Busiek State Forest is made up of 2,505 acres, all of which are available for camping, hiking, and more.
To get to this park, just follow the signs on Hwy 65. While this park doesn't have waterfalls or spectacular rock formations, it does offer free campsites and amazing hilltop views of the Ozarks. There is a stream that runs through the middle of the forest, and there's also shooting range just on the other side of the bridge. The stream, Woods Fork Creek, is clear and cold and usually around knee deep, during the spring. The forest is lush and dense, and usually fairly vacant.
The wide trails make it easy for horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking. Hunting is even allowed at the park, in season, of course. There's even a secret treasure hidden away at the top of one hill. After pulling into the parking lot, head south, cross Woods Fork Creek, and follow the path. The path leads up a very steep hill, that's quite large, so you'll want to be in decent shape to make this venture. At the top of hill, you'll find a cemetery. No one has been buried here for quite some time. Most of the headstones aren't legible, but they date back as far as the Civil War. The park is open year round, and is free to the public.
