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

Melisa F

Verified

December 4, 2022 Stayed at: 35, Loop: B

5

This place is a great spot to take the family. This was the first time my family went camping. Bathroom where cleaned, warm showers. The park staff was very friendly and knowledgeable about the area, where we could hunting and where to use our Archery set.

Robert M H

Verified

December 9, 2022 Stayed at: 38, Loop: B

4

Clean, quiet, friendly staff

Brian E

Verified

December 14, 2022 Stayed at: 34, Loop: B

5

Had clean facilities and large sites. Nice trail around the lake.

Jon R

Verified

December 15, 2022 Stayed at: 11, Loop: A

5

mm

John S

Verified

December 15, 2022 Stayed at: 22, Loop: A

5

.

Mike T

Verified

December 18, 2022 Stayed at: 19, Loop: A

5

Best place to camp in Florida very clean and the staff are very friendly..

Quincy W

Verified

December 19, 2022 Stayed at: 15, Loop: A

5

This was our first camping experience in Clearwater Lake. We found it from a YOUTUBE video and it looked great so we packed up our trailer and went. We arrived after work on Friday. Road was big enough for our Truck and 19ft trailer. Directions were easy to follow even at night. entered the gate code and within 15 min we were parked and set up. Back up was easy in driveway. Pads were even. Loaded up the firepit and started relaxing. The onsite host came by later that night to check on us. I felt safe at the point. Campsites were nicely separated with Brush so you had a since of privacy. There were alot of tenters and about 3 travel trailers including our all of which turned off their Generators at night so it was peaceful. The next morning we checked in at the gate and the Staff was excellent. Had a nice conversation. He told us what to look out for and the trails to hike. We bought some extra wood for the fire. Each site has potable water. We were on site #15 right on the lake. it was just a gorgeous spot. Trails were nice. Everyone was friendly. There was a group camping by us that was loud. not to annoying but the father didn't have an inside voice. he was yelling at the kids at 7am rofl. He put them to work to collect firewood lol It was a great trip we will be back really soon.

Mark D

Verified

December 22, 2022 Stayed at: 28, Loop: B

5

Clean, well kept, great hosts and staff. We will be back.

Rex J

Verified

December 22, 2022 Stayed at: 42, Loop: B

5

Check in was very smooth and hosts were very helpfull! Bath house really clean as were the grounds. Thank you for the wonderful campground.

Glenn G

Verified

December 23, 2022 Stayed at: 12, Loop: A

5

Major Kudos to the Gerry and Terri campground support team. These folks went out of their way to ensure we had a tremendous time during our 3 1/2-day stay. These folks worked well as a team, beginning with Terri greeting us at the front gate and Gerry checking in on us throughout the day and early evening. This team handled the refuse disposals, the checkin process, the site security, the restrooms, and the park patrol. This fun and friendly team even remembered our visit from the preceding year! Each demonstrated a genuine commitment to maintaining the Park system facility, to maintaining a safe and friendly environment for the guests, and the endorsement of the surrounding local business community. Well done, folks. Sincerely looking forward to our next event at Clearwater Lake Campground, Paisley Florida. Sites, 10,11,12. Dec 8-11

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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