Red River Wildlife Management Area

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Red River Wildlife Management Area is a beautiful natural reserve located in the state of Missouri.


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Summary

It covers an area of 5,919 acres and boasts of diverse flora and fauna, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

One of the main reasons to visit Red River Wildlife Management Area is to experience its rich biodiversity. The area is home to various species of animals, including deer, turkey, quail, and rabbits. It is also a habitat for several species of birds, including the American bald eagle, which can be seen perching on the tall trees in the area.

Another point of interest in the area is the beautiful Ozark hills and valleys, which provide scenic hiking and camping opportunities. Visitors can also enjoy fishing in the nearby Red River and exploring the various creeks and streams that run through the reserve.

Interesting facts about Red River Wildlife Management Area include its history as a former military training ground and its current use as a conservation area. The area was once used as a training ground for soldiers during World War II and was later turned into a conservation area in 1958.

The best time of year to visit Red River Wildlife Management Area is in the fall when the leaves change colors, and the wildlife is most active. The spring and summer months also offer opportunities for outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and fishing.

Overall, Red River Wildlife Management Area is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty of nature and witness the diversity of wildlife in Missouri.

       

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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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