The best camping near Busiek State Forest

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Busiek State Forest adventure.

Discover the natural splendor of Busiek State Forest and its myriad activities.

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Community favorites near Busiek State Forest

Top-rated campgrounds near Busiek State Forest

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Howler Bike Park Stays

26 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents180 acres · MO

Welcome to Howler--the Midwest's Premier Mountain Bike Park! Hospitality means everything to us and we would be honored to have you as a guest on our downhill trails or a guest to the Ozark Mountains looking for a great place to stay--or both! We think we've got some surprises in store for you when you get here. You'll find us located just off Highway 65 in the beautiful Ozark Mountains. We're seven minutes from Branson, one of the busiest tourist destinations in the Midwest, but take the five-minute ride or walk down to Base Camp and you'll feel miles away from it all. Howler is imagined, designed, and maintained by riders who love our unique terrain and wanted to pull the best from it. Our trails are built with all skill levels in mind with a clear goal of rider progression. But Howler Bike Park Stays isn't just for riders! We've got all kinds of things to do for riders and non-riders alike! Start your day in Base Camp, the hub of activity at Howler. If you need a caffeine kick to get you started, we've got you covered with a specialty coffee drink, blended, or smoothie at Howler Coffee Shop! And, Chef Dustin is now serving breakfast with three delicious options to power you up for your day! Around noon and throughout the day, you can enjoy Chef's insanely-delicious food at the Growl Grill. Stop in the Welcome Center for bike passes, Howler merch, and bike gear. Are you shredding with us and need a new tube or tire change? We have got you taken care of in Howler Bike Co. next to the Welcome Center. We have beer and wine available at the Growl Grill, and you’re welcome to take your purchases to your tent to enjoy! New in Spring 2023, is our Skills Park and our Children's Play Area-complete with a mini pump track for Stryders or small bikes--and a beautiful cedar swing set! We also have a mile round trip Hiking Trail through the woods where you can see glimpses of riders shredding the mountain trails. Feel like a break at the top of the hike? We've got a picnic table so you can enjoy the scenery and eat some mouth-watering food from the Growl Grill! We also have our all-new bathrooms and showers, complete with shampoo/body wash and hair dryers. And you can keep all your necessary items near you while you ride with our all-new lockers. They're free and you only need to enter a four-digit code of your choosing to use them.

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Cold Creek Valley

3 sites · Tents36 acres · Eureka Springs, AR

Cold Creek Valley currently has three secluded, primitive camp sites nestled in 36 acres of rolling hills in the Ozarks. There are four marked/maintained hiking trails on the property with others actively being carved out of the woods. They take you through varying types of terrain and multiple rock features. The creek borders a beautiful meadow and flows during the wetter months. A pond sits near the back of the property and is a great place to spot wildlife. We are located less than 30 minutes from downtown Eureka Springs, as well as under an hour from Branson and the Buffalo National River areas. Northwest Arkansas has something for everyone - from endless outdoor activities to art galleries and high-end dining. Our gated property gives you the peace of mind to leave your camping gear behind and go explore what Eureka Springs has to offer! Follow us on Instagram @coldcreekvalley for behind the scenes action!

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B Berry Farms & Co.

15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents42 acres · Elkland, MO

Would you like to try something different than your everyday routine? Well, then come on out to a little place in the country to unplug, unwind, or just enjoy life that's all around you. Our little spot is called B Berry Farms and Co. We are a 40-acre family U-Pick Berry farm and 24-hour Campground with 5 RV spots with 20 amp or 30 amp electricity your choice. And we are right in the heart of the Missouri Ozarks with over 4,000 you-pick Berry bushes (and fresh produce in 24' )covering, 7 acres we have something for almost everyone. If you want cleaner health products in your life then we can help you with that as well, We are also a natural skin care product manufacturer. Either Bonding by the wood-fired stove in our bunkhouse or cuddling up in the chairs outside enjoying hot cocoa as it snows. Just looking off into the distance and seeing the sun setting with bursting colors over the rows and rows of berries. Experience a darker night sky than most are used to. Or walk the many acres of colored coated diverse trails, enjoy 2 horseshoes pitching areas, pick delicious berries, throw axes at a log target, swing on several adult swings, play an intense game of pool on our table, climb a 12-foot high wall, enjoy our 10' bouncing net hanging from the ceiling, play in the many sandboxes, sweat out a game with a 35' professional Volleyball net (ball provided)and badminton(we have rackets and birdies), play in the water cube as it sprays in all directions or our new Waterhole WATERPARK play area which sprays water in all directions with water slide, ( Trampoline, 95' kids Zipline, 9'x9' colored swing net, 2 swings, 14' fireman's pole, monkey bars, rock climbing walls, swing bridge) and so many more things to do. Hot showers, 2 solar heated shower houses (seasonal frost to frost), 2 restrooms, a hand washing station, and a hand laundry tub. We sell farm fresh eggs, and baked goods(homemade breads, cinnamon rolls, cookies, muffins, and many fresh seasonal vegetables as well picked to order,and handmade natural products.

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Open-air Meditation Sanctuary

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Eureka Springs, AR

This 10-acre wilderness park is the perfect place for a contemplative camp, walking, sitting meditation, picnic lunch or for nature play and education with your children. Even the furry members of your family are welcome. 2 campsites, 2 retreat houses, outdoor shower, composting toilet and a 1 mile walking trail with meditation sites. The campsites are private. you will not see or hear other campers. The OMS is also a beautiful and magical place for wedding ceremonies, team building, school outings and other special events. Please contact us to schedule group events. We also offer guided tours. The OM Sanctuary is a quiet, inviting and trust worthy place where your Soul can show itself and speak it's truth. Go gently and respectfully and expect to be moved, refreshed and surprised.

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Riverdream Camps

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Berryville, AR

RiverDream Camps is a small quiet Campground on the Kings River, near Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Featuring Riverside Campsites & Accommodations RV's, Tents, Cabins & Campers Climate Controlled Bathrooms 🚻 Hots Showers 🚿 Pet Friendly 🐕‍🦺👍 And PRIVATE ACCESS to the Kings River! 👌🛶🏊‍♂️🎣🏕🌠

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Johnsons Hobby Farm

12 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Springfield, MO

We live on a small paradise covering 2 acres. We have plenty of space for 33' foot campers, tents, vans, etc. Our backyard has been designed to accommodate families and the single nomads. We are a small hobby farm with a dog, chickens, a small fruit orchard, vineyard, and garden!! On the north end of the property we created a playground with a jungle gym, swings, trampoline, playhouses, outside polyjohn/toilet, and a 16' pool. This property is pet friendly but be warned we do have a large dog (very friendly)! We have power to support smaller 20amp campers with water and a dump station. An outdoo shower will be available in July 2024.

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Creekside Camping at Rocky Acres

7 sites · RVs, Tents103 acres · Eureka Springs, AR

We are a small family ranch nestled in the beautiful hills of Eureka Springs, Arkansas! The Homestead at Rocky Acres, PMA has a variety of offerings, including "Creek-side Camping" in an open grass field with plenty of shade trees (including a few mulberries...yum!) along side our spring fed creek. The creek offers small swimming holes with fish, crawdads, tadpoles, and frogs, oh my! There is plenty of nature to hike around, including up to the pasture to visit the horses and pony or along the creek-bed to forage. Onsite, we also offer "The Homestead at Rocky Acres" with three cabins for nightly rentals for a comfortable and cozy stay in nature; cabins are available to be rented individually or for your next group event. Our resort area, "The Vue at Rocky Acres", boasts a luxury barn and pool/hot tub with amazing views and would be perfect for your next event be it a wedding, birthday party, family reunion or retreat! Daily passes to "The Vue" are available upon request for use of pool/hot tub/outdoor kitchen, at an additional charge. We also offer "Horse-play at Rocky Acres" which includes horseback riding lessons, custom experiences, camps and trail rides in partnership with Dawson’s Equine Connection! Visit us on Facebook at The Homestead at Rocky Acres for pictures and more details. Please Note: We are a working ranch/farm. With that said, we have free range cows, horses and chickens. We do our best to keep our field clear for campers, however, you may have visitors.

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Fire Om Earth Camp

4 sites · RVs15 acres · Eureka Springs, AR

Located on 15 private acres, just shy of one mile from downtown Eureka, our retreat center offers platforms for tent camping, level small RV or Vanlife camping, or any other camper that will fit a space no bigger than 24ft. The property is down a dirt road just outside of town, wooded, peaceful, and features many hiking trails. Take a loop around the labyrinth, walk the property, or sign up for classes at the studio. Fire Om Earth Retreat Center is a Botanical Sanctuary of Medicinal Herbal Plants and the Home of Skydancer Apothecary. We are on the register for United Plant Savers and offer classes in Herbal Studies and Clay. Additional hiking and mountain biking trails are just 1/8 mile down the road, or take a short drive to Lake Leather Wood for more outdoor adventures.

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Buehler Farms Glamp site 1

3 sites · RVs, Tents450 acres · Mount Vernon, MO

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Orphans Island

3 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Orphans Island , MO

Float, Fish, Swim or vacation in the Ozarks. We have approximately 3 acers of the 15 we own set aside for camping. Plenty of room for two campsites on cleared, level land adjacent to the James River. We offer a dumpsite for holding tanks, water from our well to fill your water tank and electricity to charge devices and RV batteries at my barn. Also in 2023 I added a port a potty for tent campers. Generator rental available. Located about halfway between Springfield, MO. and Branson, MO. Nearby attractions include canoe rental, trout fishing, and mountain bike park. Please note, This campground is located in a floodplain and weather related cancellations are common. If you are camping to be close to nearby attractions or don't mind a muddy, flooded river I can let you camp on higher ground. Not quite as private but still lots of room. Fish, Fish, Fish. This river is primed for fishing. You will have to bring your own boat, or float as I don't have good river bank fishing access. There is a state park boat ramp a short distance away. The steps in the photos are plenty sturdy to tie boats to overnight. This river is fishable with flat bottom jet drive boats most of the spring and early summer and floatable year round. You can float to your campsite and relax instead of waiting in line at the boat ramp. Also we are located about 13 miles from Crane Creek, A blue ribbon trout park. You can camp here and fish there.

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Canvas Tent in Private Woodland

1 site · Lodging5 acres · Willard, MO

Camp Fernweh feels like your own personal Scout Camp, perched uphill amidst a mix of hardwoods and junipers! In the spirit of Swedish "Lagom" we have created the "just right balance" for a camping adventure that has ease without taking away the adventure.  If the season’s right, you'll find pockets of wild black raspberries and gooseberries waiting to be discovered. Take to winding trails that span our 5 acres, inviting leisurely exploration or spirited adventures. We currently have one 13' canvas tent.  Despite being conveniently close to your car, our campsites exude a sense of privacy and seclusion. Our property is 5 acres so your walk won't be too far to your camp, but you may want to consider the uphill and rocky trails to your campsite when packing.   Being good to Mother Earth is at the heart of what we do. We prioritize sustainability with a newly constructed outhouse featuring a composting toilet, ensuring your comfort while respecting the environment.  This Autumn you'll find that we are working on glade restoration throughout our property by thinning out eastern red cedar and native plantings! Our inspiration for Camp Fernweh is the "sleep-away scout camps" we never got to attend. Workshops, campfire book chats and simple camping are what we do best! Check out our website to see if we have an event going on during your stay. Camp Fernweh, just 15 minutes north of Springfield off Hwy 13, offers easy access to outdoor adventures! Within 5-10 minutes, you'll find Ozark Greenways for cycling and walking, Dirt 66 mountain biking, Sac River mountain biking, and hiking spots in conservation areas. Don't miss the nearby Frisco Highline Trail in Willard, MO, along with convenient grocers. Plus, Fantastic Caverns and Crystal Cave are just minutes away for added exploration!

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Persimmon Grove Retreat & Camp

7 sites · Tents70 acres · Walnut Shade, MO

Family owned for over 30 years. The land has been resting for all those years. It has become a safe home for wildlife. The 70 acres is the perfect place for peace and relaxation. Learn more about this land: Pitch your tent in the primitive Ozark Mountains. Six designated camp sites and one tiny house that surrounds our community campfire. A Pavilion is on the property, it is the only site that has electricity. Outdoor lighting is hung in the persimmon tree grove for evening ambience. We are located fifteen miles north of Branson. Walking distance to Bear Creek Wine Company. They serve Pizza, Wine Tasting, and more. Five minutes from Wolfe Mountain Ziplining and Snowflex, also Bear Creek horse back riding trails. We have a well on the property for water. Feel free to bring your own water bottles as well.

The best camping near Busiek State Forest guide

Overview

About

Nestled in the heart of Missouri, Busiek State Forest offers a treasure trove of outdoor activities. With 18 miles of multi-use trails, this scenic haven invites hikers, bikers, and horseback riders to explore its diverse landscapes. Venture into the wilderness on well-marked paths, or test your marksmanship at the unstaffed shooting range. For those seeking an overnight adventure, secure a permit for a primitive camping experience amid the forest's serene backdrop.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book your camping permit in advance by contacting the Southwest Regional Office at (417) 895-6880 to ensure your spot amid the wild.
Plan your visit during off-peak seasons for a better chance at snagging a campsite reservation.
Have alternative dates ready in case your preferred camping times are fully booked.
Explore nearby camping options in case Busiek State Forest is at capacity.

When to go

The best time to visit Busiek State Forest is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the foliage is vibrant. Summer offers lush greenery but can be hot and humid, while winter provides a stark, quiet beauty, though some amenities may be limited.

Know before you go

Check the area's regulations and obtain necessary permits before hunting, fishing, or camping.
Be aware of the shooting range's maintenance days, typically closed on Mondays.
Prepare for primitive camping; amenities are limited, so bring necessary supplies.
Stay safe by adhering to posted signs and area rules, especially during hunting seasons.
Access to the forest is available from 4am to 10pm, plan your activities within these hours.