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
barry r
VerifiedJanuary 23, 2021 • Stayed at: 27, Loop: B
the hosts were very pleasant n helpfull,@ answering any questions we had.we camped here numorous times over the yrs,n we are always pleased with how clean it always is.We rate this place with a 5 star.
Trent P
VerifiedJanuary 17, 2021 • Stayed at: 19, Loop: A
We stayed three nights, in Thursday, out Sunday, in loop 1, space 19. The campground is nice and well maintained. The lake and surroundings are beautiful. We shared beach space with four Sandhill Cranes one morning and they gave us quite a show. The crowd was really quiet on Thursday night, but made a bit more noise Friday and Saturday. Not bad, just had stereos playing and such, and they did get quiet before 10 PM. The sites are paved, but narrow. Ours was just exactly wide enough for our 22’ trailer withe the tires right to the edge of the pavement. There was not an inch to spare. There is quite a bit of traffic noise from county road 44, which for an apparently rural road, stays pretty busy. Verizon cell service ranges from 0 to a weak 2 bars depending on where you stand. Using a hotspot without a booster I was able to join a video conference and did not have any issues with bandwidth. The campground staff and host were awesome.
Adam S
VerifiedJanuary 12, 2021 • Stayed at: 38, Loop: B
Great campground. The camp host during our stay was Joe, and he was so friendly and helpful in helping us find our first come first serve spot. (I recommend site 18) Great mountain biking and hiking right close by. Miles and miles of off road trails in Ocala forest. We were there during hunting season and there were lots of hunters around. Kind of ruined the vibe in my opinion, but still a beautiful forest.
Linda K
VerifiedJanuary 11, 2021 • Stayed at: 19, Loop: A
Beautiful location, friendly staff, clean restrooms.
Luis V
VerifiedJanuary 11, 2021 • Stayed at: 16, Loop: A
Place was clean and organized. The staff was friendly and very helpful. The location was easy to find and had easy access to all roads.
Daniel W
VerifiedJanuary 10, 2021 • Stayed at: 1, Loop: A
The gentleman who checked us in was very friendly and welcoming! Campsite and bathrooms were clean! We will be back!
Gregory S
VerifiedJanuary 6, 2021 • Stayed at: 14, Loop: A
Nice campsite layout. Well run campground.
Donald J
VerifiedJanuary 6, 2021 • Stayed at: 12, Loop: A
Another great stay at Clearwater; as usual!
Armando A
VerifiedJanuary 6, 2021 • Stayed at: 10, Loop: A
Site was very well maintained, staff was great. Beautiful setting.
Alex W
VerifiedJanuary 6, 2021 • Stayed at: 8, Loop: A
Awesome!!
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. |
