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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No available sites
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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
Cindy J
VerifiedMarch 2, 2023 • Stayed at: 13, Loop: A
Restrooms were clean and staff was friendly. Paved campsite parking area is narrow and all tires must be on pavement.
Eunice H
VerifiedFebruary 27, 2023 • Stayed at: 40, Loop: B
The dishwashing station is wonderful. Hot running water makes that camp chore so easy. And the place is kept so clean. I love it that the Florida Trail runs right by the campground. Makes for nice hiking each day.
Alfred L
VerifiedFebruary 24, 2023 • Stayed at: 2, Loop: A
Very relaxing campground and enjoyed hiking around Clearwater Lake.😀
Christopher M
VerifiedFebruary 17, 2023 • Stayed at: 35, Loop: B
This was the nicest experience I've had in years, the site was quiet, the bathrooms were squeaky clean, and the staff went out of their way to check in while driving by on their golf cart and making the gate combo an efficient system! Im planning on staying again next week for a day that I'm working in Deland - it is THAT efficient it actually competes nicely with a hotel.
Nancy J
VerifiedFebruary 16, 2023 • Stayed at: 41, Loop: B
really nice campground, quiet, peaceful,, clean, well equipped restrooms, scenic trails
Robert S
VerifiedFebruary 16, 2023 • Stayed at: 5, Loop: A
Very clean and peaceful. Friendly staff and well worth the stay. Beautiful smaller lake with a nice trail around it. Enjoyed my stay.
Gregg H
VerifiedFebruary 16, 2023 • Stayed at: 2, Loop: A
Great place, fantastic staff. The ranger at registration was very helpful and pleasant. She answered all my questions, gave great advice and was very friendly. The other staff assisted with renting a kayak, gave advice on different types and where to paddle and bike. Overall great place with clean bathrooms and facilities. Definitely recommend Clearwater.
Victoria C
VerifiedFebruary 15, 2023 • Stayed at: 3, Loop: A
Site was extremely spacious. We had 2 trucks in driveway and 3 tents spaced at least 20 feet apart. Picnic table was approx 10 feet long and we kept that in open air near the fire ring. The Bear Bin was very useful for keeping food stuffs organized and safe. Very quiet park even during the night hours. Women's bathroom was clean and water hot. We enjoyed the nature walk around the lake and was pleasantly surprised to see benches along the way. Only disappointment was signs for no fishing.
Linda C
VerifiedFebruary 9, 2023 • Stayed at: 18, Loop: A
Mike M
VerifiedFebruary 8, 2023 • Stayed at: 15, Loop: A
Good staff
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. |
