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
Adriana C
VerifiedFebruary 22, 2021 • Stayed at: 37, Loop: B
Although we ended up camping on the stormiest weekend in ONF, we still had a great time. We were in site 37 and my brother and his friends were in site 39. We ended up being right next to each other! The bathrooms and showers were a few steps behind us. The campsite was clean, it was quiet when it needed to be, people and staff were friendly and respectful. Campsite 36 and 34 seems to be a tad bit more private so if available, I would pick either one of those. We did walk around the trails in our campsite. My brother and his friends brought their ATV’s and although you can ride in our campground, trails were only about 30 minutes away. Firewood and ice are for sale on site and you are provided a gate code to get in and out of after hours. Overall, plan to go back (preferably when cool temperatures and no rain).
Michael G
VerifiedFebruary 16, 2021 • Stayed at: 35, Loop: B
Nice and quiet only four other campers including the park host.
Grace T
VerifiedFebruary 14, 2021 • Stayed at: 38, Loop: B
We have been going here for years and I recently had the privilege to get married here beautiful background
Donald D
VerifiedFebruary 12, 2021 • Stayed at: 27, Loop: B
No power, me that going in...bit every spot is shaded. Not enough sun to power solar. Allows dogs by no place to let them run.
Mike C
VerifiedFebruary 8, 2021 • Stayed at: 38, Loop: B
Bathhouse was kept immaculate despite large number of campers.
john S
VerifiedFebruary 7, 2021 • Stayed at: 12, Loop: A
This is one of the best Forest Service campgrounds we have stayed at in FL. The staff was very welcoming and their pride in the campground showed. The facilities are well taken care of and the sites are groomed before you get there . We stayed a week and wish we could have stayed longer. The sand billed cranes down at the lake will let you know they're on duty every morning like clockwork. The small town of Umatilla a few miles away has the basic ecentuals. Cell coverage was good, OTA tv was useble but nature won out. A Safe and well managed campground!
Jon A
VerifiedFebruary 7, 2021 • Stayed at: 36, Loop: B
This is a very peaceful and relaxing park. The park is clean and the staff, especially Joe and Emma are friendly and helpful.
Bobby P
VerifiedJanuary 31, 2021 • Stayed at: 22, Loop: A
Our family camping trip was an extremely disappointing experience. Two ATV's literally drove right through our campsite (twice) at 3:30am in the morning which terrified my two young boys. We never went back to sleep and it was a miserable night.
In addition, we specifically selected Clearlake campground for the opportunity to rent canoes which was promoted on the website. Upon arrival, we were told the canoe rentals were closed due to COVID-19. The website should have been updated appropriately. We would have camped elsewhere knowing this information. We planned to stay two nights but ultimately packed up early and headed home.
Robert R
VerifiedJanuary 31, 2021 • Stayed at: 16, Loop: A
Clean, quiet an the Bathhouse is excellent, nothing to complain about!
june C
VerifiedJanuary 25, 2021 • Stayed at: 11, Loop: A
Bear box was so convenient. This is a very beautiful, very well maintained campground. Every site is beautiful and spacious. The lake is clear and so beautiful especially in the morning. Me and my crew highly recommend this 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.
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. |
