Earl S Nelson Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Earl S.


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Summary

Nelson Park is a popular outdoor attraction located in the state of Mississippi. The park offers visitors a variety of recreational opportunities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and boating. The park is named after Earl S. Nelson, a former mayor of Starkville and a major contributor to the development of the park.

One of the main attractions of the park is the 28-acre lake that offers excellent fishing opportunities. Visitors can expect to catch crappie, bass, and bream in the lake. The park also has a boat ramp for those who wish to bring their own boats. The park offers camping facilities with 15 RV sites and 23 primitive campsites. The park's hiking trails are also popular among visitors. The park has a 2.3-mile nature trail that offers scenic views and a chance to observe wildlife.

Interesting facts about the park include its history as a site for the Choctaw Indian tribe and that it was once a privately owned plantation. The park is located in the Black Belt Prairie region of Mississippi, which is known for its fertile soil and diverse plant and animal life.

The best time of year to visit Earl S. Nelson Park is during the spring and fall months when the weather is mild and the foliage is vibrant. The park is open year-round, but the summer months can be hot and humid.

In summary, Earl S. Nelson Park in Mississippi is a great place to visit for those who enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, and boating. The park's lake, hiking trails, and camping facilities are popular attractions. The park's interesting history and location in the Black Belt Prairie region also add to its appeal. The best time of year to visit is during the spring and fall months.

       

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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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