Site Open

Clearwater Lake Recreation Area

Current Conditions

Expect full recreation sites during weekends. Have backup plans. Sites may close when capacity is reached.

Enjoy a quiet getaway along the southeastern edge of the Ocala National Forest, just outside the community of Paisley. A longleaf pine forest and wiregrass ecosystem surrounds the 32-acre lake and provides a beautiful, shaded, wooded setting for the campground, a day-use picnic area, beach and a nature trail.

Boating

Paddle your canoe or kayak across our placid waters in search of a quiet spot along the reedy shoreline. It's slightly more than a mile circuit around the edge.

Camping

Nicely shaded, the 42-space Clearwater Lake Campground provides breezy lakefront sites. It accommodates both trailers and tents, and has bathhouses with showers.

Fishing

Cast a line from your campsite or wade out into the grassy shallows for a chance to catch both bream and catfish.

Hiking & Backpacking

The Clearwater Lake Nature Trail is a 1.3-mile loop starting at the day use area. It is an easy walk that traverses the major habitats around the lake, including pine flatwoods, freshwater marsh and oak scrub, providing interpretive information and numerous benches for birding or resting.

Mountain Biking

Explore 22 miles of singletrack along the Paisley Woods Bicycle Trail between Alexander Springs Recreation Area and Clearwater Lake Recreation Area.

Swimming

A swimming beach along Clearwater Lake provides a place for families to frolic in the water.

This site is operated by Naventure.

General Information

Amenities

Camping (tent and RVs)
Drinking water
Flush toilets
Interpretive site
Picnic area and tables
Showers
Swim beach

Licenses and Passes

Boating

Boating in the National Forests in Florida is regulated by the state of Florida. Please visit our boating web page before you grab your personal floatation device and head out onto the water.

Fishing

Florida requires a state license for all fishing activities. Visit our fishing web page before you grab your gear.

Hours vary by season. For more information, please visit the concessionaire Naventure. ** Alcoholic beverages are not permitted into this Day-Use area.

Pets are not allowed into the Day Use area: Forest Order #08-05-05-02-13-0207; 36 CFR261.58(s).
There is a maximum stay limit of 14 consecutive days in a 30-day period.

There is an annual day-use pass available per person and is good for one year from the date of purchase. It provides entrance to recreation areas managed by Naventure, which includes: Juniper Springs, Alexander Springs, Silver Glen Springs, and Salt Springs.
The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Senior Pass, Lifetime Senior Pass and Access Pass holders receive a 50% discount on the fee for a single campsite occupied by the passholder at the following campgrounds managed by Adventure Ocala:

Alexander Springs Campground
Clearwater Lake Campground
Hopkins Prairie Campground
Juniper Springs Campground
Salt Springs Campground

Passholders do not receive a discount on the fee for multi-family sites, cabins or group-use areas or any other campsites occupied by those accompanying the passholder. The 50% discount does not include utility, water or hookup fees.

Campsites are available for reservation at Recreation.gov.

Canoe rentals are available. Please ask the entrance station for more information.