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
Liz P
VerifiedDecember 7, 2025 • Stayed at: 28, Loop: B
My husband and I took our grandchildren for two nights and they had a blast. They loved canoeing, the nature walks and having a fire at the end of the day. We will definitely take them back soon. The camp hosts were super friendly and nice.
Bob J
VerifiedDecember 7, 2025 • Stayed at: 27, Loop: B
Beautiful and well run campground
Kerry S
VerifiedDecember 7, 2025 • Stayed at: 20, Loop: A
This is a perfect family campsite. The lake is clear due to it being spring fed, and there are trails galore. Bathing area/restrooms are very clean and hosts are very nice. The campsite itself has a charcoal grill, lantern pole and fire ring with swing away cooking grate. Perfect!
Robert S
VerifiedNovember 23, 2025 • Stayed at: 6, Loop: A
Nice experience with helpful staff.
Eric D
VerifiedNovember 23, 2025 • Stayed at: 16, Loop: A
We love this place. Caretakers are amazing and take great care of the rec area and camp sites.. Bathrooms are clean and all facilities well maintained. We try to visit as many parks as we can but always come back to Clearwater Lake Rec Area as out favorite. Great starviewing on a clear night. This campground is what got my then 4 year old daughter into camping. I don't want to say too many good things because I want my favorite site to be avaliable.
Mel R
VerifiedNovember 17, 2025 • Stayed at: 10, Loop: A
We love this campground. It's small, quiet, and perfect with kids. The little beach by the lake is lovely, and there are nice hikes around. The hosts are super nice. This is our third time camping here, and we'll be back :)
David F
VerifiedNovember 15, 2025 • Stayed at: 38, Loop: B
Great place to camp, super clean and Host were GREAT.
Lando R
VerifiedNovember 13, 2025 • Stayed at: 19, Loop: A
It was beautiful and pleasant.
john m
VerifiedNovember 12, 2025 • Stayed at: 13, Loop: A
Very satisfied with this campground. Very spacious and level sites . Sites and bathrooms are kept very clean.
David B
VerifiedNovember 12, 2025 • Stayed at: 12, Loop: A
The campground was well shaded. The bathrooms were clean. The shower water was hot and easy to adjust. The staff was 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. |
