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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6, Loop: A
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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7, Loop: A
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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8, Loop: A
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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9, Loop: A
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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.
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Site Details
Select a site to view details
38 Sites Available
Site
Price
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1, Loop: A
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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10, Loop: A
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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11, Loop: A
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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12, Loop: A
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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13, Loop: A
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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14, Loop: A
Tent
Paved · Pet Friendly · Yes shade
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15, Loop: A
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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16, Loop: A
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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17, Loop: A
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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18, Loop: A
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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19, Loop: A
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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2, Loop: A
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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20, Loop: A
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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21, Loop: A
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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22, Loop: A
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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24, Loop: B
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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25, Loop: B
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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26, Loop: B
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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27, Loop: B
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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28, Loop: B
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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29, Loop: B
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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3, Loop: A
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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32, Loop: B
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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34, Loop: B
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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35, Loop: B
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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36, Loop: B
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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37, Loop: B
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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38, Loop: B
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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39, Loop: B
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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4, Loop: A
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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40, Loop: B
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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41, Loop: B
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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42, Loop: B
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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5, Loop: A
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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6, Loop: A
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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7, Loop: A
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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8, Loop: A
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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9, Loop: A
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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
449 reviews
Summary
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.
Based on guest feedback
4.5
Overall rating
Based on 449 reviews
5 stars
71.5% (321)
4 stars
17.6% (79)
3 stars
4.9% (22)
2 stars
4.2% (19)
1 star
1.8% (8)
Showing 449 reviews
Verified Only
Sort by: Oldest First
ruth w
VerifiedJanuary 27, 2022 Stayed at: 27, Loop: B
Camp host very helpful at checkin since I didn't have phone reception.
Nice trail walk around the lake.
Helpful
K S
VerifiedFebruary 4, 2022 Stayed at: 15, Loop: A
Nice campground, but expensive. Run by a contractor. They charged us $9/night for the 3rd car, which was not allowed to park on our site but had to be parked at the rest room area, a ways away. A 3rd vehicle that was an RV would have been free and able to park on the site. The personnel there give us elaborate made-up stories about how if we park on the grass, we'll ruin the special sand that they have there. Transparently ridiculous. I felt jammed by the cost and their rules.
Helpful
Melissa W
VerifiedFebruary 6, 2022 Stayed at: 13, Loop: A
Beautiful sites with excellent trail access.
Helpful
Jennifer M
VerifiedFebruary 6, 2022 Stayed at: 15, Loop: A
We knew that there would be no hookups for our travel trailer so that was not an issue. We were prepared to shower in the bathrooms and use our battery and propane to run the basics. We were not prepared for the unlevel sites however and had to switch to a new site after not being able to safely level our trailer at this first one. Luckily the site across the road was available. The campground was very nice. Clean, hot showers. Lovely lake and beautiful sunsets. We like hiking and the Florida Trail is right at the entrance. We managed to do a 10 mi hike to Duck pond and back! We will definitely be back but will be more picky about finding a level site next time!
Helpful
Karen K
VerifiedFebruary 7, 2022 Stayed at: 4, Loop: A
It is a great campground with private sites, lots of trees & very quiet.
Helpful
Robert C
VerifiedFebruary 9, 2022 Stayed at: 38, Loop: B
Clean beautiful site and staff were extremely polite, friendly and helpful
Helpful
Jon A
VerifiedFebruary 11, 2022 Stayed at: 15, Loop: A
This is my favorite campground. Emma and the other staff are friendly and helpful, and the campground is immaculate. Campsites are large and shady. I really like the loop hike around the lake and cycling on the Paisley trail.
Helpful
John M
VerifiedFebruary 14, 2022 Stayed at: 14, Loop: A
We had a great time at Clearwater Lake. Everyone was courteous and helpful. We had a great view of the lake. The sites and bathrooms are clean and well maintained. You can't go wrong staying here.
Helpful
Richard L
VerifiedFebruary 15, 2022 Stayed at: 1, Loop: A
Cold and wet but still very nice
Helpful
Location & Directions for Clearwater Lake Rec Area
24511 Cr 42, Paisley, FL 32767 United States
Elevation: 16 ft
Getting There
From the intersection of Florida Highways 19 and 42, go east on Highway 42 toward Paisley. Drive approximately 6 mi and turn left at the entrance to Clearwater Lake Recreation Area.
Highway access
Clearwater Lake Recreation Area is accessible via Florida Highway 42, and is located approximately 6 miles east of the intersection with Florida Highway 19.
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: October 22, 2026
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Explore Paisley, FL
Population: 757
Nearby city: Deltona, FL
Approx. 20 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 72 ft
Paisley, FL
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Managed by the USDA Forest Service