Swimming, fishing, and kayaking opportunities draw campers to Clearwater Lake Campground, where spring-fed waters provide visibility to the sandy bottom. The 42-site campground sits along the eastern shoreline within Ocala National Forest, operated by the US Forest Service year-round at $38 per night.
Sites accommodate RVs up to 40 feet and offer no electric or water hookups, though shared water spigots appear throughout both loops. Roger W. notes the facilities are "amazingly clean" with hot showers featuring good water pressure. Bear-proof storage boxes at each site address the active black bear population that frequents the area alongside raccoons, deer, and wild turkeys.
The lake's clear waters warm quickly and feature a gradual sand-bottom entry that works for swimmers of all ages. Anglers report catching shoal bass from shore, while the 11-mile Paisley Woods mountain bike trail connects to Alexander Springs. A shorter hiking trail circles the lake, with additional access to the Florida Trail system. Sonia M. observed "plenty of wildlife and some of the most amazing views at sunset and sunrise," including a curious soft-shell turtle that regularly visited swimmers.
Access requires navigating rough forest roads, and the campground gate locks at 8 PM with entry codes provided to registered campers. Cell service remains limited with 1-2 bars reported. Sites in Loop B offer more privacy from day-use traffic, while waterfront sites 8, 13, 15, 16, and 18 provide lake views. Reservations are available through the Forest Service, with weekend occupancy reaching capacity during peak seasons.
For those exploring the broader region, camping near Paisley provides additional forest access points within this section of central Florida's pine and oak woodlands.
Description
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsClearwater Lake Campground is located in Florida near Paisley
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
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/22/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 2/24/26
AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 2/6/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/22/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 2/24/26
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 2/6/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 40 min from Deltona, FL
- 48 min from Wildwood, FL
- 54 min from Orlando, FL
- 55 min from Ocala, FL
