[5] The park's combination of freshwater swamp and upland, as well as its location between northern and southern physiographic regions, allows for a great diversity of plant and animal life.

Notable plant species include flowering dogwood and mountain laurel in the spring, bald cypress, tupelo, yellow pond lily, and loblolly pine.

Animals observed include northern river otters, muskrat, prothonotary warblers, pileated woodpeckers, bald eagles, northern water snakes, and broad-headed skinks as well as over 50 species of fish, including largemouth bass and chain pickerel.

The park offers fishing, camping, cabins, boat launch, canoeing, hiking and biking trails, picnic areas and pavilions, and playgrounds.

The Shad Landing area also has a marina, camp store, swimming pool, and nature center with representatives of native animal species.