Fort Gibson Lake lies in the hills of eastern Oklahoma. In the spring, timbered hills provide the sightseer with the beauty of redbud, sand plum, dogwood and haws blossoms. In the fall, the colorful foliage of hickory, oak, red maple, blackgum and woodbine sets the hills aglow. Fish species include black bass, white bass, crappie and several varieties of catfish and panfish.

Fort Gibson Public Hunting Area, on the lake near Wagoner, covers 21,798 acres, with 3,500 acres devoted to a waterfowl refuge. Hunters will find game species such as whitetail deer, bobwhite quail, mourning dove, waterfowl, geese, cottontail rabbit, squirrel and prairie chicken.

Fort Gibson Lake facilities include boat ramps, picnic areas, six Class A campgrounds for RV and tent camping, full electric hookups, drinking water, group shelters, restrooms, showers, swimming beaches, six marinas, and concession services. The Taylor Ferry and Flat Rock Creek areas have privately operated, heated fishing docks. On the west side of the lake, some access is possible from jetties and berms to access the lake's 19,990 surface acres and 225 miles of shoreline.