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
Stacia Y
VerifiedMay 5, 2025 • Stayed at: 15, Loop: A
Campsite 15 is the absolute best!
Can’t wait to come back.
Eunice H
VerifiedApril 8, 2025 • Stayed at: 41, Loop: B
The campground, bathhouse, and dishwashing station was kept immaculate. Very clean. The staff and camp hosts were friendly and helpful. Very close access to the Florida Trail for hiking.
Victor G
VerifiedMarch 30, 2025 • Stayed at: 19, Loop: A
Our camping spot was amazing, the views and water were amazing (very cold though). The shower facilities were cleaner than expected. The trail around the lake was amazing. Jerry and the other host were very helpful and friendly.
Miguel V
VerifiedMarch 28, 2025 • Stayed at: 16, Loop: A
we stay here at least once a year and its always a great time. the staff is super friendly and accommodating. hot showers are a nice thing and the area is always clea .
Laurie W
VerifiedMarch 24, 2025 • Stayed at: 36, Loop: B
I have been camping at this park many times and love it. This last visit was horrible. The noise from other campers was so loud one of us had to go and ask them to keep it down. They were playing music and screaming well into the night. Both loops had many sites that were very loud, kids running through other campsites and several teens right by our site on the water yelling loudly at 7:00 in the morning. The bathrooms smelled horrible when we arrived but that was cleaned up the next day. I am sure there is not much you can do, but you have a right to know.
simon s
VerifiedMarch 14, 2025 • Stayed at: 36, Loop: B
Small lake, but very quiet. Nice shady sites and clean bathroom. I was in B loop.
RICHARD D
VerifiedMarch 6, 2025 • Stayed at: 18, Loop: A
Beautiful campground, well maintained, with friendly staff. Our site was more sloping than we expected, but we were able to get our trailer level with a little work. Our site was also a bit short to fit our trailer and truck but we were able to park the truck in the day use parking area close by. Nature trail around the lake was very nice and sunsets by the lake were beautiful.
Amber S
VerifiedMarch 6, 2025 • Stayed at: 19, Loop: A
So peaceful, great hiking!
Douglas K
VerifiedFebruary 26, 2025 • Stayed at: 40, Loop: B
This campground is a gem. The sites are spacious and everything is kept clean and tidy. We love the walking trails and the lake.
Robert W
VerifiedFebruary 25, 2025 • Stayed at: 4, Loop: A
Park management was very helpful.
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. |
