The directorate was the first one to be established in Hungary in 1973. The headquarters is in Debrecen. The area of the park is almost 810 km².

The originally designated area and the Újszentmargita Forest and Pasture later became a Biosphere Reserve (within the framework of the UNESCO MAB Programme). Several sites within the park are under the Ramsar Convention for wetlands of international importance. The UNESCO World Heritage Committee put the whole territory of the HNP on its list on 1st December 1999. 

The purposes of protection are the following: to conserve and improve the characteristic natural values of the puszta, to preserve the unique landscape and wildlife of the Hortobágy. To provide undisturbed habitat during the breeding season as well as the migration for the valuable bird fauna. To preserve the traditional way of life on the puszta, the ancient Hungarian breeds of domestic animals (some of which are nearing extinction) as well as the cultural riches and historical monuments in their authentic environment as these are of outstanding importance both on a national and on an international level.

Initiated by the International Dark Sky Association, several areas are designated as a dark sky park provided that they qualify for certain requirements. Candidate areas must not be affected by more than the minimum level of light pollution so that the natural conditions can be preserved. As the second such site in Hungary, the HNP became a candidate and succeeded in receiving with the honourable title. This way, the park is not only a safe haven during the day, but nocturnal wildlife can also enjoy an undisturbed natural environment.