Waterfront
Canoes
Trailhead
Trail information
Picnic area

Featured amenities

Showers Showers

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.

Available sites

38 total sites

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
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 10, Loop: A RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 11, Loop: A RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 12, Loop: A RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 13, Loop: A RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
⛺ 14, Loop: A Tent
Paved · Pet Friendly · Yes shade
🚐 15, Loop: A RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 16, Loop: A RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 17, Loop: A RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 18, Loop: A RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 19, Loop: A RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 2, Loop: A RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 20, Loop: A RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 21, Loop: A RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 22, Loop: A RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 24, Loop: B RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 25, Loop: B RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 26, Loop: B RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 27, Loop: B RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 28, Loop: B RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 29, Loop: B RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 3, Loop: A RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 32, Loop: B RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 34, Loop: B RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 35, Loop: B RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 36, Loop: B RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 37, Loop: B RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 38, Loop: B RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 39, Loop: B RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 4, Loop: A RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 40, Loop: B RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 41, Loop: B RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 42, Loop: B RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 5, Loop: A RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 6, Loop: A RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 7, Loop: A RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 8, Loop: A RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 9, Loop: A RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In

Reviews

449 reviews

Summary

AI generated

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.

Based on guest feedback

4.5

Overall rating

Based on 449 reviews

Write a review
5 stars 71.5% (321)
4 stars 17.6% (79)
3 stars 4.9% (22)
2 stars 4.2% (19)
1 star 1.8% (8)

Showing 449 reviews

Harry K

Verified

April 30, 2026 Stayed at: 16, Loop: A

Very quiet and nicely shaded sights near the lake which has a nice beach and swimming area. Facilities were clean and well maintained. Staff were very supportive

Helpful

Krystina D

Verified

April 20, 2026 Stayed at: 8, Loop: A

This was our first visit as campers at Clearwater Lake Campground and was very pleased with our site location and condition as well as the entire campground. There was a lot of area to enjoy; we are walkers and the access to the Florida Trail was a bonus. The bathroom facility was great, clean and hot showers a plus.

Helpful

Meghan M

Verified

April 12, 2026 Stayed at: 26, Loop: B

Restrooms were clean, the hosts are very friendly. The campground is beautiful.

Helpful

David K

Verified

April 5, 2026 Stayed at: 25, Loop: B

Site 25 B: furthest from the lake, but very private. Despite fire ban, fire was allowed in fire ring. Bathrooms and showers were clean. Great campground hosts!

Helpful

Danielle R

Verified

April 3, 2026 Stayed at: 36, Loop: B

Quiet and peaceful sleep!

Helpful

Myron P

Verified

April 1, 2026 Stayed at: 3, Loop: A

The campgrounds are beautiful... The camp staff are exceptional, friendly and above par. I have been coming here for over 30 years. However, this trip was not a good one for myself and my guests.
All in our party got ticks. Even with Spray. The tick problem was the worst I have experienced anywhere...

Fix the tick problem and the Campground has my definite thumbs up.

Helpful

Michael B

Verified

March 31, 2026 Stayed at: 19, Loop: A

I love it here! Peaceful, beautiful, great staff. A great time to be outside in the Lord's creation!

Helpful

John D

Verified

March 27, 2026 Stayed at: 25, Loop: B

Campsite 25 was very clean very private. camp hosts are awesome. They checked on us several times let me know if I need anything or help let them know. That’s all the positive. I

Helpful

Philip D

Verified

March 26, 2026 Stayed at: 40, Loop: B

Clearwater Lake campground was clean and quiet, Our site (B40) was spacious and nicely shaded by live oaks. Beware of ticks though, we each had one!

Helpful

Eugene H

Verified

March 23, 2026 Stayed at: 28, Loop: B

Staff was very friendly and helpful. Facilities were clean and hot showers were a plus. The lake was clear near the shoreline but got darker the further out we kayaked. We saw one alligator about 3 to 4 ft long and a super curious soft shell turtle that would come right up to you and check you out. Overall my family had a wonderful experience. We were definitely going to be back over this summer.

Helpful

Location & Directions for Clearwater Lake Rec Area

24511 Cr 42, Paisley, FL 32767 United States

Elevation: 16 ft

Getting There

From the intersection of Florida Highways 19 and 42, go east on Highway 42 toward Paisley. Drive approximately 6 mi and turn left at the entrance to Clearwater Lake Recreation Area.

Nearest town

Paisley, FL - 1.5 mi

About 3 min to downtown

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.

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.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: October 22, 2026

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Explore Paisley, FL

Population: 757

Nearby city: Deltona, FL

Approx. 20 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 72 ft

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Managed by the USDA Forest Service