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Busiek State Forest

The best camping in Busiek State Forest, MO

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

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Stories from the community

Desha

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Riverdream Camps

This was our second stay at Riverdream, and we love it! Beautiful sky without light pollution, no noise from traffic or what I guess you'd call "city life." My husband & I stayed in a tent both trips, and we were comfortable in each site. Toilet/showers are extremely clean and always stocked. Water flow and temperature is great. Kings River is a short mosey away from camp. Berryville on one side, Eureka Springs on the other. The Hosts have always been kind and quick to assist when we needed it. Their land is perfect for a quick weekend getaway, or a lengthy stay. (You won't regret either one.)

Creekside field where you can choose your campsite.

Pat

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Creekside Camping at Rocky Acres

Super cozy place to camp! Horses came to visit us and even a very sweet dog. We will absolutely come back again.

Katie

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Cold Creek Valley

Site 1 was beautiful and nicely secluded away from the other campsites. The trails were well-marked and the views were lovely with several vistas and benches to sit on along the trails. Everything was clean and well-maintained. Will definitely come back and book again, hopefully after a rain when the creeks are running!

Andrew

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Cold Creek Valley

My wife and I spent a lovely weekend at Site 3! It felt very private and we enjoyed the pond area and all the trails, the outhouse was very nice and clean as well. We definitely want to come back in the spring when the water is flowing.

Audri

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Cold Creek Valley

We absolutely loved camping with Mason as a host! Everything was super cared for and clean and we had an amazing time. We will absolutely be booking again soon!

Dana

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Open-air Meditation Sanctuary

We absolutely loved camping here!! This place is magical! Heidi is amazing, the land is so beautiful and everything was so clean. I absolutely loved the dogs roaming around and how the walkways on the meditation trail were covered with moss!! Definitely will stay here again!

LISO

3 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

1 night at Old Town Rock Creek Camp

Kevin was very cordial and even called to make sure we were safely off the lake! Highly recommended. We will return

Ruth

3 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at Buehler Farms Glamp site 1

As always, it was wonderful. Whizzard and I love this place!

Kara

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Explore the Ozarks - Dockley Ranch

We loved staying here! Claire and Myke are so nice and their property feels private. The bed was comfy and our space was warm. We loved watching the goats and liked have the dogs near- they are very well-behaved. We’ll be back again soon!

Kayla

3 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

3 nights at Cold Creek Valley

We had an amazing time. Such a beautiful peace of property!

Emerson

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Howler Bike Park Stays

We had an amazing experience at Howler Bike Park. Jennifer and John were the most accommodating hosts and truly went above and beyond. The temperature got very low this weekend and they went so far as to buy extra blankets and took them around to make sure we were warm enough. The glamping tent was spacious and close to the fire pit, restrooms, and all the great things at Base Camp. The restrooms and showers were very nice and well kept. The coffee shop, welcome center, the food truck - it was all spectacular. We will absolutely be coming back again.

Jeffrey

3 weeks ago

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Howler Bike Park Stays

Amazing people and an incredibly fun venue! This was our second visit and we booked our third while we were there. Can’t wait!

Donna

3 weeks ago

39 ft Class A

12 nights at Johnsons Hobby Farm

We love staying here. Great location. Friendly host. Great rate.

Amanda

3 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

4 nights at B Berry Farms & Co.

The farm was such a peaceful spot to stay on our way down Route 66. I’m glad we found it not too far off of the beaten path. Teresa and her family were very accommodating and respectful of our privacy. The campsite was private and comfortable. And there were so many things to do for fun! Definitely recommend to anyone!

Chris

3 weeks ago

Tent

3 nights at Cold Creek Valley

10/10 recommend, this was a great camping experience. It was off the beaten path and easy to find. Far enough from the other campsites that you couldn’t even see their lights through the woods. Very clean and thought out, trails around the camp were very well marked and easy to navigate. Will definitely be back!

Kris

3 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at Howler Bike Park Stays

Easily found my spot, the hospitality was the best! They really have it all, and they do it well!

Sheldon

November 2025

19 ft campervan

1 night at B Berry Farms & Co.

Teresa was very friendly and professional upon our arrival. We felt quite welcome. We would definitely stop at this Hipcamp again.

Matthew

November 2025

Tent

2 nights at B Berry Farms & Co.

Nice little spot. Cozy and wild but next door to amenities.

Katie

November 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Howler Bike Park Stays

We absolutely loved staying at Howler. The owners have really thought about everything. It was a beautiful hike to get to the tents, but staff came to help with gear and bikes right after we called. The tents were spacious, beds were comfortable, and they are just the coziest and cutest thing. The bathrooms were very clean and well maintained, and it was nice to have private shower rooms. We can’t say enough nice things about the owners and staff. John and Jen go above and beyond to make you feel like family while you’re there. The hiking trail and Swingset were great for kids and non-bikers, and the bike trails were a great challenge. We would recommend this place just for a weekend getaway, even if you’re not into mountain biking.

Ann

October 2025

With pets

1 night at Old Town Rock Creek Camp

Kevin is a gracious host and the upstairs room was a welcome respite on a cold, windy, rainy night. It was clean and warm and roomy. He is new to Hipcamp and is still working on amenities but I had everything I needed because I’m car camping. I will return if in the area. Thanks Kevin!

Top-rated campgrounds

Howler Bike Park Stays

99%

(279)

6.6mi from Busiek State Forest · 26 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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.

B Berry Farms & Co.

99%

(215)

42mi from Busiek State Forest · 16 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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, 30 amp or 50amp 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, healthier products in your life, we can also help you with that. 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 horseshoe pitching areas, pick delicious berries, throw axes at our log targets, Glow in the dark frisbee, Play 4 holes of frisbee golf, 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 new Waterhole WATERPARK play area day or night 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 bridges amd forts) and so many more things to do. Cold showers, 2 solar-heated shower houses (seasonal frost to frost), 2 restrooms, and several hand-washing stations, or handwash laundry tub. We sell farm fresh eggs, and baked goods(homemade breads, cinnamon rolls, cookies, muffins, and many fresh seasonal vegetables as well as picked to order, and handmade natural products.

Explore the Ozarks - Dockley Ranch

98%

(134)

21mi from Busiek State Forest · 13 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Chadwick, MO

Here at Dockley Ranch, guests can enjoy 80 acres of Missouri Ozarks. Features include a waterfall and hiking trails, peaceful vistas and goats, alpacas, and chickens to entertain. Rent a 1-room cabin or pitch a tent, watch the stars from the hillside stage, grill at the covered pavilion and enjoy the sounds of the countryside. PROPERTY MAP: https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/dashboard/land/2565/map

Bluestone Natural Farms

97%

(152)

21mi from Busiek State Forest · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Billings, MO

The farm was purchased in 2022 it is located in the beautiful farming/ranching community of Billings, Missouri in the Ozarks. The farm is 37 acres We are a family ran farm, we have cattle, goats, pigs, chickens and honey bees. We grow produce and hay. You will have all the wonderful smells and sounds of a farm. The farm has a wood lot and a seasonal pond. Besides our animals you might get lucky enough to see some of the visiting wild life: deer, turkeys, racoons, squirrels, opossum, or armadillo. Portable Toilets, potable water, picnic tables, and trash bins are on site. Please note that we do NOT allow pets for their safety and the safety of our animals.

Open-air Meditation Sanctuary

96%

(197)

43mi from Busiek State Forest · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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. I have 3 campsites, 3 retreat houses, an 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 me to schedule group events. 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.

Cold Creek Valley

100%

(123)

36mi from Busiek State Forest · 3 sites · Tents · 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 five marked/maintained hiking trails on the property. 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

Buehler Farms Glamp site 1

100%

(102)

35mi from Busiek State Forest · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Mount Vernon, MO

Working farm on a small bubbling river among fragrant elderberry fields.

Creekside Camping at Rocky Acres

99%

(68)

45mi from Busiek State Forest · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · 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.

Peaceful Rest in Ozark Oak Nest

94%

(8)

27mi from Busiek State Forest · 1 site · Tent, RV · Republic, MO

Sharing our wooded 5 acres by a secluded pond stocked with fish, hosts live on the property, 15 minutes from town, 1 hour from Branson, 25 to Fantastic Caverns, next to Historic Route 66. There are two campfires, swings, a picnic table, an outdoor toilet, and walking trails around the property. Water well and electricity available. Geese, ducks, and 20 chickens are a new addition to our property. Welcome!!!

Old Town Rock Creek Camp

100%

(8)

31mi from Busiek State Forest · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Emerald Beach, MO

This property joins the Mark Twain national Forest. It would be perfect base camp for motorcycle camping, Bikes, Blues &BBQ, centrally located between Branson, Missouri, and Rogers, Arkansas beautiful fall drives to all the craft fairs local in the area, War Eagle Mill, Old Applegate, etc., the fall color change for all the leaf peepers, remote mountain biking, hiking, exploring, hunting camps, etc. Near the intersection of Hwy 76 and state highway M it’s only 6 miles to big M marina Campground for access to the lake and between Eureka Springs and Branson for exploring and shopping Property has a feel for an old west gunsmoke town. Separate his and her shower houses private loft room is available, apartment available, bunkhouse available, pergola and smokehouse for cooking or small wedding venues, hillside spots for camping, hammock camping or tent camping, joins Mark Twain national forest, hiking headquarters or mountain biking, close to big M Marina, Eagle rock Marina and Roaring River State Park Renovations are ongoing and we expect to have more campsites and cabins available soon.

Riverdream Camps

95%

(62)

45mi from Busiek State Forest · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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! 👌🛶🏊‍♂️🎣🏕🌠

Johnsons Hobby Farm

96%

(71)

25mi from Busiek State Forest · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · 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.

The best camping in Busiek State Forest, MO 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.

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