About Clearwater Lake Rec Area
Number of accommodations: 38
Campground Amenities
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Beach Access
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Potable Water
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Showers
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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
Jose R
VerifiedDecember 4, 2023 • Stayed at: 22, Loop: A
Greatest spot to camp out! Recommend!
Kathy R
VerifiedDecember 3, 2023 • Stayed at: 36, Loop: B
Pretty area. But when we went people beside us up past quit time playing and talking loud. Had dogs that they did not keep on leashes, used bathroom and they did not pick up after them. Also walking thru our campsite so we worried about things getting taken. Hopefully if we come back not that way again.
Holly B
VerifiedNovember 29, 2023 • Stayed at: 21, Loop: A
We camp here several times a year. No electric at sites. Water is available at several locations. Dump station is also available. The staff is friendly and professional. There are multiple hosts on site and they do a great job of The campground is very well maintained. The trail access is exceptional, the Paisley trail leads to Alexander Springs. Bath and shower areas are always very clean. There is a separate dish washing area in each bathhouse. Strict compliance required to parking(all wheels) only on the paved areas, so be sure your total rig fits, some sites are on the small side. There is a small day use parking area at the lake and also the trailhead area. Protect the bears, follow appropriate food and garbage storage/disposal. Bear boxes were at all the sites that we used. Ice and firewood is available during daytime hours. Canoe rental as well. Minimal AT&T coverage. Very few campers use generators, quiet hours are maintained. Sandy areas to launch canoes or kayaks. Largemouth(1-3 pounds) and bluegill are the fish we catch.
Lenny C
VerifiedNovember 24, 2023 • Stayed at: 2, Loop: A
I was caught off guard that walk ins were no longer allowed, that I had to have a pre paid reservation. There was minimal cell service at Clearwater Lake. So I had to leave the campground, drive a few miles and pull off when I had good cell service to make a reservation. I was not happy about that.
Lena S
VerifiedNovember 22, 2023 • Stayed at: 10, Loop: A
only complaint was the minimal amount of ticks, but that's a given to encounter those kinds of things while camping. otherwise had an amazing time there with my family. Staff was so friendly.
Dmytro Y
VerifiedNovember 20, 2023 • Stayed at: 15, Loop: A
Clean campground, each site has lockbox which is plus. Toilets and showers were in good clean condition.
Eric H
VerifiedNovember 20, 2023 • Stayed at: 28, Loop: B
We had a great weekend camping at Clearwater Lake! We were on the back of loop B and even though the campground was almost completely full, it didn't feel like it. Loop B was very quiet (except for my kids) and the camp hosts back there were very nice. The lake is beautiful, great place to cool off when the Florida "fall" weather turns on you. It's a little expensive for what it is, but we will definitely be going back!
Lenny C
VerifiedNovember 20, 2023 • Stayed at: 2, Loop: A
Been here many times. The only negative (big negative) was I have never had to have a reservation for a weekday or Sunday night stay. This time I was not allowed in by the host because of new "must have" advance reservation policy. I had to leave the campground to find good cell service so I could make a reservation and drive back. very unlike any USFS experience.
Emma G
VerifiedNovember 19, 2023 • Stayed at: 1, Loop: A
Bathroom facilities were very clean, as was the rest of the campground area, and the campsite hosts were very nice. Good hiking trails around the area.
Janis S
VerifiedNovember 19, 2023 • Stayed at: 2, Loop: A
Arrived here after leaving lake dorr. Nice campground. Huge sites. Helpful staff. Helped me back into site. Unfortunately after only being there a short time I walked out of camper and broke my ankle. Took a couple of hours for my family to get to me. Camp staff said it was ok to leave the unit in the spot till I could get back to get it next day. More than helpful. Thank you. Can’t say the same about Lake Dorr
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. |