Oster Lake is located within Elk Island National Park, approximately 35 minutes east of Edmonton, Alberta. The lake is relatively small and accessible, making it a manageable destination for paddlers of varying experience levels. The water is not suitable for swimming or drinking — Parks Canada advises visitors at the gate that the lake water is not potable, so paddlers must pack in all water they will need.

The primary put-in for canoe or kayak access is along Township Road 564 at the very south end of the lake. There is no official parking area at this launch point, only a narrow shoulder where vehicles can just barely pull off the road. From there, paddlers head north along the lake and watch for a dock on the northeast shore, which marks the Oster Lake Backcountry Campground. During peak summer months, tall reeds and dense shoreline vegetation can obscure the campsite until paddlers are nearly upon it, so consulting a map in advance is recommended.

The lake itself has a natural, undeveloped character, with forested surroundings and open shoreline areas near the campground. The campground sits in an open field setting with views of the lake. Elk Island National Park supports a notable diversity of wildlife, including bison, moose, elk, deer, black bears, foxes, beavers, and approximately 250 species of birds, all of which may be encountered in the vicinity of the lake.

The Oster Lake Backcountry Campground offers several amenities useful to paddlers arriving by water: fire pits at each site, a firewood shed, a dining shelter, two outhouses, and bear lockers. Reservations for the backcountry campground are required through Parks Canada and typically open in early February for the upcoming season.

Paddling to the campground is an alternative to the 4 km overland hiking route, giving paddlers a distinct approach to the backcountry site. The lake is situated within a national park, so all applicable Parks Canada regulations apply, including those governing wildlife interactions and camping practices.