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LakeQuality

Lake trip · Otter Tail County, Minnesota

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Where to stay at Pelican Lake

Pelican Lake covers 3,962 acres in Otter Tail County and carries a water-quality grade of A (Excellent). 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 Pelican Lake

Cabins, resorts, hotels, and vacation rentals near Pelican Lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota — live availability and prices. Add your dates to see totals.

Browse all stays near Pelican 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

Pelican Lake grades A for water quality — Excellent. Excellent for swimming, crystal clear water with minimal algae. Water clarity is about 16.4 ft of visibility.

See the full Pelican Lake water-quality report →

About Pelican Lake

Surface area
3,962 acres
Max depth
55 ft
Public boat launches
2
Public beaches

Fish: bigmouth buffalo, black crappie, bluegill, bowfin (dogfish), brown bullhead, common carp, freshwater drum, green sunfish.

Nearby state parks

Base your trip at a park for camping and trails, with Pelican Lake a short drive away.

  • Maplewood State Park · State Park12.1 mi
  • Buffalo River State Park · State Park23.6 mi

Reserve a campsite on Recreation.gov →

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Cabins, resorts, and vacation rentals around Pelican Lake in Otter Tail 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. Maplewood State Park is about 12.1 miles away for campground options.

Pelican Lake has a LakeQuality water-quality grade of A (Excellent). Excellent for swimming, crystal clear water with minimal algae. 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.

Guide

LakeQuality Lake Trip Planner (2026)

Free trip-planning guide for Pelican 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.