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
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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 (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
Deborah M
VerifiedJune 6, 2023 • Stayed at: 9, Loop: A
I love this campground. We stayed over memorial day weekend. Went hiking and swimming. Beautiful lake with crystal clear water. Beware ticks are plentiful this time of year. Get some good repellent.
Leeanne B
VerifiedMay 27, 2023 • Stayed at: 3, Loop: A
Me and my family love this local park. We go there often and it's always fun times in the wilderness. Many things to do, like hiking fishing swimming canoeing and after an adventurous day you can clean up in hot water in their very roomy shower stalls. Will continue going here for ever. No electricity but that takes the fun out of camping. It's mostly breezy at night at each camp site but the ticks and mosquitoes will eat you alive. So be prepared with some type of bug defense. We love Clearwater
darrin e
VerifiedMay 23, 2023 • Stayed at: 19, Loop: A
Very well maintained campground.
The hosts keep it picked up and are around all the time. Very friendly staff. Was a peaceful weekend. Will be back again.
Rebekah Z
VerifiedApril 10, 2023 • Stayed at: 11, Loop: A
What a great trip! We stayed at campsite 11 in loop A. It is a small park so not a lot of car traffic at all! We have two kids, 3 and 1. They LOVED the lake-it was perfect temperature. There are 4 soft shell turtles that swim around with everyone! Along with tons of fish. We also brought our own tandem kayak and fishing rods (they do have kayaks/canoes for rent if needed). Fishing was great! We caught 8 bass in a matter of 45 minutes using a black and white artificial worm with a bullet weight. We also walked the path around the lake (took us about 45min-1hr). The park rangers even had a scavenger hunt for the kids for Easter, it was such a nice extra for them to do! Kids had so much fun, we can’t wait to visit again!
Karen S
VerifiedApril 7, 2023 • Stayed at: 28, Loop: B
We had a fantastic time at Clearwater Recreation Area. The camp hosts were very welcoming and helpful. The area was well kept and very comfortable. We will be going back soon.
Michael B
VerifiedMarch 31, 2023 • Stayed at: 29, Loop: B
All the hosts are very knowledgeable and friendly. Jerry and Terri are extremely helpful and friendly.
Bevin M
VerifiedMarch 29, 2023 • Stayed at: 28, Loop: B
Campsite hosts were very kind, trail access was great, and the lake was beautiful, BUT, the campsite we had (#28) was infested with ticks. There was also a large group that rented multiple campsites together and stayed up partying a couple hours past the noise cutoff. The ticks and the noise level honestly ruined the whole experience for us.
Luis H
VerifiedMarch 28, 2023 • Stayed at: 18, Loop: A
I've been here twice but will be back again. Both times the staff is extremely nice and helpful. The facilities are well maintained and clean. And the sites are all well maintained as well. It's definitely turning into one of my favorite places.
Kenneth B
VerifiedMarch 26, 2023 • Stayed at: 24, Loop: B
The staff was very helpful and very knowledgeable about everything.
Alex G
VerifiedMarch 26, 2023 • Stayed at: 9, Loop: A
This was hands down the nicest campsite I’ve ever camped at!!! My daughter and I camped with her uncle and cousins, and we all had a blast. The kids really enjoyed the beach area, kayaking, and paddle boarding on the lake. The fire rings are absolutely amazing. We used the grill to cook all meals over the open fire. The campsites are spacious and all well shaded with trees. The staff was super friendly, and the bathrooms we clean and well-maintained. The hot showers were an awesome bonus too. We will definitely be back!!! Thanks for the memories!!!
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. |
