OutReserve

Clearwater Lake Rec Area

Waterfront
Canoes
Trailhead
Trail information
Picnic area

Featured amenities

Showers

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.

Number of accommodations: 38

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

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

RV Utilities and Hookups

  • Dump station on site
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Potable Water
  • Showers
Water Access

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

Site
Price
🚐 1, Loop: A
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 10, Loop: A
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 11, Loop: A
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 12, Loop: A
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 13, Loop: A
No Hookups
Price not available
14, Loop: A
5 guests · Pet Friendly
Price not available
🚐 15, Loop: A
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 16, Loop: A
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 17, Loop: A
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 18, Loop: A
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 19, Loop: A
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 2, Loop: A
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 20, Loop: A
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 21, Loop: A
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 22, Loop: A
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 24, Loop: B
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 25, Loop: B
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 26, Loop: B
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 27, Loop: B
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 28, Loop: B
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 29, Loop: B
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 3, Loop: A
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 32, Loop: B
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 34, Loop: B
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 35, Loop: B
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 36, Loop: B
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 37, Loop: B
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 38, Loop: B
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 39, Loop: B
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 4, Loop: A
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 40, Loop: B
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 41, Loop: B
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 42, Loop: B
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 5, Loop: A
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 6, Loop: A
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 7, Loop: A
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 8, Loop: A
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 9, Loop: A
No Hookups
Price not available

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.

Review Summary

4.5
433 reviews
5
71.8%
311
4
17.3%
75
3
4.8%
21
2
4.2%
18
1
1.8%
8

william b

Verified

February 18, 2024 Stayed at: 35, Loop: B

2

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

Verified

February 18, 2024 Stayed at: 40, Loop: B

4

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

Verified

February 13, 2024 Stayed at: 16, Loop: A

5

Friendly staff, clean amenities, nice views. If you're in the area I recommend it!

Dan G

Verified

February 10, 2024 Stayed at: 20, Loop: A

5

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

Verified

February 7, 2024 Stayed at: 34, Loop: B

3

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

Verified

February 6, 2024 Stayed at: 4, Loop: A

5

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

Verified

February 4, 2024 Stayed at: 5, Loop: A

4

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

Verified

February 4, 2024 Stayed at: 11, Loop: A

5

Beautiful campground. Clean. Quiet. Lots to do. Mountain bike trail. Hiking. Off roading near by. Swimming. Fishing. Paddle boarding. Great staff!

Debra W

Verified

February 1, 2024 Stayed at: 22, Loop: A

5

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

Verified

January 31, 2024 Stayed at: 41, Loop: B

5

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

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.

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

Nearby destinations


Last updated: June 3, 2026

USDA Forest Service Logo
Managed by USDA Forest Service