In addition to the manor, Norway's first 18-hole golf course (from 1924) is owned and operated by Oslo Golfklubb on the south shore and a large camping ground (Bogstad Camping) on the east shore south of the manor.

In winter, inhabitants from all Oslo go skiing and skating on the lake and the surrounding area when conditions permit.

[1] During the occupation of Norway by Nazi Germany from 1940 to 1945, the camping ground was used for military barracks.

[5][6] The commercial development of Bogstadvannet was largely due to the works of the Bogstad estate.

The Leucht family, succeeded by the Anker family, built a significant forestry enterprise in the area, and for many years the lake served as part of the waterway for floating lumber to mills along Lysakerelven.