The lake's northeastern shore is a landing approach zone for Leesburg International Airport.

The lake is surrounded by sandhills and cypress trees, part of the Central Florida Ridge.

This region has the highest elevations in Central Florida, including Sugarloaf Mountain reaching 312 feet (95 m) above sea level.

There are three public launching ramps on Lake Harris; off U.S. Route 27 to the west, Venetian Gardens in Leesburg, and Hickory Point near the Howey-in-the-Hills bridge off SR 19.

These sheltered areas around the shore can offer a good place to fish during inclement weather.