This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.
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449 reviews
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
Based on 449 reviews
Showing 449 reviews
February 23, 2022 Stayed at: 17, Loop: A
Emma , the women tending the gate was wonderful. The hosts were gone for a few days and Emma took good care of the park and us. She was very knowledgeable about the park and the area in general. Met the actual park hosts once when they returned.
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February 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.
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February 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!
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February 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 mi 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!
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February 20, 2022 Stayed at: 12, Loop: A
Clean, very well maintained, super camp hosts.
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February 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.
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February 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.
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February 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
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February 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.
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February 15, 2022 Stayed at: 1, Loop: A
Cold and wet but still very nice
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24511 Cr 42, Paisley, FL 32767 United States
Elevation: 16 ft
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.
Clearwater Lake Recreation Area is accessible via Florida Highway 42, and is located approximately 6 miles east of the intersection with Florida Highway 19.
Check in time
2PM
Check out time
11AM
Last updated: October 22, 2026
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Population: 757
Nearby city: Deltona, FL
Approx. 20 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 72 ft
Paisley, FL
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