The park has 14 natural wild plant communities from beach dunes to pine flatwoods. Coastal dune lakes, wet prairies, and maritime hammocks are rare and unique communities found in this park. Volunteers are recruited to assist with various park activities including construction, trail maintenance, sea turtle nest indexing, native plant nursery, and campground hosts. The Beach Dune community provides habitat for the endangered Choctawhatchee Beach Mouse. The preserve is one of only two remaining natural populations.
Sea turtles come ashore late spring and summer to nest.
Rookeries of herons and egrets are found within the cypress swamps. White tailed deer, fox, coyote, raccoon, and gopher tortoises are common. Full RV camping is provided in 156 campsites with full hook-up. Concrete pads, concrete patios, with picnic tables. Cable television and telephone hook-ups available.