Sam A. Baker State Park

Introduction of Sam A. Baker State Park

When you visit Sam A. Baker State Park in your RV, you’ll fall in love with Missouri’s landscape. You can completely immerse yourself in nature while listening to the rushing St. Francis River and being surrounded by the breathtaking St. Francois mountain peaks. In fact, you might be surprised to learn that some of the mountains’ exposed rocks are among the oldest in North America. Much of the park has been left in its natural state, allowing you to experience nature at its finest.Sam A. Baker, the Governor of Missouri in the 1920s, is credited with the establishment of this state park. The Civilian Conservation Corps also contributed significantly in the 1930s, constructing structures in the park for visitors to enjoy for years to come. These structures, which include the nature centre, Mudlick Mountain Store and Grill, and cabins, can still be seen and visited. When you stay in your camper or trailer, you’ll have access to amenities like electric hookups, water, showers, a dump station, and fun activities like the boat launch ramp and nearby hike and bike trails.

Sam A. Baker State Park Camping

This campground is open all year, but certain amenities, such as showers and restrooms, are unavailable when temperatures drop. This campground also has electric hookups at 69 of the 92 total sites, potable water, a dump station, and a laundry facility where you can wash your clothes. You are also welcome to visit the nearby nature centre. Reservations are only available during peak season.

This campground has 109 total campsites, with 60 of them offering electric hookups. There are no water or sewer connections, but there are potable water spigots and a dump station nearby. There will also be showers and restrooms available. Each campsite has a maximum RV length of 30 feet, but if you have more vehicles than can fit in your campsite, there are areas for extra vehicle parking. A boat launch ramp and a bike trail are available at Campground 1 that are not available at Campground 2. However, keep in mind that this campground is only open during the peak season, which runs from April to October.

Sam A. Baker State Park Activities

Fishing

Because the river and creek are located in this park, there are numerous fishing opportunities. Bass, sunfish, bluegill, and catfish are some of the fish you might be able to catch. Fishing is a great way to unwind while on vacation, so make sure to pack your fishing gear and licence before heading over to Sam A. Baker State Park. You can fish at any of the water access points at any time.

Hiking

When you visit Sam A. Baker State Park, there is so much to see. Hike alongside the St. Francis River or climb up the trails to see beautiful and majestic mountain peaks. The trails vary in difficulty, with some being only about a mile long and others stretching for more than ten miles. Many of the trails are also ideal for mountain bikers and horseback riders. Just make sure you check ahead of time to see if they’re permitted on specific trails.

Swimming

If you park your RV here in the summer, you’ll want to find a fun way to cool off. What better way to beat the heat than to jump into a cool river stream? During the peak season, you can swim in the St. Francis River or Big Creek at any time. Simply keep an eye on the kids at all times and stay safe because there are no lifeguards.

Picnicking

If you arrive in your large RV during the off-season, you will find the restaurant closed. However, this does not preclude you from finding a lovely spot to sit and enjoy a meal. There are many picnic tables to choose from near the day use area, all of which provide nice shade. You can also reserve the larger shelters for special events.

Sam A. Baker State Park Location

MO 143 runs right through the park, so getting to Sam A. Baker State Park is a breeze. The park office, visitor centre, store, picnic areas, and campground are all accessible via a single road, and you should encounter no problems such as narrow roads, steep climbs, or low bridges. Parking should be available in these areas, particularly at the campgrounds. However, once you’ve arrived at your campsite, you may prefer to explore the park on foot, horseback, or bicycle. Many of the trails are fairly long and do not have vehicle access, so other modes of transportation are recommended to get the full experience.

Parking

Parking is available

Public Transport

Public Transport is not available