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
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Rates, Sites & Availability
38 Sites Available
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Site Details
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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
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.
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.
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.
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Last updated: June 3, 2026