The Civilian Conservation Corps developed recreational facilities in the forest in the 1930s.[4] The state assumed control of Shad Landing and Milburn Landing through a license agreement with the federal government in 1939, before taking full possession of the forest lands in 1955.[5]
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.[3]