De Soto National Forest
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
De Soto National Forest is not located in Wisconsin, but in Mississippi.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Some of the best reasons to visit the area include hiking, fishing, and camping. The forest offers a variety of scenic trails, including the Black Creek Trail and Tuxachanie Trail. Visitors can also explore the historic Longleaf Trace, a former railroad turned bike trail.
One of the most popular points of interest in De Soto National Forest is the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge, which is home to a number of endangered species, including the Mississippi sandhill crane. The forest also contains a number of lakes and rivers, such as the Biloxi River and Big Bear Creek, which offer excellent opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.
Interesting facts about De Soto National Forest include its history as a former home to the Choctaw Indians and its designation as a national forest in 1935. The forest covers over 500,000 acres and is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, black bears, and alligators.
The best time of year to visit De Soto National Forest is in the fall or spring, when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its most vibrant. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter can be chilly and wet.
Overall, De Soto National Forest is a beautiful and diverse destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you enjoy hiking, fishing, or simply taking in the natural beauty of the area, this national forest is definitely worth a visit.
Weather Forecast
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 |
|---|---|---|
Davis Bayou - Gulf Islands National Seashore
|
||
Gulf Marine State Park
|
||
Keesler AFB Military
|
Old Fort Bayou Coastal Preserve
Hiller Park Biloxi
Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge