Buckhorn Wildlife Management Area
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Buckhorn Wildlife Management Area is a popular outdoor destination located in the state of Missouri.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
This natural area covers 4,500 acres and offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping. The area is home to a diverse range of wildlife species including deer, turkey, quail, and numerous fish species.
One of the main points of interest at Buckhorn Wildlife Management Area is the Buckhorn Lake, which is a popular location for fishing and boating. The area also features several hiking trails that offer scenic views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also enjoy camping at the designated campsites throughout the area.
Interesting facts about Buckhorn Wildlife Management Area include the fact that it was established in 1958 and is managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation. The area is renowned for its conservation efforts and has been recognized as an important habitat for several endangered species.
The best time of year to visit Buckhorn Wildlife Management Area depends on the activities that visitors want to engage in. Spring and fall are popular times for hunting and fishing, while summer is ideal for boating and camping. Overall, Buckhorn Wildlife Management Area is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts looking to explore the natural beauty of Missouri.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Lake Bruin State Park
Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge
Big Lake Wildlife Management Area