The park offers 1,194 acres of land and water for fun, relaxation and enjoyment of nature.

Facilities include picnic tables and grills, horseshoe pits, a swim beach (no lifeguards, swim at your own risk), hiking trails, a boat ramp, and two picnic shelters which can be reserved in advance for a fee (unreserved shelters are available for use on a first come, first served basis during the recreation season).  Many of the facilities at the lake are accessible to persons with disabilities.

You are invited to hike, horseback ride, snowshoe, or cross country ski on trails that wander through woodlands and wetlands surrounding the lake. The many diverse habitats offer exciting opportunities to view wildlife and the scenic beauty of nature. Bring your binoculars, cameras and camcorders for some spectacular sites and scenery.

The lake attracts many people both recreationists and naturalists to explore the waterways by canoe or by kayak. Fishermen with small electric powered boats enjoy fishing for largemouth bass, pickerel, perch, and horned pout. Access to the water is available by using the boat launch located in the back area of the reservoir.

The The public is welcome to enjoy hunting and fishing in accordance with state and local laws.  A wide variety of game species including deer, red fox, raccoon, pheasant, grouse, and waterfowl can be found at Edward MacDowell Lake.  Largemouth bass, pickerel, yellow perch, horned put challenge anglers.  Trapping is permitted through the State of New Hampshire's trapping permit lottery system.