Lake trip · Oliver County, North Dakota
Where to stay at Nelson Lake
Nelson Lake covers 660 acres in Oliver County and carries a water-quality grade of D (Poor). 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 Nelson Lake
Cabins, resorts, hotels, and vacation rentals near Nelson Lake in Oliver County, North Dakota — live availability and prices. Add your dates to see totals.
Top-rated places to stay near Nelson 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
Nelson Lake grades D for water quality — Poor. Swimming not recommended, poor water quality with high algae risk. Water clarity is about 1.3 ft of visibility. Algae (chlorophyll-a) measures 23.1 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 Nelson Lake →
About Nelson Lake
Fish: Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, White Crappie, Common Carp.
Camping & RV near Nelson Lake
Search public campgrounds and RV sites near Nelson 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 Nelson Lake in Oliver County, North Dakota 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.
Nelson Lake has a LakeQuality water-quality grade of D (Poor). Swimming not recommended, poor water quality with high algae risk. 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.
LakeQuality Lake Trip Planner (2026)
Free trip-planning guide for Nelson 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.