Llangorse Lake is the largest natural lake in Mid and South Wales, covering approximately 400 acres. It sits within the Brecon Beacons National Park, occupying a hollow formed by glacial action. The lake is privately owned by Llangorse Lake Conservation and Management Co. Ltd, which issues permits for all boating and paddling activity. Lakeside Caravan Park acts as the sole agent for permit sales and day-to-day operations.

Paddlers bringing their own craft must purchase a permit before launching. Permits cost £13.80 per craft per day, with season tickets available from 1 February to 31 December for £150. Permits can be purchased online or from the caravan park shop on-site, or from the boat hire hut on the jetty when open. The postcode for navigation is LD3 7TR; paddlers should follow the lane across the common and call at the shop to purchase permits before proceeding to the waterside jetties. Toilets are located in the car park on the left on the road to the lake. Parking, picnic areas, camping, and toilets are available on-site.

Kayaks, Canadian canoes, stand-up paddleboards, and pedaloes are available for hire at weekends and school holidays from Easter onwards, weather dependent. SUP hire runs £10 per half hour or £16 per hour.

Zoning arrangements are in place on the lake and apply to all users. Permanent exclusion zones include all reed beds, with no craft permitted to intentionally enter any reed bed at any time. A permanent exclusion zone covers a strip approximately 50 metres wide from the lakeside of any reed bed or shoreline along the south and west sections. The island on the lake, known as the Crannog, is off-limits at all times without the owner's permission. Jet skis, hovercraft, hydrofoils, and paragliding are not permitted on the lake. All lake users are strongly advised to wear buoyancy aids.

The lake holds significant ecological value and is designated as a site of European importance for wildlife. The Crannog — a reconstructed ancient lake dwelling — is a notable historical feature visible from the water. The lake also supports populations of pike, perch, roach, tench, bream, and eels. Paddlers bringing equipment from waterbodies known to carry invasive species such as zebra mussels or killer shrimp must complete biosecurity decontamination procedures before arriving, or access will be denied.