Sam Houston Jones State Park District Ii

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Sam Houston Jones State Park District II is actually located in Louisiana, not Arkansas.


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Summary

Situated in the southwest corner of the state, this state park offers a variety of attractions and activities that make it a worthwhile destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers.

Reasons to Visit:
1. Natural Beauty: The park covers an area of over 1,087 acres, encompassing diverse ecosystems such as longleaf pine forests, cypress swamps, and freshwater marshes. Visitors can enjoy the scenic landscapes and abundant wildlife found in the park.

2. Outdoor Recreation: Sam Houston Jones State Park District II provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Visitors can go hiking or biking on the park's extensive trail system, go boating or fishing in the park's rivers and lakes, or simply relax and have a picnic in one of the many picturesque spots.

3. Camping Facilities: The park offers well-maintained camping facilities, including RV sites, tent sites, and cabins. Whether you prefer roughing it in a tent or enjoying the comforts of a cabin, the park provides options for all camping preferences.

Points of Interest:
1. Tidewater Forest Boardwalk: This boardwalk allows visitors to explore the unique ecosystem of a tidewater forest. It offers a chance to observe a variety of plants, animals, and bird species that thrive in this wetland habitat.

2. Sam Houston Jones Lake: The park features a 1,087-acre lake that provides excellent opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. Anglers can try their luck at catching largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and various other species found in the lake.

3. Wildlife Viewing: The park is home to an array of wildlife, including alligators, deer, turtles, and numerous bird species. Visitors can spot these animals while exploring the trails or from designated wildlife viewing areas.

Interesting Facts:
1. The park is named after Sam Houston Jones, the 46th Governor of Louisiana, who played a significant role in the preservation of wildlife and natural areas in the state.
2. The park was established in 1965 and has since become a popular recreational area for locals and tourists alike.
3. The park offers educational programs and events throughout the year, including guided nature walks, birding workshops, and art exhibits.

Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Sam Houston Jones State Park District II is during the spring and fall seasons when the weather is mild and pleasant. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and a lively bird population, while fall offers stunning foliage colors. Summers can be hot and humid, and winters may bring cooler temperatures and occasional frost.

Please note that the information provided is based on general knowledge and should be verified through multiple independent sources for complete accuracy.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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