Clearwater Lake Recreation Area

Rate this place

Parks

Florida

Nearby: Ocala National Forest Ocala Wildlife Management Area

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Clearwater Lake Recreation Area is a popular destination located near the Ocala National Forest in Florida.

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The area is known for its stunning scenery, crystal-clear waters, and abundant wildlife. There are plenty of reasons to visit the area, including hiking, fishing, boating, and camping.

One of the main points of interest in the area is Clearwater Lake itself, which is renowned for its pristine waters and picturesque surroundings. Visitors can enjoy swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing in the lake. The recreation area also boasts a number of hiking trails, including the Clearwater Lake Trail, which offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding forests.

In addition to its natural beauty, Clearwater Lake Recreation Area is home to a number of interesting historical sites. The recreation area was once home to a thriving logging industry, and visitors can still see the remains of old sawmills and logging camps in the area.

The best time of year to visit Clearwater Lake Recreation Area depends on your preferences. The area can get quite hot and humid in the summer, but this is also the best time for swimming and water sports. Spring and fall offer more moderate temperatures and are perfect for hiking and wildlife watching. Winter can be chilly, but it's a great time for camping and campfires.

Overall, Clearwater Lake Recreation Area is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves the great outdoors. With its stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and diverse range of activities, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this beautiful part of Florida.

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

Related References