Lake Van is a public recreation facility that includes a lake of fewer than 25 acres. Irrigated turf extends down to the water's edge on the west side, where there are RV hookups, a picnic area, a playground, and large trees. A small fee is charged for using picnic tables, but you can drive or walk around for free. Four concrete fishing piers extend into the lake. Cattails and reeds line the shore in some areas, particularly at the southeast and northeast corners. Look for wading birds there. A paved road rings the lake, making for easy birding in inclement weather. To the north and south, on the side of the road opposite the lake, homes are present. The eastern side is undeveloped and largely vegetated by tumbleweed and kochia; the property here abuts (on the other side of Shoshoni Road) that of the Southwestern Native Aquatic Resources Recovery Center, with over 70 ponds covering about 35 acres.

There are portable toilets on the south, east, and north sides of the lake.