Bettles Bay State Marine Park is an excellent anchorage, well-protected from winds and with a good soft holding bottom.

Entrance into the lagoon is northeast of the island. Sailboats or other deep draft vessels may have problems with the entrance at minus tides. Attractions include an old stamp press and gold mine located just southeast of the park. The park affords views of the scenic Bettles Glacier. The uplands consists of old growth forest, alders in the avalanche chutes, and muskegs.

Camping is poor due to the wetlands. There are campsites, but they flood on high tide cycles. One is just west of the stream in the northern corner of the lagoon. The other is located north of the stream coming from the ruins. There are better campsites on the southern beaches near the mouth of Bettles Bay. The marshland south of the park is sensitive habitat for the many waterfowl species that nest there and should not be disturbed.