Three miles long and about one mile wide, Carter Lake is a 1,100-acre reservoir surrounded by 1,000 acres of public lands that is popular for fishing, sailing, camping, swimming, and water skiing. It is open year-round. Park Entrance Permits and Camping Fees are required. Boating Water-skiing is best in the early mornings and evenings. An annual regatta and other races are sponsored by the Carter Lake Sailing Club .
Boat ramps are in and useable most of the year, depending on the ice.
Water-skiers must have an observer and use a red flag. Camping Electrical, non-electrical, tent. Campground hosts on duty during the summer. Kokanee Salmon easily caught during the spawn in November and December. Carter Lake rarely freezes over.