Clearwater Lake Rec Area

Waterfront
Canoes
Trailhead
Trail information
Picnic area

Featured amenities

Showers Showers

Sites & Rates

Average nightly rates

38 total sites

RV Sites

37 sites

Tent Sites

1 site

About Clearwater Lake Rec Area

Clearwater Lake Recreation Area offers a quiet getaway along the southeastern edge of the Ocala National Forest, just outside the community of Paisley, Florida. With a shaded campground, day use picnic area, beach and a nature trail that winds through the pine woods and scrub around Clearwater Lake, this facility has plenty of activities to keep campers occupied. The Ocala National Forest, in north central Florida, spans four counties and 383,000 acres. It is the southernmost and oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River, and protects the world's largest, contiguous sand pine scrub forest.

Number of accommodations: 38

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Open year round

This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.

365 Days

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Showers Showers
RV Utilities and Hookups

RV Utilities and Hookups

  • Dump station on site
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Potable Water
  • Showers
Water Access

Water Access

  • Beach Access
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

38 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 1, Loop: A RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 10, Loop: A RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 11, Loop: A RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 12, Loop: A RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 13, Loop: A RV
No Hookups
Price not available
14, Loop: A Tent
5 guests · Pet Friendly
Price not available
🚐 15, Loop: A RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 16, Loop: A RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 17, Loop: A RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 18, Loop: A RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 19, Loop: A RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 2, Loop: A RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 20, Loop: A RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 21, Loop: A RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 22, Loop: A RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 24, Loop: B RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 25, Loop: B RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 26, Loop: B RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 27, Loop: B RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 28, Loop: B RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 29, Loop: B RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 3, Loop: A RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 32, Loop: B RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 34, Loop: B RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 35, Loop: B RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 36, Loop: B RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 37, Loop: B RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 38, Loop: B RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 39, Loop: B RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 4, Loop: A RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 40, Loop: B RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 41, Loop: B RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 42, Loop: B RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 5, Loop: A RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 6, Loop: A RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 7, Loop: A RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 8, Loop: A RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 9, Loop: A RV
No Hookups
Price not available

Reviews (445)

What Guests Are Saying

Clearwater Lake Recreation Area is highly praised for its spacious, well-maintained campsites and friendly, supportive staff, making it a favorite for many campers. The natural setting and lake provide enjoyable swimming and outdoor activities, although there are concerns regarding ticks and the recent algae bloom in the water. Overall, visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and cleanliness of the facilities, with many expressing their intention to return.

Review Summary

4.5
445 reviews
5
71.5%
318
4
17.5%
78
3
4.9%
22
2
4.3%
19
1
1.8%
8

KATHLEEN C

Verified

December 12, 2023 Stayed at: 8, Loop: A

4

Peaceful well appointed amenities.

Keith R

Verified

December 11, 2023 Stayed at: 38, Loop: B

4

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

Verified

December 10, 2023 Stayed at: 34, Loop: B

5

Great place to camp and fish.

Jose R

Verified

December 4, 2023 Stayed at: 22, Loop: A

5

Greatest spot to camp out! Recommend!

Kathy R

Verified

December 3, 2023 Stayed at: 36, Loop: B

4

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

Verified

November 29, 2023 Stayed at: 21, Loop: A

5

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

Verified

November 24, 2023 Stayed at: 2, Loop: A

4

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

Verified

November 22, 2023 Stayed at: 10, Loop: A

5

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

Verified

November 20, 2023 Stayed at: 15, Loop: A

5

Clean campground, each site has lockbox which is plus. Toilets and showers were in good clean condition.

Eric H

Verified

November 20, 2023 Stayed at: 28, Loop: B

5

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!

Location Clearwater Lake Rec Area

Address:
24511 Cr 42
Paisley, FL, 32767
United States

Highway access

Clearwater Lake Recreation Area is accessible via Florida Highway 42, and is located approximately 6 miles east of the intersection with Florida Highway 19.

Elevation: 16 feet

Distance to downtown

1.5 mi drive to downtown Paisley (about 3 min)

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: September 8, 2026

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