Clearwater Lake Rec Area

Star4.59
602 reviews
24511 CR 42, PAISLEY, FL 32767
Family FriendlyScenic ViewsSummer Destination

Quick Facts

98 ft

Price

$37/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

42 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens US Forest Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Clearwater Lake Rec Area
$37.00 - $37.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season fees are $37 per night for both standard non-electric and RV non-electric sites. Extra charges may apply for additional vehicles ($9 per...
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Standard Site Fee$37.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
352-669-0078
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What Campers Say

4.59

Top-Rated

Based on 602 reviews

21 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshadespaciouslake

Some mention

noise

"User reviews for Clearwater Lake Recreation Area are generally positive, with an average sentiment score of 4.46. Many campers praise the cleanliness of the facilities, the friendliness of the staff, and the natural beauty of the lake and trails. However, some complaints include issues with ticks, low water pressure in showers, and noise from generators."

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Campground Map

24511 CR 42, PAISLEY, FL 32767

Clearwater Lake Rec Area

24511 CR 42, PAISLEY, FL 32767

Driving directionsFrom 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.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, but users have reported narrow roads with low-hanging branches. Larger RVs may face maneuvering challenges.
Nearby places
Paisley (1 mile, less than 5 minutes), Altoona (7 miles, approximately 15 minutes), DeLand (approximately 40 miles, 40 minutes), Daytona Beach (approximately 60 miles, 1 hour).
Nearby supplies
Camping supplies, a post office, and a library with internet access are available in Paisley (1 mile). Additional supplies and restaurants can be found in Altoona (7 miles).

Best Time to Camp at Clearwater Lake Rec Area

Florida's sunshine graces Clearwater Lake throughout the year, creating an inviting climate for outdoor enthusiasts in every season. Winter brings crisp, dry days perfect for hiking and campfire gatherings, while summer transforms the landscape into a humid, verdant wonderland best enjoyed with refreshing lake swims. Spring and fall emerge as the sweet spots for camping, when gentle breezes and comfortable temperatures create ideal conditions for sleeping under the stars and exploring every corner of this natural haven.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Warm water and beach, but summer sees more bugs and higher pest complaints.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 6% in FL

Moderate weather and popular season; reviewers cite excellent fall conditions.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.5 / 5
Top 13% in FL

Popular season with moderate weather; many positive seasonal reviews.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.0 / 5

Crisp, dry days, quieter season good for hiking and campfires; open year-round.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1 to December 31 annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round; peak season pricing applies January through December.

About Clearwater Lake Rec Area

Nestled along the southeastern shores of the Ocala National Forest, Clearwater Lake Recreation Area beckons adventurers seeking an authentic Florida wilderness experience. Here, beneath a canopy of ancient trees, visitors discover shaded campsites that offer respite from the Florida sun, while the pristine waters of Clearwater Lake invite swimmers, anglers, and paddlers to explore its calm surface. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, gliding across the lake in a canoe, or following woodland trails that wind through this semi-tropical paradise, Clearwater Lake delivers the perfect blend of relaxation and outdoor adventure.
Clearwater Lake Recreation Area offers a variety of camping options, including sites for tents, trailers, and motorhomes. It is particularly well-suited for primitive and group camping experiences.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
Visitors may stay up to 14 consecutive nights per visit and up to 14 nights total within a rolling 30-day period.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Food storage lockers

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors to Clearwater Lake Recreation Area can enjoy a variety of activities suited to nature enthusiasts and families. The campground provides opportunities for swimming, fishing, canoeing, mountain biking, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Designated trails such as the Paisley Woods Bicycle Trail and segments of the Florida National Scenic Trail offer excellent hiking and biking experiences. The lake is a highlight for water-based activities, with a sandy beach and boat rentals available.
HikingThe campground offers access to the Clearwater Lake Loop Trail, a 1.3-mile scenic nature trail around the lake, as well as the 22-mile Paisley Woods Bicycle Trail. A segment of the 1,400-mile Florida National Scenic Trail also passes nearby.
FishingFishing is permitted in Clearwater Lake, with opportunities to catch largemouth bass, brim, and catfish. Some user reviews noted that fishing can be slow at times.
SwimmingA designated sandy beach area provides a safe swimming environment. User reviews describe the water as clear and warm, ideal for children and families.
BikingThe 22-mile Paisley Woods Bicycle Trail caters to mountain bikers, offering forested terrain and challenges suited to different skill levels. The proximity of other trails makes the campground a biking hub.
BoatingCanoes and kayaks are available for rent, and the lake's calm waters are suitable for paddleboarding and non-motorized boating. Motorized boats are not permitted.
Wildlife viewingVisitors frequently encounter local wildlife, including alligators, turtles, deer, raccoons, and numerous bird species. The area is also home to black bears, making proper food storage a necessity.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCommon hazards include ticks, mosquitoes, alligators near water, and low-hanging branches posing a risk to larger vehicles.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food storage lockers are provided at each site to ensure safety and compliance with wildlife regulations.

Weather at Clearwater Lake Rec Area

Reviews

4.6
602 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Clearwater Lake Rec Area is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Clearwater Lake Recreation Area are generally positive, with an average sentiment score of 4.46. Many campers praise the cleanliness of the facilities, the friendliness of the staff, and the natural beauty of the lake and trails. However, some complaints include issues with ticks, low water pressure in showers, and noise from generators.
Review Summaries
Based on 602 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean and well-maintained facilities, friendly and helpful staff, spacious and well-shaded campsites, beautiful lake and trails, and family-friendly atmosphere.
Based on 602 reviews

Common Concerns

Ticks and other pests, lack of privacy at some sites, occasional noise from neighboring campers or generators, high fees for limited amenities, and enforcement of strict parking and pet rules.
Based on 602 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring insect repellent to handle ticks and mosquitoes. Choose campsites further from the main road for more privacy. Check in during daylight hours for easier navigation. Utilize the dishwashing...
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Based on 602 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are popular for their moderate weather, while summer sees more bugs. Winter offers a quieter experience but can have cooler temperatures.
Based on 602 reviews

Camper Quotes

'The lake is crystal clear and perfect for swimming or paddling.' 'The staff was super helpful and even delivered firewood directly to our site.' 'Ticks were everywhere, so bring repellent.' 'The...
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Based on 602 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 15 (Lakefront): Described as 'gorgeous' and spacious. Site 22: Close to bathrooms, but noise from the day-use area can be an issue. Site 28: Infested with ticks during some seasons. Site 34:...
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Based on 602 reviews

Accessibility Features

Mixed reviews. While some found the facilities accessible, others noted issues with narrow or uneven parking pads, making it difficult for larger vehicles or those with mobility challenges.
Based on 602 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but restricted from the beach and lake trail. Owners must keep them leashed and supervised at all times. Some users appreciated the pet-friendly policy, while others found the...
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Based on 602 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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