Area state parks, national forests and conservation areas are ideal for hiking, camping, fishing, canoeing, picnicking, horseback riding, studying nature, birdwatching and exploring nearby caves. Henning State Forest is located just west of Branson in the rugged White River Hills region. Here, visitors will find 1,534 acres of scenic vistas and miles of walking trails. The trees are labeled for a natural tutorial. The Busiek State Forest and Conservation Area is located 14 miles north of Branson and covers 2,505 acres with steep, rocky hills and gravel bottom creeks.
Visitors can enjoy hunting, fishing, hiking, camping and birdwatching.
Self-guided nature trails and the tranquil surroundings are ideal for communing with nature. The Drury-Mincy Conservation Area is approximately 12 miles southeast of Branson. The massive 5,699-acre wildlife area was the conservation department's first deer refuge. Visitors can camp, hike, birdwatch and fish in the rushing stream. Dogwood Canyon Nature Park , a 10,000-acre private wilderness refuge, features herds of elk, bison and Texas longhorns who make their home along with whitetail deer, turkey and other wildlife.