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
Kenneth M
VerifiedJanuary 26, 2023 • Stayed at: 25, Loop: B
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Jeffrey B
VerifiedJanuary 24, 2023 • Stayed at: 36, Loop: B
Campsite was large and well maintained. Bathrooms were clean.
Kristene M
VerifiedJanuary 23, 2023 • Stayed at: 13, Loop: A
The staff was great. The beauty and tranquility of the lake very relaxing. The bathrooms were clean.
Ronald F
VerifiedJanuary 16, 2023 • Stayed at: 3, Loop: A
Very well run campsite. Bathrooms are spotless, sites are spacious. The staff are really friendly and are committed to providing a great experience for campers.
Julia F
VerifiedJanuary 16, 2023 • Stayed at: 13, Loop: A
Really good camping sites. Staff is very helpful and friendly. Views of the lake were mesmerizing.
Susan W
VerifiedJanuary 16, 2023 • Stayed at: 14, Loop: A
Lovely campground— mellow and relaxing stay for New years 2023! We hiked around the lake, paddle boarded, rode our our mountain bikes to Alexander Springs and enjoyed nice fires. Great place!
Denise M
VerifiedJanuary 15, 2023 • Stayed at: 19, Loop: A
Amazing hosts, very clean including the bathrooms. Love that there is a dishwashing area and bear proof storage for food. Sites are spaced out very well. Already have a second stay reserved.
Fran F
VerifiedJanuary 14, 2023 • Stayed at: 40, Loop: B
This lake-side campground is a nice place to relax. My friend and I were a bit disappointed to find there were no fish biting during our visit and we wondered whether or not the lake is stocked during the year. Never saw someone to ask (except at the gate) so we just gave up. However, kayaking the lake is very nice. It's about a mile in circumference so you can get in a nice paddle. Heard an alligator, saw ALOT of birds along the shore (but few actual water-birds), and enjoyed the quiet times at night when generators have to be turned off. The restroom on my loop was large and was clean. Unfortunately, as in many campgrounds, the shower head was pitiful! The shower had the push-button type of control, and the water temperature was perfect. Didn't have time to hike the lake trail this visit, but saw alot of other folks enjoying it. I look forward to camping here again, but perhaps in a sunnier site-- I was so shaded I couldn't get much of a charge for my solar panels!
Holly W
VerifiedJanuary 12, 2023 • Stayed at: 11, Loop: A
Staff super friendly and helpful. Nice showers. Huge campsites. I'll camp there again!
Janice C
VerifiedJanuary 8, 2023 • Stayed at: 40, Loop: B
We love this campground. One of our favorites in Florida
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. |
