Howell Island Conservation Area

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Howell Island Conservation Area is a beautiful natural area located in the state of Mississippi.


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Summary

This 2,400-acre area is a great place to visit for anyone who loves nature and outdoor activities. There are many good reasons to visit this conservation area, including hiking, fishing, bird watching, and wildlife viewing. The area is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, beavers, otters, and many species of birds.

One of the most popular points of interest in Howell Island Conservation Area is the Mississippi River. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, and water activities on the river. Another popular attraction is the hiking trails, which offer beautiful views of the surrounding natural area. There are also many picnic areas where visitors can enjoy a meal while taking in the scenery.

Interesting facts about Howell Island Conservation Area include that it is one of the largest remaining bottomland hardwood forests in the state of Mississippi. The area is also home to several bald eagle nests, making it a great place for bird watching. Additionally, the area contains several archaeological sites that date back to prehistoric times.

The best time of year to visit Howell Island Conservation Area is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its most beautiful. However, the area is open year-round and visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities in all seasons.

Overall, Howell Island Conservation Area is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature and outdoor activities. With its beautiful natural scenery, diverse wildlife, and many points of interest, it is a great place to explore and enjoy the great outdoors.

       

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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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