Anglers catch catfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, perch, crappie, rainbow trout and northern pike at Harvey Gap. Boats with motors 20 hp or less and canoes are welcome. Ice Fishing draws anglers to Harvey Gap in the winter. Before heading to the park, check the current fishing and ice conditions. The reservoir is about 190 surface acres when full.
Harvey Gap also offers shaded picnic tables by the water, boating with small boats and a swim beach. Harvey Gap is a day-use area, but overnight camping is available nearby at Rifle Falls State Park and Rifle Gap State Park, which are approximately six miles west of Harvey Gap. The lake sits at an elevation of 6,500 feet in an area of cedar and sagebrush, but the lakeshore has many shady cottonwood trees. Visitors may see a variety of wildlife, including migrating waterfowl. The Grand Hogback, the ridge that marks the edge of the Rocky Mountains, runs along the south end of the reservoir.