There are more than 4 miles (6.4 km) of beach, a dense maritime forest in the interior areas, and an extensive saltwater marsh on the western side.

US 21 extended to the south end of the island until about 1980, when erosion destroyed a portion of the highway, forcing the state to create a new entrance to the park and a set of one-lane roads through the palmetto forest.

Since 1980, Hunting Island has suffered major beach erosion as a result of heavy tides from the confluence of the Atlantic Ocean and Saint Helena Sound, and is expected to shrink in size by ten per cent over the next forty years.

At times there is ride-able surf on the island, which is best three hours before high tide due to the large continental shelf effect on incoming waves.

[4] The wildlife includes loggerhead turtles, deer, alligators, raccoons, minks, diamondback rattlesnakes, and hundreds of species of birds.

A volunteer organization, the Friends of Hunting Island has a permit from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources to find and protect the nests.

They have all been destroyed by high beach erosion, leaving behind broken pavement and fallen trees, nicknamed "The Bone Yard" by local staff.

[citation needed] A 2-mile-long (3.2 km) lagoon is adjacent to a washed-out cabin road and serves as a popular location for fishing.

The center provides general information on the island, a virtual tour of the lighthouse, and has space for activities and offices for park staff.

The center is also connected with Hunting Island's extensive trail system and is a short distance to several beach access points.