[2] Measuring 56 km (35 mi) in length and several kilometres in width, the lake is oriented roughly northwest–southeast.

The town of Gander is located on the northern shore at roughly its midpoint, and the towns of Appleton and Glenwood are situated on the Western extremity of the lake, on the banks of the Gander River.

However there are two pebble beaches which are used by tenters, accessible from the dirt roads surrounding the cove.

Boaters have much better access to both pebble and sand beaches that run along both sides of the lake, such as one commonly known as the "fifteen mile brook", which are excellent for camping.

Other well known areas throughout the lake include "Hunt's Cove", "Southwest", "Gander River" and "Denty's Pit".