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
Showers
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
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.
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.
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!
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
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.
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.
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
