Lake trip · Dickinson County, Iowa
Where to stay at Upper Gar Lake
Upper Gar Lake covers - in Dickinson County and carries a water-quality grade of C (Fair). Compare cabins, resorts, and vacation rentals below, then check the water before you book. Late spring through early fall, with June through August the peak season for swimming, boating, and fishing.
Places to stay near Upper Gar Lake
Cabins, resorts, hotels, and vacation rentals near Upper Gar Lake in Dickinson County, Iowa — live availability and prices. Add your dates to see totals.
Top-rated places to stay near Upper Gar Lake
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Before you book: the water
Upper Gar Lake grades C for water quality — Fair. Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality. Water clarity is about 3.9 ft of visibility. Algae (chlorophyll-a) measures 13.1 µg/L.
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 Upper Gar Lake →
About Upper Gar Lake
Camping & RV near Upper Gar Lake
Search public campgrounds and RV sites near Upper Gar 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 Upper Gar Lake in Dickinson 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.
Upper Gar Lake has a LakeQuality water-quality grade of C (Fair). Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality. 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.
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LakeQuality Lake Trip Planner (2026)
Free trip-planning guide for Upper Gar 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.