In summer, Harvey Gap State Park is a favorite among the boating and fishing set. In the winter, Harvey Gap sees lots of ice fishermen. The lake is about 190 surface acres when full and holds rainbow trout, northern pike, perch, crappie, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and channel catfish. Canoes and boat with motors of less than 20 horsepower are welcome. At an elevation of about 6,500', Harvey Gap State Park offers day use only, campers usually stay at either Rifle Gap or Rifle Falls State Parks, both about 6 miles to the west on Highway 325. Harvey Gap State Park does have shaded picnic tables by the water and a small swimming beach. While most of the area is peppered with sagebrush and cedar, there are many large cottonwoods next to the shoreline. Along the southern edge of the reservoir is the Grand Hogback, a ridge that basically marks the western edge of the Rocky Mountains.

A daily vehicle pass at Harvey Gap State Park will run you $7, or you can always buy the $70 annual Colorado State Parks pass. Campgrounds, visitor center, conference room, etc., are all located at nearby Rifle Gap State Park.