Lake Carl Blackwell includes a 3,350-acre lake as well as an 800 acre recreation area owned and operated by Oklahoma State University. Fishing, boating, personal watercraft, sailing, and swimming are permitted on the lake. The recreation area includes a four season fishing dock.  RV campgrounds with electric and water hookups are available for nightly and annual usage. There are a total of 242 RV sites and 86 primitive tent sites available.

Over 60 miles of hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trails are also on-site, as well as an equestrian trailhead facility and convenience store.