Pascagoula River National Conservation Area
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
The Pascagoula River National Conservation Area is a protected area located in the state of Mississippi.
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Summary
The area covers over 70,000 acres and is home to a diverse range of wildlife and plant species. There are many good reasons to visit the conservation area, including its stunning natural beauty and the variety of outdoor activities available. Visitors can enjoy hiking, kayaking, fishing, and birdwatching in the area.
One of the most popular points of interest in the conservation area is the Pascagoula River itself, which is the largest unimpeded river system in the continental United States. The river is home to a variety of fish species, including the Gulf sturgeon, and is a popular spot for fishing and boating.
In addition to the river, there are also several hiking trails in the conservation area that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The Round-trip Trail is a popular option that takes visitors through a variety of habitats, including wetlands, pine savannahs, and hardwood forests.
Interesting facts about the Pascagoula River National Conservation Area include that it is home to the endangered Mississippi sandhill crane and the threatened gopher tortoise. The area also contains several archaeological sites that provide insight into the history of human habitation in the region.
The best time of year to visit the conservation area is from October to April, when the weather is cooler and the mosquitoes are less active. However, visitors should be aware that the area can be prone to flooding during the rainy season, which typically occurs from May to September.
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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.
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