Sam A. Baker State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Sam A. Baker State Park, near Patterson, Missouri, is a fantastic place to explore nature in the St. Francois Mountains. You will love hiking across this Ozark location's towering igneous bluffs, meadows, and talus slopes. St. Francis River and Big Creek run through this park, which opened in 1926. Some buildings, including the nature center, date back to the 1930s when the Civilian Conservation Corps constructed this park named after Governor Samuel Aaron Baker. Nearby, visitors can ride bikes at Shepherd Mountain Bike Park, hike in the Millstream Gardens Conservation Area, and explore the Bell Mountain Wilderness.
Spring 38-77 F
Summer 65-89 F
Fall 35-81 F
Winter 26-47 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Sam A. Baker State Park
There are three campgrounds at Sam A. Baker State Park. The two main campgrounds are open from April 1 to October 31, while the equestrian campground is open from March 1 to November 30. All three campgrounds have a mix of primitive sites and spots with electrical hookups. Potable water and a dump station are available nearby. If you need extra space when you camp, consider one of the family sites. A boat launch is available in Campground 1.
What to Do at
Sam A. Baker State Park
Stroll around Sam A. Baker State Park to see the historical structures and geological features. The river and creek are fantastic places to boat, fish, or swim. Canoe rentals are available. While camping in an RV makes it easy to prepare meals, you can also dine at the Mudlock Mountain Grill, where the pizza is delicious. There is also a paved trail for bikers to exercise while taking in the park's scenery.
Fishing
St. Francis River and Big Creek are amazing places to fish for bass, bluegill, sunfish, and catfish. The state stocks the river each year with bluegills, channel catfish, and largemouth bass. Many anglers catch catfish on trotlines and limblines.
Nature Watching
The Mudlick Mountain Natural Area is an excellent spot to see spot wildlife. The best way to spot these wild critters is by hiking along the Mudlick Trail at sunrise or sunset. Consider climbing Mudlick Mountain for a scenic vista of the park below.
Flora and Fauna
While hiking, you will wind through an old-growth oak, hickory, and pine forest with sporadic meadows. You will also see how many plants have adapted to the distinctive geography found in this park's deep canyon gorges. In the spring and early summer, Missouri primroses, wild geraniums, and black-eyed Susan's bloom. Just a few of the animals that make their home in the park include deer, raccoons, red foxes, beavers, and various birds, including summer tanagers, orioles, and red-shouldered hawks.
Hiking
Consider hiking along the Shut-ins Trail in the spring, as you will love seeing the water from spring rains rushing across the dellenite boulders. At the beginning of this trail, you will find two steep staircases. Then, it runs by the base of Mudlick Mountain. End this 1.1-mile hike with a dip in Big Creek to cool off.
Swimming
You can swim in Big Creek or St. Francis River. Many visitors bring along their tubes and other water toys. Swimming is available from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. There are no lifeguards on duty.
Boating
There is a boat launch near Campground 1. You can rent canoes and kayaks at the park's store to play on the St. Francis River. Rafts holding up to six people are also available if you are visiting with a group.
Biking
The paved bike trail starts at the park's store and goes to Campground 1. It is an easy 1.5-mile ride running along Missouri State Highway 143 and Big Creek. This trail is also open to walkers, joggers, and skateboarders.
How to Get to
Sam A. Baker State Park
Head east from Patterson, Missouri, on Missouri 34. Turn left on Missouri 143. Take a slight left onto Sam A. Baker State Park Road to enter the park.
Entering Sam A. Baker State Park
Parking is available near the visitor center and in the campgrounds. This park is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Lincoln's Birthday, and Presidents Day. The park's visitor center is open daily during the summer and Wednesday through Sunday from April 1 to Memorial Day. It is closed from November 1 to April 1.
Sam A. Baker State Park Entry Fee : $0.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Sam A. Baker State Park
Summer is a terrific time to visit Sam A. Baker State Park. You can go swimming, boating, and hiking, and the campground is open.
Visitors may see many bird species, including summer tanagers, orioles, and red-shouldered hawks. Along the trails, lucky hikers occasionally spot bobcats, armadillos, and shrews. The park is also home to plenty of raccoons.
There are three campgrounds with designated RV camping spots at Sam A. Baker State Park. Two campgrounds offer primitive and electric hookup sites, while the third campground is for those who want to bring their horses.
You must make a reservation at least 24 hours in advance at Sam A. Baker State Park. Camping starts at $14 per night for a non-electric site and $21 for a site with electrical hookups.
Your furry companions are welcome at Sam A. Baker State Park, and you can bring them on most of the hiking trails. However, you are responsible for cleaning up after them, and they must be on a leash.