San Carlos Lake was formed by the construction of the Coolidge Dam and is rimmed by 158 miles (254 km) of shoreline.

The lake is located within the 3,000-square-mile (7,800 km2) San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation, and is thus subject to tribal regulations.

Several species are self-sustaining: The lake has set state records for largemouth bass, black crappie, and flathead catfish.

[3] Soda Canyon Point Campground is located on the north side of the lake.

Since the lake level varies greatly during the summer, visitors are advised to call the San Carlos Apache Recreation and Wildlife Department to determine the current lake level.