The day area, designed to accommodate the fishing enthusiast, has an earthen pier, a pedestrian bridge, and a paved boat ramp for nonmotorized boats. The lake is managed to enhance catfish, bream, and bass populations. Remember, South Carolina fishing and boating regulations apply. The picnic area has toilets, showers, tables, grills, and a shelter that may be reserved. Parson's Mountain also has a sewage dump for recreational vehicles.
Marked trails afford access to the upstate's diverse wildlife habitats.
A half-mile easy interpretive trail originates at the swimming area. Parson's Mountain Hiking Trail begins at the boat ramp and ends at the fire tower 1.4 miles away. This trail climbs from the lake to the top of Parson's Mountain, traversing bottomland and upland hardwoods, through pine, and terminates among dry ride scrub oaks. The trail is moderately difficult. It has a 400 foot elevation change.