Hiking trails, rest points and bridges enable the visitors to walk and cycle around the lake. On the western side a lookout tower offers a wonderful view over the lake and its surroundings. On the peninsula – north of Road N67 – an arboretum and the surrounding adventure wood are there to discover and enjoy. The local bicycle path network has been expanded significantly, the city centre and the outer suburbs as well as lake Deseda are easily accessible by bicycle and there are numerous rest points available.

The lake is famous for its competition facilities and great angling. Angling competitions take place here on a regular basis and the lake will host the 19th World Championship for Carp in September 2017. Competitions and angling in general are organised and supervised by the Kaposvár Anglers’ Association which has a membership of over 2300. It is the members who look after the shores and are responsible for fish stocking and patrolling. As long as you comply with the rules, there is an opportunity to fish from a boat and in summer to fish at night. In winter, ice fishing is also popular under suitable weather conditions. Lake Deseda often features in the news due to the number of record breaking fish caught here.

Apart from angling, the lake is mainly used for tourism. The beach on the south-eastern side is very popular – here a playground, beach volleyball court and snack bars await the visitor. The lake is an important venue for water sports. This is where the young kayakers and canoeists practice and in 2018 a new project will be launched to develop the necessary infrastructure for water tours. Races are organised here regularly, especially in triathlon and ultrarunning. Since 2013, the lake can be cycled around on a dedicated bicycle track, the route offer resting places, bridges and look out towers. Apart from tourists, the bicycle track is a favourite of the locals. In summer, many of them relax here by cycling the whole „Deseda round” after a hard day at work.

On the northern side of the lake, the local forestry company expanded the tourism infrastructure. A bird observation station built from local, environmental friendly materials, educational trails for various age groups contribute to environmental education.

Opened in 2014, the István Fekete Visitor Centre can be found on the eastern side of the lake and accommodates an interactive exhibition showcasing the wild life of Lake Deseda. Its most interesting features include a freshwater tank, the scale-model of a life-size oak tree and its inhabitants.

The building complex is complemented by an educational trail with stops to observe the flora and fauna of the wetlands, plus a playground for kids and a boat & bicycle rental service. The Deseda pleasure boat also runs from here.