About Clearwater Lake Rec Area
Number of accommodations: 38
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Open year round
This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Showers
RV Utilities and Hookups
- Dump station on site
Water and Hygiene
- Potable Water
- Showers
Water Access
- Beach Access
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Rates, 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 (433)
What Guests Are Saying
Clearwater Lake Rec Area offers a beautiful and clean campground with spacious and well-maintained sites, friendly hosts, and excellent restroom facilities with hot showers. Visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, access to the Florida Trail, and fun activities such as kayaking and nature walks. However, some guests noted a tick problem and expressed concern about pricing and booking policies, suggesting that improvements could enhance the overall experience.
What Guests Are Saying
Clearwater Lake Rec Area offers a beautiful and clean campground with spacious and well-maintained sites, friendly hosts, and excellent restroom facilities with hot showers. Visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, access to the Florida Trail, and fun activities such as kayaking and nature walks. However, some guests noted a tick problem and expressed concern about pricing and booking policies, suggesting that improvements could enhance the overall experience.
Review Summary
Jimmy P
VerifiedMarch 28, 2021 • Stayed at: 1, Loop: A
Amazing campground so close to the FL Trail!!
Barry R
VerifiedMarch 25, 2021 • Stayed at: 32, Loop: B
Showers were very clean. A few tents, but predominantly RVs when we were there.
Steven G
VerifiedMarch 25, 2021 • Stayed at: 27, Loop: B
Very nice place! Quiet, peaceful and fun! Friendly staff and campers!
Michelle M
VerifiedMarch 25, 2021 • Stayed at: 40, Loop: B
Nice clean campground with access to hiking/biking trails
Michael B
VerifiedMarch 25, 2021 • Stayed at: 19, Loop: A
Friendly hosts, beautiful park, nice lake, great fishing. The only downside was that the hot water for showers wasn't working, but overall it was super; I plan on going back!
Robert S
VerifiedMarch 23, 2021 • Stayed at: 42, Loop: B
Outstanding camping site. Spotless bathrooms. Nice trails.
Joe H
VerifiedMarch 22, 2021 • Stayed at: 22, Loop: A
Beautiful campground Ranger Joe was awesome, friendly and informative!
jeff r
VerifiedMarch 22, 2021 • Stayed at: 22, Loop: A
Nice shady sites. All are close to the lake. Standard grills and fire rents. Good grassy spots for tents.
The morning i was supposed to check out of my reserved spot, I went to the entry to ask for a first come, first served spot for that night. The man at the gate told me that he had empty spots but that he couldn't give me one because they weren't allowing walk-ups and told me it was the decision of the ranger. I asked if there was someone else I could talk to so I could get some clarification on such a silly policy and hopefully get a spot. He then told me how he had just given a spot to the lady who was in front of me when i arrived and then proceeded to give me a spot for the night.
The entire thing made no sense. Had I just walked away the first time he said no walk-ups then i would have gone without a spot for the night and a spot would have gone empty unnecessarily.
carolina l
VerifiedMarch 21, 2021 • Stayed at: 32, Loop: B
Very beautiful park, confortable spot and very friendly staff. We love it our experience
Mary H
VerifiedMarch 16, 2021 • Stayed at: 12, Loop: A
Nice campground, just a little picky about staying on the pavement pad. Not so easy for large RVs. The lake is nice and there are lots of picnic tables on the beach. Clean bathrooms with showers. Water is available at various locations nearby around the campground.
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.
Clearwater Lake Recreation Area is accessible via Florida Highway 42, and is located approximately 6 miles east of the intersection with Florida Highway 19.
Latitude & Longitude: 28.9794 / -81.555
Elevation: 16 feet
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.
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Last updated: June 3, 2026
