OutReserve

Clearwater Lake Rec Area

Waterfront
Canoes
Trailhead
Trail information
Picnic area

Featured amenities

Showers

About Clearwater Lake Rec Area

Clearwater Lake Recreation Area offers a quiet getaway along the southeastern edge of the Ocala National Forest, just outside the community of Paisley, Florida. With a shaded campground, day use picnic area, beach and a nature trail that winds through the pine woods and scrub around Clearwater Lake, this facility has plenty of activities to keep campers occupied. The Ocala National Forest, in north central Florida, spans four counties and 383,000 acres. It is the southernmost and oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River, and protects the world's largest, contiguous sand pine scrub forest.

Number of accommodations: 38

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Open year round

This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.

365 Days

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Showers
RV Utilities and Hookups

RV Utilities and Hookups

  • Dump station on site
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Potable Water
  • Showers
Water Access

Water Access

  • Beach Access
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

38 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 1, Loop: A
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 10, Loop: A
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 11, Loop: A
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 12, Loop: A
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 13, Loop: A
No Hookups
Price not available
14, Loop: A
5 guests · Pet Friendly
Price not available
🚐 15, Loop: A
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 16, Loop: A
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 17, Loop: A
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 18, Loop: A
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 19, Loop: A
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 2, Loop: A
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 20, Loop: A
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 21, Loop: A
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 22, Loop: A
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 24, Loop: B
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 25, Loop: B
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 26, Loop: B
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 27, Loop: B
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 28, Loop: B
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 29, Loop: B
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 3, Loop: A
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 32, Loop: B
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 34, Loop: B
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 35, Loop: B
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 36, Loop: B
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 37, Loop: B
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 38, Loop: B
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 39, Loop: B
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 4, Loop: A
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 40, Loop: B
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 41, Loop: B
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 42, Loop: B
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 5, Loop: A
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 6, Loop: A
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 7, Loop: A
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 8, Loop: A
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 9, Loop: A
No Hookups
Price not available

Reviews (433)

What Guests Are Saying

Clearwater Lake Rec Area offers a beautiful and clean campground with spacious and well-maintained sites, friendly hosts, and excellent restroom facilities with hot showers. Visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, access to the Florida Trail, and fun activities such as kayaking and nature walks. However, some guests noted a tick problem and expressed concern about pricing and booking policies, suggesting that improvements could enhance the overall experience.

Review Summary

4.5
433 reviews
5
71.8%
311
4
17.3%
75
3
4.8%
21
2
4.2%
18
1
1.8%
8

simon s

Verified

March 14, 2025 Stayed at: 36, Loop: B

5

Small lake, but very quiet. Nice shady sites and clean bathroom. I was in B loop.

RICHARD D

Verified

March 6, 2025 Stayed at: 18, Loop: A

5

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

Verified

March 6, 2025 Stayed at: 19, Loop: A

5

So peaceful, great hiking!

Douglas K

Verified

February 26, 2025 Stayed at: 40, Loop: B

5

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

Verified

February 25, 2025 Stayed at: 4, Loop: A

4

Park management was very helpful.

Barbara I

Verified

February 25, 2025 Stayed at: 27, Loop: B

5

Wonderful camp hosts, Terry and Jerry made my stay great! Campground well cared for organized. Will definitely return.

Rodger C

Verified

February 25, 2025 Stayed at: 15, Loop: A

2

Good overnight spot. Nothing fancy. Perfect for A class , and boxes.
We are use to woods and trees and space. Felt too urban and close together. Not suitable for B class.

Enrique T

Verified

February 25, 2025 Stayed at: 37, Loop: B

5

Best hostesses and absolutely clean beautiful place.

Deb B

Verified

February 23, 2025 Stayed at: 29, Loop: B

4

Stayed 2 weeks, Camp hosts were outstanding. They go above and beyond to be accommodating. Beach area small, but nice to spend time at. I took my dogs on the trail around the lake, board walk needs repairs so keep that in mind. Ice and firewood available for sale. Bathrooms clean and plenty of shower space.
Definitely will return.

Delwin C

Verified

February 21, 2025 Stayed at: 22, Loop: A

4

Great quiet place, beautiful lake. Mountain bike trails in the area. Convenience store with supplies if needed just a few minutes down the road. Had a great time.

Location Clearwater Lake Rec Area

Address:
24511 Cr 42
Paisley, FL, 32767
United States

Highway access

Clearwater Lake Recreation Area is accessible via Florida Highway 42, and is located approximately 6 miles east of the intersection with Florida Highway 19.

Latitude & Longitude: 28.9794 / -81.555

Elevation: 16 feet

Policies & Rules

Arrival & departure

Check in time

2PM

Check out time

11AM

General

  • Campground gate is locked during Daylight Savings (Mar - Oct) and (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.
  • Campsites are limited to 2 tents, 2 vehicles (campers included), and 5 persons. 
  • Extra vehicles will be charged a per-vehicle, per-night fee
  • 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. 
  • Alligators inhabit the area; use caution around water.
  • Private vessel launches in the Juniper Wilderness Run are subject to a fee. 
  • 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.
  • Click here for more information about Ocala National Forest
  • 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.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: June 3, 2026

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