🌤 Weather at Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30–74 °F | 57–86 °F | 30–78 °F | 20–47 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Oldfield, 2 mi away, elevation 1,240 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area is a conservation area of about 2,700 acres, 18 miles south of Springfield, Missouri, run by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). It is not a state park, although many people search for it as “Busiek State Park”. The area offers about 18 miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding, primitive walk-in camping by permit, hunting in season and an unstaffed shooting range.
Quick Facts
| State | Missouri |
| Directions | From Springfield, Highway 65 south 18 miles |
| Managed by | Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) |
| Size | 2,700.9 acres |
| Open | 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily (as of October 2026) |
Location & Getting There
From Springfield, take Highway 65 south for 18 miles. MDC offers an area map and an area brochure on its Busiek page; download them before you go.
Things to Do
A well-marked trail system with about 18 miles of trails is open to hikers, bicyclists and horseback riders. Bikes, including e-bikes, and horses may use the multi-use trails designated for them year-round; groups of 10 or more riders need a special use permit. Hunting is allowed in the proper seasons under the Missouri Wildlife Code. The unstaffed firearms range takes paper targets only, is open from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset and is closed on Mondays for maintenance. Pets are allowed but must be on a leash or confined at all times.
Best Time to Visit
The area is open from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily (as of October 2026); hunting, fishing, trapping, dog training and camping are allowed around the clock where permitted. Because hunting is allowed in season, check MDC’s current hunting seasons before you hike.
Visitor Tips
Camping works differently from Missouri state parks: the eight primitive, walk-in tent campsites may be used only with a permit from the MDC Southwest Regional Office, (417) 895-6880 (as of October 2026). You may camp for up to 14 consecutive days in any 30-day period, groups of more than 10 need a special use permit, and quiet hours run from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Trail and game cameras, fireworks and digging are prohibited on MDC areas, and you may not cut trees or other vegetation.
Explore More Parks in Missouri
Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area is a Missouri Department of Conservation area, not a state park. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Missouri guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
The area is named in honor of Dr. Urban and Erma Marie Busiek. MDC bought the original 740 acres from their son, Dr. Paul Busiek, in 1981, and about one-quarter of the purchase price was donated back to the department. Purchases over the next several years grew the area to its current 2,700.9 acres. You may pick nuts, berries, fruits and mushrooms for your own use; collecting other wild plants or animals needs special authorization.
Nearby Attractions
Springfield lies 18 miles north via Highway 65.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery (within about an hour’s drive) and Table Rock State Park Missouri (within about an hour’s drive).
⛺ Camping at Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 8 sites — 8 primitive, walk-in tent campsites; no potable water or modern facilities on-site. |
|---|---|
| Pets | Pets and hunting dogs permitted but must be on a leash or confined at all times. |
| Reservations | Free permit required, issued only in person at the Missouri Department of Conservation Southwest Regional Office, phone 417-895-6880. Groups exceeding 10 people must obtain a special use permit at least 30 days in advance. |
| Special sites | Camping limited to 14 consecutive days within any 30-day period, 30 total days per calendar year across all Missouri Department of Conservation areas; quiet hours 10 p.m.-6 a.m. |
| Season notes | Year-round; area open for public use 4 a.m.-10 p.m. daily (camping/hunting/fishing/trapping activities allowed 24 hours where permitted). |
Camping questions about Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area
Can you camp at Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area?
Yes. Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area has 8 campsites. 8 primitive, walk-in tent campsites; no potable water or modern facilities on-site.
How do you reserve a campsite at Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area?
Free permit required, issued only in person at the Missouri Department of Conservation Southwest Regional Office, phone 417-895-6880. Groups exceeding 10 people must obtain a special use permit at least 30 days in advance.
Are pets allowed at the Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area campground?
Pets and hunting dogs permitted but must be on a leash or confined at all times.
Source: mdc.mo.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
Park Location
Plan your gear for Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
