We recently went to the National Forest. The squirrels wee still in the trees and hard to even catch glimpses of. Right now is prime time, but the deer frenzy will be taking over the weekends on public ground.
The Berryman Trail camp, various roadside camping spots, the Brazil Creek camp, plus the camp with hookups for campers at the Lake. All in about a ten mile circle. Thousands of acres of woods, plenty of free camping, paid camping for those who want things a little nicer, and plenty of room to gather to visit.
Highway eight gives access from both sides of the state, and from the St. Louis area it is about 70 miles. This time of year, you would have to go during the week while the orange army are at work, but it is prime right now. The change has the nuts dropping, and the squirrels are gathering, defending territory, and chasing. For a squirrel hunter, it doesn't get any better!
People from outside the area should make sure they have a small game permit, since the chance of being visited is good if you are there for more than a day. If it is much of a trip, taking time to spend a few days just makes sense, and if you do it there, people can stay as long as they wish. The limits are generous, and the squirrel hunting is good. There are small stores within 15 miles of each campground, and within a few miles of the lake camp/ YMCA of the Ozarks. Sunnen Lake.
Technically, you could book a suite at the lodge and not rough it at all.
