Lake trip · Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
Where to stay at Clear Lake
Clear Lake covers - in Cerro Gordo County and carries a water-quality grade of D (Nutrient-rich). Compare cabins, resorts, and vacation rentals below. The grade measures nutrients and algae — it is not a stay-or-skip rating. Late spring through early fall, with June through August the peak season for swimming, boating, and fishing.
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Places to stay near Clear Lake
Cabins, resorts, hotels, and vacation rentals near Clear Lake in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa — live availability and prices. Add your dates to see totals.
Top-rated places to stay near Clear Lake
Prices for Sep 11–13, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
About the water
Clear Lake grades D for nutrients and algae — Nutrient-rich. Nutrients and algae run higher than average — check local advisories before swimming, and skip the water if you see scum. Water clarity is about 2.1 ft of visibility. Algae (chlorophyll-a) measures 26.4 µg/L. The letter is not a reason to skip cabins and rentals around the lake.
Best time to visit
Late spring through early fall, with June through August the peak season for swimming, boating, and fishing.
Check the National Weather Service forecast for Clear Lake →
About Clear Lake
Fishing & license
Iowa fishing license
Residents and nonresidents under 16 years of age can fish without a license. There is no general senior fee exemption, but Iowa residents age 65 and older may buy a discounted Lifetime Fishing License ($61.50) and Lifetime Trout Fee ($65.00). Children under 16 may fish for trout without paying the Trout Fee if they fish with a licensed adult who has paid it and they share the adult's 5-trout daily limit. · Fishing is open year-round for most species in Iowa — annual licenses run the calendar year and expire January 10 of the following year. A few species have restricted seasons, notably paddlefish (Feb. 1 - April 30); announced trout-stream stockings run April through September, though trout may be fished all year with a paid Trout Fee.
Prices as published by Iowa Department of Natural Resources, 2026.
Camping & RV near Clear Lake
Search public campgrounds and RV sites near Clear Lake on Recreation.gov, then compare cabins, resorts, and rentals on the map above.
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Cabins, resorts, and vacation rentals around Clear Lake in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa are on the map above with live availability and nightly prices. Waterfront rentals put you on the dock; lodging in the nearest town is usually cheaper with more choice.
Clear Lake has a water quality grade of D (Nutrient-rich). Nutrients and algae run higher than average — check local advisories before swimming, and skip the water if you see scum. Always check local health-department advisories before swimming.
Late spring through early fall, with June through August the peak season for swimming, boating, and fishing.
Explore Clear Lake
Every graded lake in Iowa, ranked A–F
Species activity outlook by water temperature and season
Where to stay at Iowa's top lakes, each with its grade
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Iowa's cleanest and most-polluted lakes, ranked
LakeQuality Lake Trip Planner (2026)
Free trip-planning guide for Clear Lake: how to pick a clean lake, the water-quality signals that matter, best swimming and fishing windows, and where to stay.
Lodging availability and prices are provided by Stay22 and its booking partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia); LakeQuality may earn a commission from bookings at no extra cost to you. Water-quality grades are independent of lodging listings. Always check current health-department advisories and managing-agency conditions before you travel.