Moon Lake is located within Riding Mountain National Park in Manitoba, approximately 33 kilometres south of Dauphin off Highway 10. The lake sits at an elevated position along the Boreal forest zone of the park, with campsites positioned along its shores beneath stands of spruce trees. The surrounding landscape is characteristic of the boreal transition found within Riding Mountain, and the lake is noted for its calm, tranquil waters.

A campground with a boat launch is situated directly on the lake, making access straightforward for paddlers arriving with canoes or kayaks. The campground operates year-round and provides amenities including washrooms, water taps, kitchen shelters, firewood, and bear lockers for food storage. Paddlers camping overnight are required to store all food and scented items in a hard-sided vehicle or bear locker when unsupervised, reflecting the active wildlife presence in the area.

All paddlers must comply with a mandatory watercraft inspection before entering Moon Lake or any other waters within Riding Mountain National Park. This inspection applies to all watercraft and water-related equipment, including life jackets, inflatables, and fishing gear. The inspection is free of charge, and watercraft that pass will receive a permit from Parks Canada. Watercraft that fail inspection may undergo a decontamination process, also free of charge, while non-compliant watercraft will be denied entry. This requirement is in place for all outlying lakes in the park, including Moon Lake, Deep Lake, Whirlpool Lake, Lake Katherine, Lake Audy, and Grayling Lake, as well as all streams and rivers within the park. Entry fees apply for access to the national park.

The lake is suitable for canoeing and kayaking, and the calm character of the water makes it accessible for a range of paddling abilities. The surrounding area offers wildlife viewing opportunities consistent with a boreal national park environment. A 9.2-kilometre loop hiking trail, the Moon Lake Trail, begins near the campground and provides additional access to the surrounding landscape. The elevated shoreline and boreal forest setting contribute to notable sunrise and sunset views from the water.