U.S. Forest Service · Ocala National Forest · FL

Clearwater Lake Rec Area

WaterfrontPhoto · Naventure
Not publishedStatus
ReservableAccess
42Sites
40 ftMax rig

The place

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. Keep reading

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.

The sites · 42

LoopSiteTypeMax rigElectricADA
A1standard nonelectric20 ft
A10standard nonelectric20 ft
A11standard nonelectric20 ft
A12standard nonelectric40 ft
A13standard nonelectric40 ft
A14standard nonelectric
A15standard nonelectric
A16standard nonelectric
A17standard nonelectric
A18standard nonelectric
A19standard nonelectric
A2standard nonelectric
A20standard nonelectric
A21standard nonelectric
A22standard nonelectric20 ft
A23management
A3standard nonelectric
A4standard nonelectric
A5standard nonelectric20 ft
A6standard nonelectric
A7standard nonelectric
A8standard nonelectric20 ft
A9standard nonelectric
B24standard nonelectric40 ft
B25standard nonelectric40 ft
B26standard nonelectric40 ft
B27standard nonelectric40 ftyes
B28standard nonelectric
B29standard nonelectric
B30management
B31management
B32standard nonelectric20 ft
B33management
B34standard nonelectric
B35standard nonelectric20 ft
B36standard nonelectric20 ft
B37standard nonelectric20 ft
B38standard nonelectric20 ft
B39standard nonelectric20 ft
B40standard nonelectric40 ft
B41standard nonelectric40 ft
B42standard nonelectric40 ft

Booking

183 daysBooking window before arrival

Recreation.gov default: most campsites can be booked six months prior to arrival date. Most campgrounds go on sale at 7am PT / 8am MT / 10am ET, but not always; check the facility Seasons and Fees tab. Some locations also offer shorter supplemental booking windows.

Book on recreation.gov

Who runs it

Operated by Naventure, a private concessionaire, under permit from the agency.

SRC · Operator link · 2026-08-24

Your representative

This campground sits in FL-06. This member’s public-lands record →

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