Howards Wood Recreational Area
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 4, 2025
Howard Wood Recreational Area is a beautiful park located in the state of Iowa.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
It is a perfect place to visit for anyone who loves nature and outdoor activities. There are many good reasons to visit this park, including its breathtaking scenery, interesting wildlife, and numerous recreational opportunities.
The park has several points of interest that are worth visiting, including hiking trails, fishing spots, and picnic areas. It also has a large lake where visitors can swim, boat, or simply relax by the water. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife species, such as deer, birds, and small mammals.
One interesting fact about Howard Wood Recreational Area is that it was named after Howard Wood, a former Iowa State Senator who was instrumental in the creation of the park. The area was originally used for agriculture, but was transformed into a recreational area in the 1970s.
The best time of year to visit Howard Wood Recreational Area is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the park is bustling with activity. However, visitors can also enjoy the park during the fall and spring months, when the foliage is changing and the weather is mild.
Overall, Howard Wood Recreational Area is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit, offering a wide range of outdoor activities and stunning natural scenery.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
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.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Cedar View Park Campground
|
||
Twin Ponds Co Park - West
|
||
Twin Ponds Co Park - East
|
||
North Cedar Park
|
||
Haus County Park
|
Bunns Woods County Park
Sportsman's Park
Twin Pond Park
Haus Park