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
john b
VerifiedFebruary 13, 2025 • Stayed at: 36, Loop: B
The campground manager and staff were very helpful and provided me with assistance when I needed it. Facility is in goog shape.
Betzy S
VerifiedFebruary 10, 2025 • Stayed at: 10, Loop: A
Facilities were impeccable, campsites are spacious and rangers patrol and check campers to make sure everyone is doing well. The staff is incredibly friendly. I will definitely be back. Absolutely loved camping here!
jayson m
VerifiedFebruary 9, 2025 • Stayed at: 39, Loop: B
Camping here was perfect. Expect relaxing vibes and a wonderful scene (weather permitting lol).
Richard B
VerifiedFebruary 9, 2025 • Stayed at: 35, Loop: B
The grounds remain beautiful and the camp hosts were friendly.
Rorie A
VerifiedFebruary 9, 2025 • Stayed at: 1, Loop: A
Beautiful, quiet, clean Campground situated around Clearwater lake. Very well maintained showers and bathrooms.
Robert M
VerifiedFebruary 7, 2025 • Stayed at: 35, Loop: B
The site was clean and the hosts were attentive. The bathrooms were not as clean as in the past. There was clearly something growing on the shower walls and not all the lights were functioning.
Dallas S
VerifiedJanuary 20, 2025 • Stayed at: 42, Loop: B
Nice hosts; clean bathrooms
Paul S
VerifiedJanuary 20, 2025 • Stayed at: 24, Loop: B
Quiet and well maintained, clean.
Ray R
VerifiedJanuary 16, 2025 • Stayed at: 8, Loop: A
The campground has exclusive real estate on a perfect lake. Most of the campsites i walked by had views of the water and the overall site is well maintained. The host camper Jerry was helpful and polite.
I hiked down from palatka on The Florida Trail and he made the experience seemless.
I was a bit surprises by the mandatory two day reservation when staying weekend with CWL but that just for ed me to enjoy a bit more time.
Latisha O
VerifiedJanuary 12, 2025 • Stayed at: 12, Loop: A
The sites my group had were decent size big enough for more than 5 people. We all ended up using just 1 but was forced to pay for 3. 2 of the fire pits were broken and one of the picnic tables were broken with exposed rusty metal as a hazard. You can’t fish unless you rent a canoe but it was almost impossible to find someone at the gate to rent. The bathrooms needed some serious updates. The rv and tent sites are mixed together and it wasn’t peaceful listing to generators run from 6:30 am until 10 pm.
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. |
