Lake trip · Itasca County, Minnesota
Where to stay at Bowstring Lake
Bowstring Lake covers 9,528 acres in Itasca County and carries a water-quality grade of C (Fair). 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 Bowstring Lake
Cabins, resorts, hotels, and vacation rentals near Bowstring Lake in Itasca County, Minnesota — live availability and prices. Add your dates to see totals.
Top-rated places to stay near Bowstring Lake
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
Bowstring Lake grades C for nutrients and algae — Fair. Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality. Water clarity is about 8 ft of visibility. Algae (chlorophyll-a) measures 12.5 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 Bowstring Lake →
About Bowstring Lake
Fish: black bullhead, black crappie, bluegill, bowfin (dogfish), brown bullhead, burbot, hybrid sunfish, largemouth bass.
Fishing & license
When to fish Bowstring Lake — the seasonal windows by species, from state survey data.
Minnesota fishing license
Anglers under 16 are not required to have a license. Residents age 90+ also exempt. · The Minnesota walleye, northern pike, and bass season opens the Saturday two days before Mother's Day. Most other species are open year-round.
Prices as published by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 2026.
Camping & RV near Bowstring Lake
Base your trip at a nearby state park for tent and RV camping and trails, with Bowstring Lake a short drive away — or search all public campgrounds and RV sites in the area on Recreation.gov.
- Scenic State Park · State Park20.4 mi
- Schoolcraft State Park · State Park22.1 mi
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Cabins, resorts, and vacation rentals around Bowstring Lake in Itasca County, Minnesota 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. Scenic State Park is about 20.4 miles away for campground options.
Bowstring Lake has a 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.
Explore Bowstring Lake
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LakeQuality Lake Trip Planner (2026)
Free trip-planning guide for Bowstring 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.