RV Sites
Tent Sites
Rita T
VerifiedMarch 17, 2026 Stayed at: 1, Loop: A
The beach was so nice to have. The fish and turtles swim right up to you.
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
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
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Dec
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
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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11, Loop: A
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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12, Loop: A
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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13, Loop: A
RV
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
RV
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
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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38, Loop: B
RV
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 sites found matching your criteria.
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.
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Site Details
Select a site to view details
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
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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12, Loop: A
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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13, Loop: A
RV
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
RV
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
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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3, Loop: A
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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32, Loop: B
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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34, Loop: B
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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35, Loop: B
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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36, Loop: B
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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37, Loop: B
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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38, Loop: B
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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39, Loop: B
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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4, Loop: A
RV
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
RV
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
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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6, Loop: A
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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7, Loop: A
RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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8, Loop: A
RV
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: Newest First
Rita T
VerifiedMarch 16, 2026 Stayed at: 1, Loop: A
Nice little beach. The turtles and fish swim right up to you.
Helpful
Bruce T
VerifiedMarch 11, 2026 Stayed at: 17, Loop: A
Been a good customer at Clearwater Lake Recreation Area for many years. I always enjoy the Ocala Forest. But I am still very unhappy about changing the checkout time to 11 AM. Quite frankly, it's ridiculous. There is very little that needs to be done for the next guest and during the weekdays that goes double since there aren't really that many campers. I always feel like I have to rush on the morning I have to leave, and there certainly is no time to take one last bike ride or hike. Therefore, I spend more time at the State Parks now which still have a 1PM departure time.
Helpful
Rick Z
VerifiedMarch 8, 2026 Stayed at: 13, Loop: A
Great vies
Helpful
Barbara I
VerifiedMarch 6, 2026 Stayed at: 15, Loop: A
Great campground, clean bathrooms, great hosts
Helpful
Ronald G
VerifiedMarch 4, 2026 Stayed at: 35, Loop: B
Had a wonderful first time experience in Ocala National Forest. Clearlake Campground is in a beautiful setting. I was on the B Loop and as soon as I parked I walked the Lake Trail, which was spotless and empty. Beautiful and peaceful. The campground was also spotless and the site were very well equipped. Especially appreciated the bear-proof food lockers (although no bears were seen). The restrooms were GREAT! Immaculate and well-maintained. Dishwashing Station? How cool! Shower? Needed after several hours on the Florida Trail. Especially nice were the gate keeper and camp host. Both were very friendly, helpful, and informative. I really appreciated that. Overall, a fun experience that I’m sure to repeat.
Helpful
Daniel A
VerifiedMarch 3, 2026 Stayed at: 38, Loop: B
Best 5 day vacation in years spent with my son. We found our new spot, friendly humans are all we encountered and the peace was overwhelming, thank you.
Helpful
Tina N
VerifiedMarch 1, 2026 Stayed at: 3, Loop: A
Fun shallow area for kids to swim clean camp sites but beware of fleas and ticks they are infested my 3 yr old got 3 ticks on him even with tic spray and my puppy also got fleas and ticks even after he had been treated.
Helpful
Thomas D
VerifiedMarch 1, 2026 Stayed at: 13, Loop: A
beautiful location on the lake. easy to get to.
Helpful
John M
VerifiedFebruary 23, 2026 Stayed at: 41, Loop: B
I love coming here, the hosts are as nice as can be. Unfortunately too many others feel the same way...........
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.
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
Paisley, FL
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From our Travel Guides
Managed by the USDA Forest Service