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
Brittany C
VerifiedJanuary 21, 2022 • Stayed at: 19, Loop: A
Goregous location! Very well maintained. There was enough shade during the sunny morning and afternoon to not over heat your tent. Lake side picnic tables were lovely for watching the sunset. A great location to reconnect with nature.
Amenities were very clean, better then most places I've camped. We cannot wait to stay again.
James M
VerifiedJanuary 17, 2022 • Stayed at: 28, Loop: B
Camp host was very nice and the facility was clean and pretty quiet in loop 2
Robert B
VerifiedJanuary 17, 2022 • Stayed at: 12, Loop: A
Very nice dry camping experience. We stayed at site 12 and it was great. We were there Jan 8 & 9. Hunting season was still going and we did not have any blaze orange to wear so we could not hike a local trail or the Florida Trail that run through the Recreation Area, The lake is very nice and there is a 1 mile trail around the lake where hunting is not allowed. We will definitely be back.
Danny M
VerifiedJanuary 17, 2022 • Stayed at: 21, Loop: A
Good
Marcy C
VerifiedJanuary 16, 2022 • Stayed at: 14, Loop: A
Would definitely recommend! This was a great camping experience. Each campsite is well maintained and has a fire pit, grill, large bear locker (with option for using a padlock), parking pad (large enough for 2 cars/trucks or small camper) and large picnic table. There is drinking water available and the bathroom facilities are very clean. The showers have surprisingly good water pressure and are actually HOT! The lake is lovely and there are tons of hiking options from the camping area or nearby. You can purchase firewood and ice right at the guard house. The hosts were super friendly as well. Just know that the campsites are close to each other and there are famines, groups, dogs etc. So you don't have a private campsite. DeLand is about a 40 min drive if you need supplies or want an afternoon in town.
Julie L
VerifiedJanuary 10, 2022 • Stayed at: 19, Loop: A
Camp hosts were helpful.
chris n
VerifiedJanuary 9, 2022 • Stayed at: 37, Loop: B
Enjoyed the lack of large RV sites with hookups. Wished for electric receptacle in bath but understand human ingenuity for abuse nice quiet family atmosphere. Will return
Dan K
VerifiedJanuary 7, 2022 • Stayed at: 36, Loop: B
Place is kept clean, bathrooms are very clean. Hot shower is great. Several hiking trails to use. Sunsets over the lake are nice. Great experience!
James C
VerifiedJanuary 6, 2022 • Stayed at: 17, Loop: A
Online scheduling was good. The staff working the gate were awesome, site was great, good experience.
Wallace D
VerifiedDecember 31, 2021 • Stayed at: 16, Loop: A
Very clean facilities. The staff was friendly and helpful. Nice tree canopy over all of the sites but there is limited privacy from other sites. Close to the Florida National Scenic Trail.
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. |
