Long Branch State Parks
managed by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the US Corps of Engineers. The 1,828-acre park consists of three areas: Bloomington, Bee Trace, and Macon.
The Bloomington Area
located on the western shore, offers camping, boating, swimming, and hiking. Eighty-three shaded campsites are offered. Several sites are accessible to persons with disabilities. The marina has covered slips, boat rentals, and a convenience store that supplies visitors with bait, snacks, and motor fuel. A two-lane boat launch provides the public access to the lake.
A large sand beach with a change house, located near the campground and marina, is the perfect place to enjoy the water and sunshine. Two open shelters with grills can be reserved for large gatherings. Picnic sites located among shade trees are located near scenic views of the lake and beach. A 1.1-mile hiking trail located near the west end of the dam and south shelter follows the shoreline of the lake.
The Bee Trace
Area draws its name from the road or "trace" early settlers used to harvest honey before the advent of sorghum cane and refined sugar. The area boasts a 640-acre natural area with a nine-mile hiking and backpacking trail that winds through savannas, upland prairie and timber. A single-lane boat ramp allows visitors access to the northern end of the lake.
The Macon Area
is located on the eastern side of the lake just off Long Branch Lake Road. This area has a single-lane boat launch and several shady picnic sites for use by boaters.
All areas have paved parking and concrete boat ramps. These areas close at 10:00 p.m. except for use by anglers.
The Missouri Department of Conservation and the US Corps of Engineers manage 2,454 acres for wildlife on the north end of the project. The area is combined with the adjacent Atlanta Conservation Area to form the 4,500-acre Atlanta/Long Branch Conservation Area.
This area is gently rolling, except for the bottomlands. The forest is predominately oak/hickory in the uplands and mixed hardwoods in the lowlands and contains a variety of woodland edge and grassland wildlife. The area also contains three wetlands, totaling approximately ninety acres, and several natural oxbow lakes. Bald eagles nest here and can be viewed most winters. The area also has a resident population of giant Canadian geese.
Outdoor activities allowed in the area include hunting, fishing, frogging, hiking, nature study, and outdoor photography.