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Near Paisley, Florida
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Clearwater Lake Rec Area
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.
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.
Need to Know
Campers can check in at 2:00 pm and must check out by 11am. We do not accomodate early check-ins or late check-outs.
Campground gate is locked at 6 p.m. during Daylight Savings (Mar - Oct) and 4 p.m. (Nov - Mar). Campers who check-in after the gatehouse is closed must visit the Gatehouse the next morning to complete their check-in to their site. Failure to do so will lead to a 'no show' charge to your reservation and potential forfeiture of site.
Campsites are limited to 2 tents, 2 vehicles (campers included), and 5 persons.
- Extra vehicles will be charged a per-vehicle, per-night fee
Bears and raccoons frequent the area; all food must be kept in approved containers. Failure to comply with this regulation can result in immediate ejection from campground without refund.
- Alligators inhabit the area; use caution around water.
Private vessel launches in the Juniper Wilderness Run are subject to a fee.
Dogs/pets are allowed in campground only and must be leashed and supervised at all times. No dogs/pets allowed in day-use area, bathrooms, in lake or on the trail around the lake.
- Click here for more information about Ocala National Forest
- Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.
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.
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.
Changes & 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.
Contact Information
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24511 CR 42 PAISLEY FL 32767
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 352-669-0078
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving 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.
Available Campsites
- Site 42, Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 29, Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 34, Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 37, Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 5, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 36, Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 8, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 3, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 32, Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 20, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 12, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 21, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 15, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 18, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 13, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 41, Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 2, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 24, Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 28, Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 22, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 11, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 38, Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 10, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 25, Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 39, Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 7, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 6, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 16, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 9, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 19, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 40, Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 17, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 1, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 4, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 26, Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 14, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 27, Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 35, Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
