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
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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
Dee M
VerifiedFebruary 6, 2026 • Stayed at: 22, Loop: A
Helpful staff, clean restrooms, wonderful campsite. Wood and ice available for purchase onsite. Fire pit includes a swivel grate for maximum cooking convenience and there is also a separate grill for those who prefer traditional charcoal/standup. Easy access to Florida Trail and Paisley Bike Trail trailhead. Highly recommend.
Po Chun L
VerifiedFebruary 2, 2026 • Stayed at: 20, Loop: A
Love this campsite, spacious, clean facilities, nice staff, the only thing that’s bothered us was the ticks on our dog.
Hamilcar F
VerifiedJanuary 26, 2026 • Stayed at: 40, Loop: B
If you need quiet, secluded and a enjoyable place, this is where is b at! Love this place, love the staff.
James M
VerifiedJanuary 18, 2026 • Stayed at: 8, Loop: A
The attendants were courteous, polite, and friendly. Super helpful when asked about the local area.
Keith H
VerifiedJanuary 6, 2026 • Stayed at: 8, Loop: A
Great experience! Clean spacious campsites. Clean restroom/showers. Very friendly and helpful staff. My only recommendation is bring your own firewood if allowed. What they sell at the campground is small slivers and expensive.
Mark D
VerifiedDecember 26, 2025 • Stayed at: 28, Loop: B
Great place. Campground hosts are top notch. The place is clean and well kept. Campsites are spacious and the lack of electrical hookups keeps it rustic and free of huge RVs. It is the best of a traditional campground.
Kevin Q
VerifiedDecember 24, 2025 • Stayed at: 13, Loop: A
The drinking water should be tested for portability. It does not smell potable.
Jack W
VerifiedDecember 21, 2025 • Stayed at: 3, Loop: A
Way too expensive. Was coming off of the Florida Trail, so $50 for one night was just too unreasonable for a backpacker not using all the amenities. If it wasn’t so late I likely would have just pushed through to the next site. At least they have potable water and bear protection.
Robert M H
VerifiedDecember 14, 2025 • Stayed at: 39, Loop: B
Friendly park personnel and clean facilities.
Shirley G
VerifiedDecember 7, 2025 • Stayed at: 26, Loop: B
Love it there nice biking and walking trails.
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. |
