Big Swamp Wildlife Area
Rate this placeNearby: Tarrant Park Dunnville Wildlife Area
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Big Swamp Wildlife Area is a nature lover's paradise located in the state of Missouri.
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Summary
The area is situated in Mississippi County and encompasses more than 5,000 acres of wetlands, forests, and grasslands.
One of the main reasons to visit the Big Swamp Wildlife Area is to observe the diverse range of wildlife that inhabits the region. Visitors will have the opportunity to see a variety of bird species, including bald eagles, sandhill cranes, and waterfowl. In addition, the area is home to several mammal species, such as white-tailed deer, beavers, and otters.
There are several points of interest to see in the Big Swamp Wildlife Area, including hiking trails, observation towers, and waterways for kayaking and canoeing. Some of the most popular spots include the Redhead Pond, the Goose Lake, and the Big Swamp Boardwalk.
Interesting facts about the area include that it was once used for agriculture, but has since been restored to its natural state. Additionally, the Big Swamp region was once home to the Mississippian culture, which existed between 800 and 1500 CE.
The best time of year to visit the Big Swamp Wildlife Area is during the fall and winter months when the area is full of migratory birds and waterfowl. However, visitors can enjoy the area year-round and can witness the changing seasons and the different wildlife that each season brings.
Overall, the Big Swamp Wildlife Area is a must-visit destination for anyone who appreciates nature and wants to experience the beauty of Missouri's wetlands and wildlife.
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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.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
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Mondovi Town Park
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Mondovi Town Park Campground
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Tarrant Park Campground
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