It is 2.7 kilometres (1.7 mi) west of Cloyne, and Bon Echo Provincial Park is located just to the north.

The lake's name is thought to come from Ojibwa words meaning "burnt shoreline".

The primary inflow, at the northeast bay, is the Skootamatta River from the direction of Pearson Lake.

The dam regulates the level of water in the lake and provides low-flow augmentation and flood control downstream.

The lake is a popular destination for cottagers and fishermen alike.