Clearwater Lake Rec Area
Open year-round. The Ocala National Forest is currently under Stage 1 fire restrictions; campfires are permitted in Forest Service provided fire rings at developed campsites. Reservations available via Recreation.gov. Gate is locked at 6 PM (Mar-Oct) or 4 PM (Nov-Feb) with code access for overnight campers. Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights per 30-day period.
Heat Advisory issued June 18 at 11:46PM EDT until June 19 at 7:00PM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL
* WHAT...Heat index values up to 111 expected. * WHERE...Coastal Indian River, Coastal Martin, Coastal Saint Lucie, Coastal Volusia, Inland Indian River, Inland Martin, Inland Northern Brevard, Inland Saint Lucie, Inland Southern Brevard, Inland Volusia, Mainland Northern Brevard, Mainland Southern Brevard, Northern Brevard Barrier Islands, Northern Lake, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Southern Brevard Barrier Islands, and Southern Lake. * WHEN...From 11 AM to 7 PM EDT Friday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.
From Recreation.gov
The Ocala National Forest is currently under stage 1 fire restrictions. Exemptions include developed campsites with Forest Service provided campfire rings and grills. Dispersed campers who wish to have fires must use propane; charcoal is authorized for grilling purposes. All residents must conform to the specifics of their county's burn bans. The USFS conforms to and may enforce county burn bans as authorized under; CFR 261.5 (i) Violating any state law concerning burning fires or any state law that is for the purpose of preventing or restricting the spread of fire. USFS law enforcement can issue citations under this code.
Travel Management & Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Forest Service are reviewing the Executive Order, entitled "Removing Unnecessary and Counterproductive Restrictions on Access to Federal Lands" issued May 29, 2026, that may affect travel management on National Forest System lands. Any changes to public…
About
Clearwater Lake Recreation Area sits along the southeastern edge of Florida's Ocala National Forest, just outside Paisley. The 38 standard nonelectric campsites are spread across two loops, with many offering shaded lakefront locations. Each site features a level parking pad with space for tents or RVs, and the campground accommodates motor homes, trailers, and tent camping. Flush toilets, warm showers, and dish washing stations serve both loops. The recreation area centers on spring-fed Clearwater Lake, which offers a designated swimming beach and excellent fishing for largemouth bass, brim, and catfish. Canoe and kayak rentals are available at the on-site concession stand. A 7-mile canoe trail winds through the surrounding waterways. Hikers can explore the 1.3-mile Clearwater Lake Loop Trail or connect to a segment of the 1,400-mile Florida National Scenic Trail, while mountain bikers have access to the 22-mile Paisley Woods Bicycle Trail. The semi-tropical setting mixes pines and palms with lush greenery. Wildlife is abundant, including alligators, black bears, deer, and numerous bird species. Campers should practice proper food storage in bear country and exercise caution around water due to alligators.
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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $38 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 40ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 40ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (352) 669-0078 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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