Loch Athlone Dam is located just south of Bethlehem in the Free State province, with the entrance gate to the associated Loch Athlone Bird Sanctuary situated at approximately -28.264598°, 28.314831°. The dam forms the open-water centrepiece of a sanctuary that encompasses a notably varied range of habitats within a compact area, including reed beds, wetlands, grassland, boulder-strewn hillsides with indigenous vegetation, and sandstone cliffs.

For paddlers, the open water offers direct access to exceptional birdwatching. African Fish Eagles are resident and regularly observed hunting over the water. Western Osprey appears fairly often during summer, and both Whiskered and White-winged Terns are present in large numbers during the summer months. A boat or kayak allows paddlers to observe the terns hunting at close range, making time on the water particularly rewarding during this season. Caspian Terns are irregular visitors. African Black Duck is among the key species recorded in the area. In total, 264 bird species have been recorded at the sanctuary since 2009. Mammal species in the broader area include Cape Clawless Otter and Spotted-necked Otter, both of which may be encountered near the water.

The surrounding landscape of sandstone cliffs and rocky hillsides gives the dam a distinctive visual character consistent with the eastern Free State highlands. Overnight accommodation is available in the vicinity. Paddlers interested in the bird sanctuary should note that access is managed through a designated entrance gate.