Established Camping
Clearwater Lake Campground
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Those traveling with RVs, trailers, etc., <strong>PLEASE BE ADVISED:</strong> The entry road and many campsites have low hanging trees. Please call for more information if you are concerned about the clearance of your RV, trailer, etc.
Those traveling with RVs, trailers, etc., <strong>PLEASE BE ADVISED:</strong> The entry road and many campsites have low hanging trees. Please call for more information if you are concerned about the clearance of your RV, trailer, etc.
About
National Forest
National Forests in Florida
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.
contact_info
For facility specific information, please call (352) 669-0078.
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.
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.
Location
Clearwater Lake Campground is located in Florida
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.
Address
24511 CR 42
Paisley, FL 32767
Coordinates
28.9794444 N
81.555 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiAvailable
- VerizonPoor
- AT&TGood
- T-MobileGood
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- WiFi
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Big Rig Friendly
Clean, Gated, Nice Lake, Nice Sites
Clearwater Lake, Ocala NF: This is a beautiful campground with clean facilities and great staff (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good
(71 yr olds in 17’ trailer. ) To Do: Bird wWatching , Hiking, Enjoy the nice beach.
Overall Rating: 4.5
Price 2023: $ 23 (including taxes) w interagency pass
Security: Locked gate after 4PM. Code is provided.
Usage during visit: 40% during the week. Almost full over the weekend.
Site Privacy: Some sites do not offer any visual privacy from adjacent sites.
Site Spacing: Most sites have good spacing.
Pad surface: Blacktop
Reservations: Required.
Campground Noise: Quiet.
Road Noise: Not loud from campsite
Through Traffic in campground: There is a day use area in Loop A. However, it was only minimally used during our stay.
Electric Hookup: no
Sewer Hookup: no
Dump Station: yes
Potable Water Available: Scattered faucets. There is a fill up spigot just past the check in booth.
Generators: Allowed
Bathroom: Amazingly clean. Nearby Juniper Springs along with the Everglades NP campgrounds should come here for training!
Showers: Nice with doors.
Pull Throughs: No
Cell Service (AT&T): 1 to 2 bars.
Setting: Long Pine and Oak Forest with under brush
Recent Weather: Cooler than usual for this time of year.
Solar: Not good enough to reach 100%, but enough to cut down on generator usage.
Host: Yes
Rig Size: Maybe 40’ max
Sites: Loop A:
More secluded sites:7,9,,12
Sites w nice views of the lake from site: 8, 13*, 15*,16,18, 19 (nice view of the lake but faces parking area), 22 (our site, nice view of the end of the lake, which is not as pretty as the other areas of the lake. However, the site sits off by itself.)
Loop B:
a bit more secluded sites.: 25,26 28, 38,
Lakeview sites: 34*,36*
- =my personal favorites.
KINDNESS OF MANAGERS & STAFF
This campground is AMAZING, well kept , above and beyond kindness , super friendly , welcoming, personable, knowledgeable, hard working , generous people that care for this campground. It’s a beautiful, clean , well maintained camper & lake . I really can’t say enough about the place . It’s by far one of my favorite places I have been to . I hate to even let out this secret gem by posting this review . But, peace & safety with a beautiful spring fed lake & surrounded by kind folks (rare these days ) is what your looking for . This is it !
Great camp
Lot 1 on loop A backs up to the bathroom/shower house. Hop,skip,and a jump to the beach front. Picnic tables on the sand. Ice on hand and staff on site. Parking next to site. Only draw back for me is no electric hook ups. Other than that I love it and will definitely be back.