Clearwater Lake Rec Area

$38.00/night

24511 CR 42
PAISLEY, FL 32767

Overview

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.

Recreation

The abundant water in the area offers many opportunities for recreation. In addition to swimming in the lake, a 7-mile canoe trail meanders not far from Clearwater Lake. Canoe rentals are available at the campground. Campers can fish for largemouth bass, brim or catfish. Hikers have access to the Clearwater Lake Loop Trail, a 1.3-mile nature trail; a segment of the 1,400-mile Florida National Scenic Trail; and mountain bikers can ride the Paisley Woods Bicycle Trail, a 22-mile forested path. This is bear country; practice safe food storage techniques. It is also alligator country; practice caution around water.

Facilities

The campground area is nicely shaded, its breezy lakefront sites border Clearwater Lake. Sites accommodate motor homes, trailers and tents, and flush toilets and showers are available. A dish washing station is also available in both loops. Campsites have level parking pads and space for tents. No hookups are available.

The small town of Paisley is a mile away, with camping supplies, a post office and a library with Internet access.

Natural Features

The semi-tropical region gives the campground a mixture of pines and palms, with lush greenery and warm temperatures. With ample habitat, alligators, turtles, deer, raccoons, black bear and numerous birds make their home here.

Nearby Attractions

The Ocala National Forest is notable for its extensive off-road trail system catering to both ATV enthusiasts and Jeeps, as well as being a traditional destination for deer hunters from around Central Florida. These opportunities are available within a short drive of Clearwater Lake.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (352) 669-0078.

Charges & Cancellations

Cancelling a Reservation: Customers may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. Depending on when you cancel in relation to your arrival day, it may be considered a late cancellation.

https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies

Refunds are not given for inclement weather for camping, gear rentals, or day-use fees.

Camp site features

Across 38 camp sites:

Fire pit: all 38 sites
Pets allowed: all 38 sites
ADA accessible: 1 of 38 sites
Longest RV: 40 ft
Largest party: 5 people
Equipment: RV, Tent, Trailer

Directions

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.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 11 AM.

Reviews

441 reviews

5 stars

316

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

David R

Loop:B

Site:

Reviewed 16 days ago

Always a relaxing time.

Dan M

Loop:B

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

This site has the best camp host ever, and the site is always clean

John K

Loop:A

Site:

Reviewed 5 months ago

Clearwater Lake is our 'go-to' campground, with spacious, private sites, and great, supportive staff. Also, it's typically not very crowded. We highly recommend it!

James M

Loop:A

Site:

Reviewed 5 months ago

We have been camping at Clearwater Lake for more than 25 years. The trees and natural setting is beautiful and the facilities are maintained well. This was a great place for summer camping since you could cool off in the lake which was not super cold like surrounding springs. Unfortunately, this year the water at Clearwater Lake was GREEN. Green water in Florida means toxic algae. These types of algae produce chemicals like microcystins that are linked to neurological diseases. Adults and children were putting their heads in the water and splashing. I really wonder if the Forest Service is aware of the conditions of the lake. The last few years Naventure has been managing for fishing and cultivating submerged plants to encourage fish. Is this having an effect? Are there septic tanks leaking in our area? Are best practices being used on the surrounding fields? This sandhill lake was crystal clear and spring fed which is rare in Florida. It was like a National Park experience in a National Forest.

Joseph H

Loop:A

Site:

Reviewed 5 months ago

Great park!! The swimming area was clean, and the water was super clear! You could see the fish swimming around you. The campsites were also very well maintained. Just beware of the ticks!! They are extremely bad, and you will need to put on insect repellent to stay safe. Will be back again soon!!!

Laurie G

Loop:A

Site:

Reviewed 6 months ago

Roads are super narrow. Lots of branches overhead. Sites not very private. Bathroom clean. Showers warm not hot. Very overpriced for what you get, primitive sites.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve

Popularity: Very quiet

Busiest in November, when about 8% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 3 years of reservations.