The State Parks and Recreation Division runs a campground and picnicking area at the lake. Nearly a perfect oval in shape, Monastery Lake is located between Lisboa Springs Hatchery and the town of Pecos on State Road 63. The fishing area also includes a short stretch of the Pecos River. The fishing area is leased from the Benedictine Fathers of a nearby monastery - hence the name. Monastery Lake is rimmed with grasses and shrubs.
More shade is found along the Pecos River, as it is lined with cottonwoods, willows and birch.
Both locations are stocked with large rainbow trout from the nearby fish hatchery. The river also produces some large brown trout in late summer and early fall. Because of continuing problems with littering and vandalism, the department no longer allows overnight use, including camping. Camping is available in nearby U.S. Forest Service sites and the department's Bert Clancy Fishing and Wildlife Area. The state's oldest fish hatchery, Lisboa Springs has been in operation since 1921.