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
Jessica M
VerifiedNovember 2, 2025 • Stayed at: 15, Loop: A
Beautiful campground and lake. Clean facilities.
James L
VerifiedOctober 31, 2025 • Stayed at: 15, Loop: A
Myron P
VerifiedOctober 22, 2025 • Stayed at: 34, Loop: B
Hosts were friendly and there at every turn to help or advise. Well kept camp and restrooms. Love comeing to this location.
John C
VerifiedOctober 21, 2025 • Stayed at: 8, Loop: A
Beautiful lake and campground.
Monika M
VerifiedSeptember 28, 2025 • Stayed at: 18, Loop: A
I love this campground, nice shady, large sites, dog friendly, a clean lake to swim in and a nice walking trail around the lake and clean facilities.
Ryan S
VerifiedSeptember 8, 2025 • Stayed at: 16, Loop: A
Over $130 dollars for tent camping for three nights?! Not a fan of the new policy that makes you book three nights on holiday weekends. Eight dollars in fees just to book online? Really?! We ended up going home early as all we wanted was two nights. These prices are going to push more people into boondocking which will be bad for forrest health in the long term. The facilities were well maintained, as you should expect for that price.
Thomas S
VerifiedSeptember 5, 2025 • Stayed at: 38, Loop: B
Was very much impressed with the visit. The hosts were friendly and helpful. The bathrooms were super clean. The appearance of the park was excellent.
Stacey G
VerifiedJuly 27, 2025 • Stayed at: 3, Loop: A
Terry and Jerry are amazing hosts! The bath houses were incredibly clean and well maintained. The campsites were all immaculate with bear boxes for your food, a pristine grill and fire pit.
We spent every morning playing in the lake; whether kayaking or stand up paddle boarding (which we rented for next to nothing from the gate house) or just sitting in our inflatable chairs. The water is clear and warm!
We will 100% be back to camp here!!!
Hamilcar F
VerifiedJuly 6, 2025 • Stayed at: 40, Loop: B
Quiet, bathrooms great, felt that my family was safe. Just a great experience overall.
Deyanira P
VerifiedMay 6, 2025 • Stayed at: 17, Loop: A
We were amazed by the beauty of the park and lake, but unfortunately, it’s heavily infested with ticks. We’ve been camping for years and have never experienced anything like this — we found ticks in different parts of our bodies and not to mention on our dog. Four days later, we’re still dealing with them at home. There were no warning signs or prevention info at the entrance, which is very concerning. We’re honestly horrified and wish we hadn’t gone. Not sure if it’s tick season, but this was an awful experience.
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. |
