OutReserve

Clearwater Lake Rec Area

Waterfront
Canoes
Trailhead
Trail information
Picnic area

Featured amenities

Showers
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

Campground Amenities

  • Beach Access
    Beach Access
  • Potable Water
    Potable Water
  • Showers
    Showers
  • Dump Station
    Dump Station

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

Sites & Availability

38 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 1, Loop: A
No Hookups
$38.00
/ per night
🚐 10, Loop: A
No Hookups
$38.00
/ per night
🚐 11, Loop: A
No Hookups
$38.00
/ per night
🚐 12, Loop: A
No Hookups
$38.00
/ per night
🚐 13, Loop: A
No Hookups
$38.00
/ per night
14, Loop: A
5 guests · Pet Friendly
$38.00
/ per night
🚐 15, Loop: A
No Hookups
$38.00
/ per night
🚐 16, Loop: A
No Hookups
$38.00
/ per night
🚐 17, Loop: A
No Hookups
$38.00
/ per night
🚐 18, Loop: A
No Hookups
$38.00
/ per night
🚐 19, Loop: A
No Hookups
$38.00
/ per night
🚐 2, Loop: A
No Hookups
$38.00
/ per night
🚐 20, Loop: A
No Hookups
$38.00
/ per night
🚐 21, Loop: A
No Hookups
$38.00
/ per night
🚐 22, Loop: A
No Hookups
$38.00
/ per night
🚐 24, Loop: B
No Hookups
$38.00
/ per night
🚐 25, Loop: B
No Hookups
$38.00
/ per night
🚐 26, Loop: B
No Hookups
$38.00
/ per night
🚐 27, Loop: B
No Hookups
$38.00
/ per night
🚐 28, Loop: B
No Hookups
$38.00
/ per night
🚐 29, Loop: B
No Hookups
$38.00
/ per night
🚐 3, Loop: A
No Hookups
$38.00
/ per night
🚐 32, Loop: B
No Hookups
$38.00
/ per night
🚐 34, Loop: B
No Hookups
$38.00
/ per night
🚐 35, Loop: B
No Hookups
$38.00
/ per night
🚐 36, Loop: B
No Hookups
$38.00
/ per night
🚐 37, Loop: B
No Hookups
$38.00
/ per night
🚐 38, Loop: B
No Hookups
$38.00
/ per night
🚐 39, Loop: B
No Hookups
$38.00
/ per night
🚐 4, Loop: A
No Hookups
$38.00
/ per night
🚐 40, Loop: B
No Hookups
$38.00
/ per night
🚐 41, Loop: B
No Hookups
$38.00
/ per night
🚐 42, Loop: B
No Hookups
$38.00
/ per night
🚐 5, Loop: A
No Hookups
$38.00
/ per night
🚐 6, Loop: A
No Hookups
$38.00
/ per night
🚐 7, Loop: A
No Hookups
$38.00
/ per night
🚐 8, Loop: A
No Hookups
$38.00
/ per night
🚐 9, Loop: A
No Hookups
$38.00
/ per night

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.

Review Summary

4.5
428 reviews
5
71.5%
306
4
17.5%
75
3
4.9%
21
2
4.2%
18
1
1.9%
8

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.

Gerardo R

Verified

February 21, 2025 Stayed at: 19, Loop: A

5

Very nice spot and beautiful 🌳

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.

kelly c

Verified

February 17, 2025 Stayed at: 34, Loop: B

5

WE only stayed one night but it was peaceful ,the campsites are private and big compared to others which we loved everything was nice and clean the hostesses where nice and helpful we will be back for a longer stay next time for sure!

Brett J

Verified

February 17, 2025 Stayed at: 15, Loop: A

5

Excellent camping in the woods. Lots of trees and a good deal of privacy between sites. The picnic table, grill, and fire pit were in good shape. Clean bathrooms. We were right next to the lake but didn’t have any trouble with bugs. Jerry and Terry were very helpful, letting us take a look around before deciding to camp and suggesting the best sites for our needs.

Chris C

Verified

February 16, 2025 Stayed at: 5, Loop: A

5

Staff was extremely courteous and helpful. Our campsite, #5, was large and clean. There was a fire ring, picnic table, lantern pole and bear resistant box for food / cooler storage if needed. Vegetation between the sites allow for some privacy. The bathhouse was clean, however the air hand dryer, at least in the men’s room, need to be changed out as it wasn’t blowing hard enough to dry my hands. My wife’s comment was “We can come back here.”

Timothy L

Verified

February 13, 2025 Stayed at: 34, Loop: B

5

The facility is well maintained, well kept. Our site and facilities utilized all found to be clean and at the ready for use, this included the showers/bathrooms. Staff member stopped by our site to ensure all was good. He did intro self, if I recall correctly his name was Gerry. He indeed made us feel welcomed! Thanks for such a great experience!!

Location Clearwater Lake Rec Area

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

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.

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