Gilbert Lake State Park's lake and three ponds lie in wooded, hilly terrain in the foothills of the Catskills. In addition to cabins and campsites, the park has more than 12 miles of interconnecting trails for hikers, skiers, snowmobilers and snowshoers. Playgrounds and a disc golf course, as well as swimming, boat rentals, boating (car top/hard bottom boats) and fishing are also featured.

Gilbert Lake is also home to the New York State Civilian Conservation Corps Museum.