RV Sites
Tent Sites
Stan B
VerifiedJanuary 6, 2023 Stayed at: 42, Loop: B
Nice quiet campground. Wonderful hiking trails in the area. Loved it and would stay again!
Helpful
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 sitesSeasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
Current season
Upcoming seasons
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Closed periods
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Feb
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Open year round
This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.
365 Days
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Showers
RV Utilities and Hookups
- Dump station on site
Water and Hygiene
- Potable Water
- Showers
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
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1, Loop: A
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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10, Loop: A
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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11, Loop: A
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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12, Loop: A
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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13, Loop: A
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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14, Loop: A
Tent
Paved · Pet Friendly · Yes shade
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15, Loop: A
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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16, Loop: A
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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17, Loop: A
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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18, Loop: A
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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19, Loop: A
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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2, Loop: A
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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20, Loop: A
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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21, Loop: A
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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22, Loop: A
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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24, Loop: B
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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25, Loop: B
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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26, Loop: B
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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27, Loop: B
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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28, Loop: B
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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29, Loop: B
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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3, Loop: A
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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32, Loop: B
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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34, Loop: B
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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35, Loop: B
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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36, Loop: B
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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37, Loop: B
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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38, Loop: B
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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39, Loop: B
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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4, Loop: A
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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40, Loop: B
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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41, Loop: B
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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42, Loop: B
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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5, Loop: A
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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6, Loop: A
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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7, Loop: A
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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8, Loop: A
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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9, Loop: A
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
No sites found matching your criteria.
No available sites
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Site Details
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38 Sites Available
Site
Price
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1, Loop: A
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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10, Loop: A
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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11, Loop: A
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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12, Loop: A
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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13, Loop: A
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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14, Loop: A
Tent
Paved · Pet Friendly · Yes shade
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15, Loop: A
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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16, Loop: A
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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17, Loop: A
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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18, Loop: A
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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19, Loop: A
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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2, Loop: A
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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20, Loop: A
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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21, Loop: A
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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22, Loop: A
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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24, Loop: B
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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25, Loop: B
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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26, Loop: B
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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27, Loop: B
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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28, Loop: B
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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29, Loop: B
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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3, Loop: A
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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32, Loop: B
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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34, Loop: B
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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35, Loop: B
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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36, Loop: B
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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37, Loop: B
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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38, Loop: B
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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39, Loop: B
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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4, Loop: A
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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40, Loop: B
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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41, Loop: B
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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42, Loop: B
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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5, Loop: A
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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6, Loop: A
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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7, Loop: A
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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8, Loop: A
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Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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9, Loop: A
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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
449 reviews
Summary
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
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
Verified Only
Sort by: Oldest First
Janice C
VerifiedJanuary 8, 2023 Stayed at: 40, Loop: B
We love this campground. One of our favorites in Florida
Helpful
Holly W
VerifiedJanuary 12, 2023 Stayed at: 11, Loop: A
Staff super friendly and helpful. Nice showers. Huge campsites. I'll camp there again!
Helpful
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!
Helpful
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.
Helpful
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.
Helpful
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.
Helpful
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!
Helpful
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.
Helpful
Jeffrey B
VerifiedJanuary 24, 2023 Stayed at: 36, Loop: B
Campsite was large and well maintained. Bathrooms were clean.
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.
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.
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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
Paisley, FL
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Managed by the USDA Forest Service