It features an intact World War I battlefield terrain, which was created for training purposes by the Canadian Department of Militia between 1915 and 1916.

Extensive trench systems, grenade and rifle ranges, and military structures were built at Camp Hughes between 1915 and 1916, and a variety of retail stores and entertainment complexes on a double-avenued area close to the main camp formed a lively commercial midway.

The soldiers and support staff stationed at Camp Hughes maintained very close social and economic ties with the town of Carberry, which is located a short distance away from the site.

The Camp Hughes National Historic Site is no longer used for active military use, therefore the area is completely open to the public and access is unrestricted.

It does however continue to be monitored by the Canadian Department of National Defense, as the Camp Hughes site is located less than 1 km away from a restricted area of CFB Shilo.