Florida / Lake County / Ocala National Forest

Clearwater Lake Rec Area

Open — Open year-round with reservations available through Recreation.gov. Gate locks at 6:00 p.m. during daylight saving time and 4:00 p.m. during standard time. Limited to 14 consecutive nights per 30-day period.

About

Clearwater Lake Recreation Area offers a peaceful retreat along the southeastern edge of the Ocala National Forest, just outside Paisley, Florida. The campground features 42 shaded, breezy lakefront sites that accommodate both RVs and tents, with level parking pads but no hookups. Sites include picnic tables and fire rings, with flush toilets, warm showers, and dish washing stations available in both loops. The semi-tropical setting combines pines and palms with lush greenery, providing habitat for alligators, turtles, deer, raccoons, black bears, and numerous bird species. The recreation area centers around the clear waters of Clearwater Lake, where visitors can swim at the day-use beach, fish for largemouth bass, bream, and catfish, or paddle the quiet waters with rented canoes and kayaks. The 1.3-mile Clearwater Lake Loop Trail winds through pine woods and scrub, while more ambitious hikers can access the Florida National Scenic Trail. Mountain bikers enjoy the 22-mile Paisley Woods Bicycle Trail connecting to Alexander Springs. A 7-mile canoe trail meanders nearby for extended paddling adventures. The small town of Paisley, just a mile away, offers camping supplies and basic services. This is bear and alligator country, so visitors must practice safe food storage and exercise caution around water.

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.

Nearby Campgrounds