Ted Shanks Conservation Area Access provides public boat ramp access to Horseshoe Lake (70 acres) and the Salt River via a concrete ramp at the Salt River location, plus additional gravel boat launches for interior wetland units.

The area offers over 35 miles of levees and service roads for hiking, primitive camping at designated sites, and parking lots (two ADA-accessible), with headquarters facilities including visitor amenities.

Note that portions of the area close to vehicle traffic from October 15 through March 1 to protect waterfowl, though hunting and fishing access remains available 24 hours daily where permitted.