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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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
Michael F
VerifiedFebruary 22, 2022 • Stayed at: 18, Loop: A
This was a cool campground. Great walking trail around the lake, close to bike trails and the bath house spotless. Sites were well kept. We will be back.
Kerry C
VerifiedFebruary 21, 2022 • Stayed at: 5, Loop: A
Other than having zero cell signal, we loved our stay here! The hot showers and bath houses were clean and the staff was very friendly and helpful. I work remotely so was happy to find a library only a mile away where I had access to WiFi and could plug in my computer. There is a wildlife reserve, about a 1/4 mile from the library. There is a cell tower on the property and the signal (for Verizon) is blazing fast. We could park in the lot, download all our shows from Netflix and watch at night with no problem.
The campsites are spacious and gorgeous…but the paved drive you have to stay on is narrow and short. (There are natural springs under the grass that feed into the lake, and run under some of the campsites. Thus the strict “no driving/parking on the grass” rule.) The palms and pines provide great privacy. Ocala is a gorgeous forest.
The gate is locked at 6 each evening, and it locks campers IN as well as intruders OUT so be aware! (You are given a code upon arrival, but I had zero luck getting it to work the one evening I attempted to leave. Ah well)
Absolutely love this National Forest. The beach is small and quiet, and the lake is Cold and crystal clear. Lots of birding opportunities (bring your binoculars!) The Florida Trail is right outside the gate to the forest. It’s a beautiful walk and sees quite a bit of foot traffic.
If you are looking for a true camping experience in a beautiful setting away from the noise and bustle of the big touristy places? THIS is the campground for you! Reserve online to ensure a spot!
Alexis G
VerifiedFebruary 21, 2022 • Stayed at: 11, Loop: A
That campground was very quiet and well-kept. The staff was really friendly and helpful, as well. This campground has access to the Florida Trail as well, which was a huge plus for us. The facilities were clean and stocked with toilet paper. Will definitely be back!
Cassidy M
VerifiedFebruary 20, 2022 • Stayed at: 28, Loop: B
We came here mostly for the single track bike trails, which were great! Challenging but without berms or jumps. Very nice long leaf pine views and we spotted a fox squirrel! The campsites are spacious and campground is quiet. The lake is a nice bonus and the hosts during our stay were very helpful! We look forward to returning.
doug m
VerifiedFebruary 20, 2022 • Stayed at: 12, Loop: A
Clean, very well maintained, super camp hosts.
Ed S
VerifiedFebruary 19, 2022 • Stayed at: 14, Loop: A
The campground was very nice and the bathroom was kept clean too. The lake is kind of small and shallow but there other lakes just minutes away. I would like to come back again and stay longer than a week.
Richard B
VerifiedFebruary 18, 2022 • Stayed at: 34, Loop: B
Site was as beautiful as we remembered and camp staff was great. The folks who came through to look in during the day were amazing (and big thanks for the rain update), as was the lady at the front desk who checked us all in. Love this location and happy to nake it an annual birthday tradition for my friends and I <3
Vera D
VerifiedFebruary 16, 2022 • Stayed at: 16, Loop: A
Staff friendly, clean restrooms. Lived in area, camped years ago-the campsites should be cleared some where you can have a view of beautiful Clearwater lake. The vines and palmettos haven't been trimmed and thinned, so you don't even have a thin trail to get to the water from your campsite.
Richard L
VerifiedFebruary 15, 2022 • Stayed at: 1, Loop: A
Cold and wet but still very nice
John M
VerifiedFebruary 14, 2022 • Stayed at: 14, Loop: A
We had a great time at Clearwater Lake. Everyone was courteous and helpful. We had a great view of the lake. The sites and bathrooms are clean and well maintained. You can't go wrong staying here.
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. |
