Operated by the City of Stillwater, the lake offers a swimming area, fishing, boating, mountain bicycle and hiking trails, and bird watching recommended by the local Payne County Audubon Society. Open April – October. Limited waterfowl hunting is also available.

Boating requires a state and city boating permit and applies to wind surfers as well. Jet skis, water bikes, and water skiing are not permitted. Boaters must have coast guard approved life jackets for each passenger in the vessel. The maximum speed for a motor boat is 25 mph.

There are 20 improved campsites, ten in each recreation area. The east recreation campground has 10 sites with electricity, water, picnic tables and barbecue grills. A skylighted restroom with flush toilets and dump station is located nearby. The west recreation campground has 6 sites with electricity and water in one loop and 4 sites with water on another loop. A flush toilet restroom is located between these two campgrounds. Also on the west side is the RV dump station.