State: Missouri
Address 1: Route 1, Box 113
City: Patterson
Zip: 63956
Phone: 573-856-4411
Open: Open all year
Open all Year: Yes
Number of Sites: 208
Electric: 150
Camp URL: http://mostateparks.com/baker.htm
Full Hook: Yes
With the ancient St. Francois Mountains, the unspoiled natural landscape and the cool waters of the St. Francois River and Big Creek, Sam A. Baker State Park has something for everyone. Whether getting away for a day of relaxation or spending considerably more time exploring the region, it’s certainly worth the trip.
A boat launch offers access to the river, and anglers hook bluegill, bass, crappie, sunfish, goggle eye and catfish in the river and creek. Canoeists float the Big Creek in spring and early summer, while the river is a good float year-round. Several miles of hiking, backpacking and equestrian trails provide glimpses of the area as the early settlers found it. To explore the natural and cultural history of the park, visit the park’s visitor/nature center.
Sam A. Baker State Park has two campgrounds and an equestrian campground. The park also has a special-use camping area. Campground 1 is open and reservable May through October. It offers basic and electric campsites, modern restrooms and showerhouses and a dump station. This campground is closed November through April. Campground 2 is open and reservable year-round and offers basic and electric campsites. During the on-season (April through October), modern restrooms and showerhouse, laundry room and a dump station are available. The equestrian campground is open March through November and offers basic and electric campsites and a vault toilet.