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.
Flood Warning issued November 6 at 8:20PM EST by NWS Melbourne FL
...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Florida... St Johns River Near Deland affecting Volusia and Lake Counties. .Heavy rainfall has caused the St. Johns River near Deland remain very near Minor flood stage. The river is forecast to slowly climb through Minor flood stage this weekend and into next week. For the St. Johns River...including Deland...Minor flooding is forecast. * WHAT...Minor flooding is forecast. * WHERE...St Johns River near Deland. * WHEN...Until further notice. * IMPACTS...At 4.5 feet, Water moves into yards and approaches buildings around Hontoon Island. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 7:30 PM EST Friday the stage was 3.9 feet. - Bankfull stage is 3.5 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to rise above flood stage tomorrow morning and continue rising to 4.5 feet early Wednesday afternoon. Additional rises are possible thereafter. - Flood stage is 4.0 feet. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Flood Warning issued November 6 at 8:18PM EST by NWS Melbourne FL
...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Florida... St Johns River Near Astor affecting Volusia and Lake Counties. .Heavy rainfall that has occurred upstream will maintain river levels within Moderate flood stage through early next week as a large volume of rainwater works north through the basin. For the St. Johns River...including Astor...Moderate flooding is forecast. * WHAT...Moderate flooding is occurring and forecast. * WHERE...St Johns River near Astor. * WHEN...Until further notice. * IMPACTS...At 3.5 feet, Canals have overflowed into yards. Homes on or near Wildhog and Bonnet roads become inaccessible with several inches of water inside homes along the river and canals. Docks at Astor Bridge marina and throughout Astor are completely submerged. Bartram Rd and Holiday Circle are inaccessible with yards completely submerged. Clair Street is inaccessible. Roads flooded in South Moon Fish Camp, docks and yards at condominiums on Juno Trail and water breaches the sea wall at Blair's Jungle Den. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 7:30 PM EST Friday the stage was 3.1 feet. - Bankfull stage is 2.0 feet. - Recent Activity...The maximum river stage in the 24 hours ending at 7:30 PM EST Friday was 3.2 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to remain steady above flood stage at 3.1 feet. - Flood stage is 2.3 feet. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
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.
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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