Bushwhacker Lake Conservation Area

🌲 **Unplug and Explore: Primitive Camping at Bushwhacker Lake Conservation Area**

For Missouri residents who cherish the rugged beauty of the prairie and the quiet solitude of primitive camping, the **Bushwhacker Lake Conservation Area** offers a perfect retreat. Managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), this expansive 4,790-acre public use area, spanning both Vernon and Barton counties, provides a genuine, back-to-basics outdoor experience centered around its 157-acre namesake lake.

This destination is not about RV hookups or luxury amenities; it is about embracing the Missouri outdoors in its natural state. The campground is designed for dedicated campers who prefer a tent or a simple setup, providing a quiet base camp for fishing, paddling, hiking, and hunting activities. From the moment you arrive, you’ll sense the area's history—a landscape once dominated by native prairie, now restored and managed to protect the diverse wildlife and offer exceptional recreational opportunities for all Missourians.

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### **Introduction / Overview**

The **Bushwhacker Lake Conservation Area** is a significant parcel of public land in southwest Missouri, known for its extensive prairie restoration efforts and its central feature, the 157-acre Bushwhacker Lake. The Conservation Area is historically significant, covering land that was once almost entirely native prairie, with timber only along its drainages. Today, over 1,400 acres of prairie remain and are actively managed through controlled burns and grazing.

The camping facilities here are intentionally **primitive**, catering to the enthusiast who seeks an authentic, self-sufficient outdoor experience. The primary camping area is located near the lake, providing easy access to the water and multi-use trails. The camp spots are maintained, often mowed, and typically include a fire ring and a level area for setting up a tent. This commitment to a rustic experience means visitors enjoy unparalleled quiet during their stay, making it a favorite spot for anglers, bird watchers, and those dedicated to "leave no trace" camping principles. It truly represents a unique and valuable part of Missouri's outdoor heritage.

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### **Location and Accessibility**

Bushwhacker Lake Conservation Area is located in southwest Missouri, straddling the line between Vernon and Barton counties, making it easily accessible for residents across the region.

**Address:** Yucca Rd, Sheldon, MO 64784, USA

The area is situated approximately one hour north of Joplin and about two hours south of Kansas City, making it a feasible weekend getaway for many Missouri families.

**Directions and Access:**

• **Primary Access:** From Bronaugh, travelers take Highway 43 south approximately 2.5 miles to Zodiac Road, then head east one mile to reach the area.
• **Camping Location:** The designated primitive camping area is often found on the west shoreline of Bushwhacker Lake, offering convenient access to the concrete boat ramp and the disabled-accessible floating dock.
• **Motor Vehicle Regulations:** Vehicle traffic is generally restricted to public roadways and designated parking lots within the Conservation Area. Unlicensed motor vehicles are prohibited.

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### **Services Offered**

Consistent with the MDC's conservation mission, services at Bushwhacker Lake Conservation Area are focused on essential amenities to support a primitive camping and recreational experience.

Campground Services:

• **Primitive Campsites:** Designated sites are available on a **first-come, first-served** basis, featuring open, mowed areas suitable for tent setup.
• **Fire Rings:** Camp spots typically include **metal fire rings** for containing campfires, though gathering only dead and downed wood is permitted.
• **Pit Toilets (Latrines):** The area provides prefabricated, single-stall, pit latrines (often ADA accessible) near the camping area and boat ramp, ensuring necessary sanitary facilities are available.
• **Dumpster Service:** A dumpster may be available in the camping area for disposal of trash generated on the site (littering is prohibited).
• **Limited Stay:** Camping is restricted to **14 consecutive days** within a 30-day period.
• **Reservations:** Reservations are **not required** for individual campsites, though groups of more than 10 must obtain a special-use permit from the MDC.
• **No Hookups:** Importantly, there are **no RV hook-ups** (electric, water, or sewer), **no shower facilities**, and generally **no potable drinking water** available directly at the campsites. Campers must be fully self-sufficient.

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### **Features / Highlights**

Bushwhacker Lake Conservation Area is a destination prized by Missouri outdoors enthusiasts for its combination of quiet natural spaces and extensive recreational activities.

Key Features and Highlights:

• **Premier Fishing Lake:** The 157-acre Bushwhacker Lake is highly regarded for its balanced fishery, particularly for **largemouth bass** (with a 12-15 inch protected slot limit), **bluegill**, and **channel catfish**.
• **Boating Access:** A concrete boat ramp is provided, and while boat motors up to 10 horsepower may be used, all vessels must be operated at **slow, no-wake speed**, ensuring calm waters perfect for fishing and paddling.
• **Paddling Paradise:** Customer reviews often highlight the calm water conditions, making it an ideal destination for **kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding**.
• **Multi-Use Trails:** The area offers multi-use trails that are popular for **hiking, biking, and horseback riding** (horses are allowed on multi-use trails only during specific seasonal periods).
• **ADA Accessible Dock:** A floating dock near the boat ramp is **handicapped accessible**, complete with a metal roof and railings, providing an excellent, convenient spot for bank fishing.
• **Hunting Opportunities:** The area offers extensive **open hunting** opportunities for deer, turkey, rabbit, quail, and waterfowl, with deer hunting managed through a special permit system.
• **Prairie & Wildlife Viewing:** Visitors can explore the vast, restored prairie and woodland habitats, providing exceptional opportunities for **bird watching** (including various waterfowl and prairie birds) and observing white-tailed deer and other Missouri wildlife.

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### **Contact Information**

For specific information on area regulations, hunting seasons, or current conditions, please contact the Missouri Department of Conservation's regional office responsible for the area.

**Address:** Bushwhacker Lake Conservation Area, Yucca Rd, Sheldon, MO 64784, USA

**Regional Contact (MDC Southwest Regional Office):** (417) 895-6880

**Mobile Phone (Alternative/MDC):** +1 417-895-6880

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### **What is Worth Choosing Bushwhacker Lake Conservation Area**

Bushwhacker Lake Conservation Area is an outstanding choice for Missouri users who value **tranquility and self-reliance** above modern convenience. You should choose this campground if your priority is accessing **premier fishing waters** known for bass and catfish, or if you seek calm, no-wake waters ideal for leisurely **kayaking and paddle boarding**. This site is a sanctuary for those who appreciate the raw, natural landscape of the Missouri prairie and the sense of history that accompanies it.

It is the go-to spot for the experienced, budget-conscious camper who is fully prepared to provide their own water and power, but expects a well-maintained campsite with essential features like a fire ring and clean-if-basic pit toilets. The extensive multi-use trails and the opportunity for bird watching and hunting add significant value, making it a multi-faceted destination. In short, Bushwhacker is worth choosing because it delivers a **peaceful, pure, and uniquely Missouri outdoor adventure** that is both accessible and unforgettable.