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
RV Utilities and Hookups
- Dump station on site
Water and Hygiene
- Potable Water
- Showers
Water Access
- Beach Access
Report Incorrect Information
Help us improve by reporting any incorrect amenity information for Clearwater Lake Rec Area.
Rates, 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 (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
william b
VerifiedFebruary 18, 2024 • Stayed at: 35, Loop: B
To be on level hardtop requires backing in which puts the door of travel trailers facing the road and not the table/fire ring area. Pulling in forward will put the camper on a steep slope unless you drive over the parking block and then off the paved surface which is forbidden.
Dogs are not allowed to walk the lake trail, even on leash. So not a dog friendly environment.
There are no marked trails to yhe water or bathrooms. Rather it requires wandering through someone elses campsite.
Paul P
VerifiedFebruary 18, 2024 • Stayed at: 40, Loop: B
Beautiful large campsites with lots of shade but trees are extremely difficult to navigate the road and to get into the campsites. Had to try three different sites just to find one we could get our 35 ft 5th wheel into. Website said it would fit. Many trees are overgrown and need trimming.
Nick G
VerifiedFebruary 13, 2024 • Stayed at: 16, Loop: A
Friendly staff, clean amenities, nice views. If you're in the area I recommend it!
Dan G
VerifiedFebruary 10, 2024 • Stayed at: 20, Loop: A
One of our favorite US Forest Service campgrounds. As with the more developed Forest Service campgrounds it has flush toilets and hot showers but no electricity at the campsites. Generator hours are very generous from 6 am until 10 pm. A possible compromise would be three, two hour periods during this 16 hour time frame. This would allow folks to keep their batteries in good shape and maybe reduce some of the generator noise. The roads and campsite parking pads are paved and a few of the sites are big rig friendly but not all. The campground slopes slightly toward the lake so if you are in a single footprint rig such as a van, truck camper or rooftop tent bring your leveling blocks and you will be good. There are level tent areas at each site. The sunsets over the lake are fantastic and there is a fine 1 and 1/3 mile trail around the lake through mature pine and live oak forest. Canoe and kayak rentals are available. The Paisley bike trail connects the campground to Alexander Springs. During our 14 day stay there were no loud, obnoxious parties and this is always appreciated. The other big asset of Clearwater Lake is the staff, many of whom have been there for a few years. It is obvious that this Forest Service facility is lovingly cared for and protected. The grounds and bathhouses were always clean and maintained. Jerry and Terry and the rest of the staff are experienced, professional, and helpful. They want folks to have a good experience but also expect people to follow Forest rules. Overall a wonderful, relaxing family friendly experience.
Dan Greene
Barbara J
VerifiedFebruary 7, 2024 • Stayed at: 34, Loop: B
First time at state campground. Site was so steep it required minimum 4 leveling blocks on the rear tires of our class b campervan. We only had 3 for each side so we were not level for the entire stay. Camp office said all sold out even though there were a large number of empty level sites we we not allowed to move into one. Reservation was made months in advance so I am not happy with the site I was given.
Lawrence V
VerifiedFebruary 6, 2024 • Stayed at: 4, Loop: A
The wife and I enjoyed the park immensely the folks at work there are on top of any shortcomings in the park which was very refreshing. The showers were clean the water was hot and everything was very well maintained. Kudos to the folks at work there.
Justine S
VerifiedFebruary 4, 2024 • Stayed at: 5, Loop: A
Nice campground, mostly shady. The facilities are kept clean. The staff working were so friendly. Someone even came around at night telling people rain was on its way so campers could prepare. The lake is beautiful and the beach is nice. My only issue is that the sites were not as private as i prefer. But overall a really nice place to stay.
Elizabeth M
VerifiedFebruary 4, 2024 • Stayed at: 11, Loop: A
Beautiful campground. Clean. Quiet. Lots to do. Mountain bike trail. Hiking. Off roading near by. Swimming. Fishing. Paddle boarding. Great staff!
Debra W
VerifiedFebruary 1, 2024 • Stayed at: 22, Loop: A
The campground host/gate woman was the most welcoming, helpful and kind person ever! She answered every question with a smile and knowledgeable information. My campsite, the restroom and the entire campground were clean, well maintained and my stay was so relaxing. Thank you Clearwater Lake COE!
Dan M
VerifiedJanuary 31, 2024 • Stayed at: 41, Loop: B
Clearwater Lake Rec Area is a great place to enjoy nature.
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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Last updated: June 3, 2026