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
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 (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
John S
VerifiedNovember 17, 2023 • Stayed at: 22, Loop: A
Lovely quiet forest. Nice trails especially around lake. Clean facilities.
Andrea A
VerifiedNovember 11, 2023 • Stayed at: 36, Loop: B
Clearwater Lake is our absolute favorite local gem. We love camping here. It’s super family friendly and very clean. The serene lake and campgrounds are such a relaxing getaway. All of the folks that work there are kind, helpful and joyfully welcoming to my children. I just can’t say enough good about this place. If I could give more than 5 stars I surely would!
Dalinda B
VerifiedNovember 5, 2023 • Stayed at: 40, Loop: B
A favorite place to tent camp. Large private sites. Clean everywhere. Terrie and Jerry always make you feel welcome.
Raymond f
VerifiedOctober 29, 2023 • Stayed at: 17, Loop: A
Absolutely amazing and friendly staff. Park is well kept and very clean. The staff made us feel like we were family and that was our home. I've been using the day use area for over 30 years. Finally went camping and we will be back very soon for more camping.
Stephen B
VerifiedOctober 28, 2023 • Stayed at: 25, Loop: B
We love it here. The rangers are extremely helpful and make the stay there more enjoyable. Overall a pleasant stay. Wish we could have stayed longer. This will be our regular weekend getaway camp grounds.
Jonathan H
VerifiedOctober 27, 2023 • Stayed at: 12, Loop: A
Amazing campground and facilities. Jerry went above and beyond to answer any questions and meet our every need.
John A
VerifiedOctober 24, 2023 • Stayed at: 19, Loop: A
Lovely campsite, friendly staff, beautiful hikes and great access to ONF.
Rachel S
VerifiedSeptember 25, 2023 • Stayed at: 19, Loop: A
We spent a weekend in September celebrating my birthday here with a group of friends and reserved Campsites #19-21. I could not think of a better place to do it. The site, staff, and overall campground exceeded my expectations! Site 19 was right next to the lake/day use area and Site 20-21 was across the street. All were close to the bathrooms. The sunsets were mesmerizing at the lake and the water was as clear as a spring. The whole campground was clean and free of debris as well. The cherry on top was how accommodating and friendly the staff and campground hosts were during our entire stay. We will definitely be back :)
Pamela B
VerifiedAugust 9, 2023 • Stayed at: 36, Loop: B
Great place to stay! Camp hosts are friendly and helpful. Camp sites are nice and roomy, it’s one of the only ones we’ve found where your not right on top your neighbors which is great!!
Cindy-jo D
VerifiedAugust 8, 2023 • Stayed at: 42, Loop: B
Everything about this campground was great. Visited during off season. Loved the staff. Lost my AirPods and got a huge amount of help trying to find them. Although they ended up being found on trail, not in the campground, they did everything they could to help me out. Much appreciated. Love this campground and will definitely be back!!!
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. |
