Shoreline development along Crystal Lake consists primarily of summer cottages, with a few year-round residents.

Surface water temperatures range from a high near 80 °F (27 °C) in late July and early August to a hard freeze by year end.

Yearly festivals and fireworks occur during the Fourth of July and Labor Day holidays in the park on the lake.

The lake is classified as a warm- and coldwater fishery, with observed species including rainbow trout, rainbow smelt, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, chain pickerel, brown bullhead, yellow perch, and sunfish.

Crystal Lake is a nesting site for common loons and is a good place to see them in breeding plumage during the summer months.