Mild breezes make the lake ideal for sailing and windsurfing. Summer fishing for record-size trout and salmon is popular and every winter hearty anglers try to catch the big one through the layer of ice that covers the lake. Great hiking is nearby on the Rio Chama trail. Official web page.
Many scenic campgrounds line the southwest shore of Heron Lake.
Willow Creek, the most popular site, provides a dump station, water faucet and restroom. Several of the campsites at Willow Creek have electric and water connections, others have grills and picnic tables. Over 100 semi-developed sites can be found at Brushy Point, Island View, Ridge Rock and Ponderosa campgrounds. Primitive campsites dot the area west of the dam's spillway. Paved boat ramps are located at Willow Creek and the southwest end of the lake at La Laja.