Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area

Category: State park

Address: Highlandville, MO 65669, USA

Phone: +14178956880

Opening hours

Sunday: 4AM–10PM

Monday: 4AM–10PM

Tuesday: 4AM–10PM

Wednesday: 4AM–10PM

Thursday: 4AM–10PM

Friday: 4AM–10PM

Saturday: 4AM–10PM

Reviews

Rafael Arrizon

May 24, 2022

Can't believe this is right off the highway and it took me years to finally visit! I went early in the morning and didn't encounter anyone until I was almost back to the parking lot. Decided to trail run the red trail all the way down to the yellow/blue and back. Lovely views and my favorite were actually the river crossings, of which I encountered three. Bring your water shoes. All the trails were well marked and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

Lily Bloodworth

May 11, 2022

It’s nice place for family fun such as picnic and biking . It also has gunshot range.

Nicole Dilley

May 1, 2022

A beautiful place to hike and spend the day!

Jason Parson

Mar 17, 2022

What a wonderful place to visit while in Springfield! I'm from Texas and currently visiting the area on business. My brother (who is local) recommended we spend Sunday hiking here. Trails are very clean, much cleaner than in Texas. I did …

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Questions & Answers

Are there bathrooms in busiek State Forest?

Carrie Spilman | Mar 23, 2021
Vince Tallo | Mar 24, 2021

None

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How far do you need to walk to get to the creek? Is it a good walk for small kids as young as 4 ? Or people out of shape?

Heather Barker | Mar 23, 2021
Christopher Schardt | Mar 24, 2021

It's easy, my 1 y/o does it. Wheelchairs and strollers might have an issue, but its not bad at all.

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Can you fish here?

Alexander Morrow | Mar 23, 2020
Angela Palmer | Mar 24, 2020

Yes. I hike there regularly and see people fishing. You will have to a hike a bit to avoid the people in the creek. Maybe 1/4 of a mile or so.

Do they have mountain lions and bears

Allison Sautter | Mar 23, 2021
Burl L Brooks (Moose) | Mar 24, 2021

No mountain lions, or bears. The worst thing you'll have to deal with are unruly sight seers, and maybe the odd ranger or two.

Do they have camp sites here??

Kaitlyn Johnson | Mar 24, 2019
ShoMeFeller | Mar 25, 2019

Last i knew, you need a permit from MDC to stay overnight. ALL CAMPING BY PERMIT ONLY (call 417-895-6880)

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I heard there is a free gun range here.. is this true?

Casey Scroggins | Mar 24, 2019
ShoMeFeller | Mar 25, 2019

Yes, it stays busy. I've had great experiences there and other experiences with people that have not been taught responsible gun handling. Enter at your own risk!

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Is there picnicking table s

Michael Melton | Mar 23, 2021
Britni B | Mar 24, 2021

No I don't believe so

How much does it cost for camping?

Dustin Edwards | Mar 23, 2021
Kayla Barker | Mar 24, 2021

About 30$ a night

Is there a river or lake there where we can swim with our dog?

Tim Ahrens | Mar 23, 2021
Vince Tallo | Mar 24, 2021

We were there last week and the creek was mostly ankle deep and in other areas it was a little.deeper. I think dogs will have a good time.

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Are the any areas with enough water to support wood duck or teal? Can you hunt with a rifle or just a bow? Where is the best area to hunt deer? Do you have to purchase an additional permit? Water that holds fish? What kind of fish

John Vogt | Mar 23, 2020
Troy Collins | Mar 24, 2020

No, bow only, south of Woods Fork, yes, not really, small perch and shad

can you metal detect there

Hersell Burton | Mar 23, 2020
Troy Collins | Mar 24, 2020

No, unless it is to find a lost item. You'd need to contact the Department of Conservation. You can metal detect at some state parks, with a permit

Can you use gun range year round 9/7/19

Kelly Walker | Mar 23, 2020
Justin G | Mar 24, 2020

Yes you can, it is SUPPOSED to be closed Mondays, but you know, signs don't get read.

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Is there a shop where you can buy hiking medallions for a hiking stick?

Ashley Irwin | Mar 24, 2019
Michael Eddings II | Mar 25, 2019

No

Are there Salamanders here???

Sean Long | Mar 24, 2019
Michael Shuey | Mar 25, 2019

Yes, quite a bit. Look in the most, shadowed areas.

Do the campsites have grills or tables?

shawn poindexter | Mar 24, 2019
shawn poindexter | Mar 25, 2019

I called them and got an answer to my own question. There are 7 sites for tent camping (first come first serve), only one site has a table, no grills at any of them. Only 5 people allowed per site, and you must bring your license to the office to obtain the required permit. Happy Camping!

Do y'all have gun range

Tommy McAllister | Mar 24, 2019
Eelia | Mar 25, 2019

Yea there is a gun range. I haven't used it myself.

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Is there a horse camping area? And are there marked trails or can u just ride anywhere

Jana Reed | Mar 24, 2019
Dick Essick | Mar 25, 2019

Marked trails

Are there any caves

William Blacksher | Mar 24, 2019
Robodie - the Kung Fu Ninja Robot | Mar 25, 2019

None that are publicly accessible.

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Could you car camp?

Chewy and Bella’s Daddy | Mar 24, 2019
ShoMeFeller | Mar 25, 2019

You are required to get a permit for overnight camping.

Are there any rv camping sites in the park?

Christine Olson | Mar 24, 2019
ShoMeFeller | Mar 25, 2019

No RV sites. To get a tent camping site, a permit from MDC is required ahead of time.

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How far from Branson?

Jana Goodnight | Mar 24, 2018
James Collins | Mar 25, 2018

Busiek is about halfway between Springfield and Branson, on the east side of US65, down an access road 1/2 to 3/4 mile from US65...

Does it cost to get in

corey yates | Mar 24, 2018
Josh King | Mar 25, 2018

No, free.

How about bringing a pet? i.e. dog walking

Samantha Aring | Mar 24, 2018
James Collins | Mar 25, 2018

I'm not sure, but I would imagine a dog on a leash would be okay...you could call Missouri Department of Conservation and they could tell you...the area is primitive and has walking and horseback trails, so probably not many restrictions on pets...it is less than a mile from US 65 south of Ozark; if you're going there from Springfield, beware of tailgaters when you make the left turn from 65 onto the access road, as traffic usually runs 70 mph or more and people don't seem to slow down for turning traffic...

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