Waterfront
Canoes
Trailhead
Trail information
Picnic area

Featured amenities

Showers Showers

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 sites

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Open year round

This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.

365 Days

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Showers Showers
RV Utilities and Hookups

RV Utilities and Hookups

  • Dump station on site
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Potable Water
  • Showers
Water Access

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

Site
Price
🚐 1, Loop: A RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 10, Loop: A RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 11, Loop: A RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 12, Loop: A RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 13, Loop: A RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
⛺ 14, Loop: A Tent
Paved · Pet Friendly · Yes shade
🚐 15, Loop: A RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 16, Loop: A RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 17, Loop: A RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 18, Loop: A RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 19, Loop: A RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 2, Loop: A RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 20, Loop: A RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 21, Loop: A RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 22, Loop: A RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 24, Loop: B RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 25, Loop: B RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 26, Loop: B RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 27, Loop: B RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 28, Loop: B RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 29, Loop: B RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 3, Loop: A RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 32, Loop: B RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 34, Loop: B RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 35, Loop: B RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 36, Loop: B RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 37, Loop: B RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 38, Loop: B RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 39, Loop: B RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 4, Loop: A RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 40, Loop: B RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 41, Loop: B RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 42, Loop: B RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 5, Loop: A RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 6, Loop: A RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 7, Loop: A RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 8, Loop: A RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 9, Loop: A RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In

Reviews

449 reviews

Summary

AI generated

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

Write a review
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

Larry C

Verified

March 7, 2024 Stayed at: 26, Loop: B

This is a great campground and site 26 is one of the most beautiful sites we have had anywhere. Site are huge and well spread out. If only they had electricity at the sites. The hosts are great and the trails are fantastic, hiking and biking. We would definitely return when in the area again. There are some narrow parts and low branches, so big rigs pay attention.

Helpful

Margaret K

Verified

March 8, 2024 Stayed at: 40, Loop: B

Nice park. Somewhat peaceful

Helpful

Richard A

Verified

March 9, 2024 Stayed at: 18, Loop: A

Great little campground. Large campsites, clean showers, friendly and helpful staff.

Helpful

John S

Verified

March 14, 2024 Stayed at: 42, Loop: B

I’ve been using Rec. com for years staying at different camp locations
I stay at a location that best meets my needs for my other activities
While at my last and other stays the personal is always courteous and always offers help, there were 6 people I meet that worked there and everyone of them were courteous and professional

Helpful

MARLIN H

Verified

March 17, 2024 Stayed at: 13, Loop: A

Generators are allowed to start at 6am and our camping neighbor started his at exactly that time every morning! Who gets up at that time camping!! It reverberated our camper! We timed it running for 10 1/2 hours straight! We will not be back to this place. Couldn't wait to leave! I've camped all my life & this was our 2nd worst camping experience ever! Most campgrounds let generators start at 8:00 am. We thought we would get a break when the daylight savings time started, but no, they started it at 5:00am at the old time! No consideration for others!

Helpful

Lisa b

Verified

March 18, 2024 Stayed at: 19, Loop: A

Sites are lovely. Bathhouses adequate. Lake is very small but there is good paddling nearby.

Helpful

Kennith L

Verified

March 19, 2024 Stayed at: 35, Loop: B

I enjoyed my vacations here. Very relaxing in a peaceful environment. That’s why I keep returning. Never had any problems here at all. 14 days seems to fly by fast. See you all next year🏖️

Helpful

Justin P

Verified

March 24, 2024 Stayed at: 36, Loop: B

We had a very spacious and private site that was great. Campground is in great condition and the hosts were friendly. Not a whole lot of things to do other than canoe/kayak rentals on the small lake, but it makes a great home base for other activities in the forest or a nice place just to chill at camp.

Helpful

John C

Verified

March 30, 2024 Stayed at: 14, Loop: A

All of the employees at this campground were friendly and asked everyday if all was good. The restrooms and shower areas were kept clean each day.

Helpful

Ken H

Verified

April 7, 2024 Stayed at: 39, Loop: B

This campground is not well suited to large travel trailers. The trees are close to the roads and one in particular near our campsite was “nearly” impossible to get around. The check in station is also hard to navigate with a trailer. The staff were great and helped us get into a site that would accommodate our trailer. The site was very nice and large with trees. The dump station was also a bit hard to navigate with a large trailer.

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.

Nearest town

Paisley, FL - 1.5 mi

About 3 min to downtown

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

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Managed by the USDA Forest Service