Swan Lake is approximately 8 miles long and a mile wide. The lake is a popular fishing and resort area. Swan Lake is popular among fisherman for its northern pike fishery, kokanee salmon and rainbow trout. Swan Lake is home to many lakeside homes.

The Swan River comes from the south and fills the lake. The lake is similar to Moyie Lake in southern British Columbia. It is a narrow, small, and twisty lake that is hard to navigate. There is a small divide that separates the Swan River Valley from the Clearwater River Valley. The Clearwater River flows south through a series of lakes, including Seeley Lake and empties into the Blackfoot River. The two valleys are known locally as the Seeley/Swan. Swan Lake runs parallel to Montana Highway 83.

The Swan Lake Area is host to numerous campsites including areas right along the lake, there is a Forest Service Day use area with toilets, a small beach, boat ramp, picnic tables and fire rings located near the town of Swan Lake. Across from this facility there is also a 36-site campground, please visit www.recreation.gov for detailed information and reservations.