County Road 404
New Madrid, MO
573-748-5134 or 573-290-5730

Donaldson Point Conservation Area is about six miles southeast of New Madrid and the land was purchased the 1984. The area's 5,785 acres are at the north end of Donaldson Point, which is formed by the New Madrid Bend Loop of the Mississippi River. This same loop isolates a portion of the state of Kentucky. The Mississippi River forms part of the east and west boundaries of the conservation area and provides about seven miles of river frontage.

Construction of a levee created about 60 acres of ponds that are open to the public. The land is nearly flat. During seasonal flooding, large portions or all of the area may not be accessible. The forest trees on Donaldson Point include cottonwood, willow, ash, elm, maple, pecan, sycamore, box elder, hickory, and some bottomland oak species.

Designated camping areas have picnic tables and fire rings and primitive camping is allowed on or adjacent to parking lots, unless otherwise posted. No amenities are provided. There are no designated hiking trails but access roads provide good hiking for opportunities to view wildlife. There are good fishing opportunities for bass, catfish, crappie, carp, buffalo, and sunfish. Hunting is allowed for deer, rabbit, squirrel, turkey, and waterfowl during season.

Bird Watching
Donaldson Point Conservation Area is home to several species not usually seen in the Mississippi lowlands. These include the endangered Swainson's Warbler that nests in the patches of giant cane, Mississippi kites, Bald Eagles, and Least Terns as well as other shorebirds. The area is good for birding and there is a good variety of species present throughout Donaldson Point Conservation Area. The Audubon Society of Missouri maintains a checklist for birds that can be seen in this area.

Visiting Donaldson Point Conservation Area
Dawn to dusk daily
Free