Driving DirectionsFrom Bennett Spring State Park, take Highway 64 west 3.70 miles, then Corkery Road north 3 miles, then Barclay Springs Road east.
About This AreaBarclay Conservation Area is in northeastern Dallas County, 40 miles south of Lake of the Ozarks, seven miles north of Bennett Spring State Park and 21 miles northeast of Buffalo. The area provides 1.7 miles of Niangua River frontage. A 0.4 mile spring branch also originates there. The area also has two wildlife watering ponds.The Conservation Department purchased the area in 1996 from a willing seller with Conservation Department funds to provide public access to the Niangua River.In addition to the river frontage, Barclay CA also contains 426 acres of land appropriate for hunting and hiking. This land has excellent examples of dolomite glade communities, oak-hickory uplands, river bottom forest, and clear-running springs. Deer, turkey, raccoon, squirrel, rabbit, coyote, and many other small animals and birds are commonly seen from the gravel roads and forest trails and along field edges.Wildlife habitat management includes manipulating fields within the forest to provide additional food sources. Timber harvesting is also an important element in habitat management as it provides forage and cover for forest wildlife and a diversity of habitat types.The Barclay Conservation Area Access was dedicated in 2001 and provides a concrete, boat launching ramp, canoe launching area (gravel, and parking lot). Sport Fish Restoration funds were used to develop this access area and will assist with future operation and maintenance costs. These funds are made available through a special excise tax collected on fishing equipment and motor fuel.This access is within a White Ribbon Trout Stream. This area offers opportunities to catch and harvest large trout. In addition, the area will provide the opportunity for the Conservation Department to enhance the Niangua River's riparian corridor, protecting both the river and the spring branch. This will help ensure a quality experience for future generations to enjoy.
