Ben Branch Lake Conservation Area is in Osage County, ten miles north of Linn off Missouri Highway 89. The Conservation Department purchased most of this 512-acre area in 1978. Additional land was purchased and the area is now 563 acres. In 1983, 39-acre Ben Branch Lake was constructed. The lake began filling in October of that year and was opened to fishing in 1985. Approximately 478 acres (83%) of the area is heavily wooded. The primary tree species on good soils are white and black oak. Post oak and black oak dominate the poorer soils. Facilities on the lake include a (12-vehicle) pull-off camping area, a fishing jetty, and privy accessible to persons with disabililties, and two large parking areas. During your visit to Ben Branch Lake Conservation Area, you may view various land management practices being implemented to improve the forest resource and enhance natural communities, such as woodlands and savannas. This vegetation management will provide for improved wildlife habitat. Depending on the natural plant community the land will support you may see trees being thinned or prescribed burning and even some cropping of the flatter areas below the dam. All practices are implemented to maintain water quality of Ben Branch Lake’s watershed. Watch for vegetation changes over the years and you will see plant communities changing and wildlife responding to these changes.
Very nice rustic campground with fishing.

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