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
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No available sites
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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
Pamela B
VerifiedJanuary 21, 2024 • Stayed at: 13, Loop: A
I hate to say how great this place is to avoid more people discovering it but it is one of the best places we have camped which is why it is our go to place to camp.
Andre L
VerifiedJanuary 18, 2024 • Stayed at: 26, Loop: B
Very quiet place in the nature! Ideal for relaxing and enjoying nature. Easily accessible.
Joseph G
VerifiedJanuary 10, 2024 • Stayed at: 14, Loop: A
camped at site 14, expecting proximity to the bathrooms, but they're actually further to the southeast than shown on the campground map - past site 1 towards the entrance road. also, road noise is audible throughout the campsite, but that's hardly the campground's fault. host was chill, bathrooms were solidly clean, lake was pretty! a chill and cozy campsite, would gladly camp again
Marvin P
VerifiedJanuary 6, 2024 • Stayed at: 29, Loop: B
Wonderful stay! The campground amenities were very clean and the grounds were very well maintained. We enjoyed very much the hiking opportunities and the lovely lake. The hosts are the best I’ve seen so far in Florida campgrounds. Thank you for a quiet and peaceful Christmas and New Year!
Tom J
VerifiedDecember 31, 2023 • Stayed at: 12, Loop: A
Well maintained facilities, ample amenities, clean restrooms, etc.. Take a walk around the lake to enjoy the Live Oaks, Palm trees and wildlife. Look for some awesome sunsets too
John T
VerifiedDecember 28, 2023 • Stayed at: 13, Loop: A
We were on Site 13 in the first loop, which had a nice view of the lake. The sites are generally well separated, but the pads are somewhat narrow for maneuvering and many of the sites will need leveling for RVs. The staff and hosts were friendly and attentive. We camped on the weekdays right before Christmas, so there were not that many campers. The bathhouses were well maintained, so no issues there other than the shower heads needing replacement. There is a nice trail around the lake and a trailhead for the Florida Trail a short hike away along the entrance driveway.
Paul R
VerifiedDecember 25, 2023 • Stayed at: 16, Loop: A
Camped at Clearwater Lake. Just have to say that the camp hosts do an excellent job at keeping the facilities clean. The camp experience was top notch.
KATHLEEN C
VerifiedDecember 12, 2023 • Stayed at: 8, Loop: A
Peaceful well appointed amenities.
Keith R
VerifiedDecember 11, 2023 • Stayed at: 38, Loop: B
The bathrooms have dirt up to the ceilings. Bathroom floors were soaking wet! Mosquitoes were every where. Campground grounds was in good condition . Incredible hiking in the area. All the camp Hosts was extremely helpful
Tim E
VerifiedDecember 10, 2023 • Stayed at: 34, Loop: B
Great place to camp and fish.
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. |
