Campground 1

For generations of Missourians, Sam A. Baker State Park has been a beloved destination, a place where memories are made amidst the stunning natural beauty of the St. Francois Mountains. This cherished park, often referred to simply as "Sam A. Baker," offers a quintessential outdoor experience for locals, from the thrill of river activities to the tranquility of wooded campsites. This article is designed to provide you, our fellow Missouri residents, with a clear, engaging, and factual overview of what makes Sam A. Baker State Park a consistently favorite spot for camping and recreation.

Whether you're looking to relive cherished childhood memories or create new ones with your own family, Sam A. Baker State Park delivers. Its rich history, dating back to the 1920s and featuring impressive Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) craftsmanship, adds a unique charm to its natural allure. We'll delve into the park's location, accessible amenities, and the many features that draw campers back year after year, ensuring you have all the information needed to plan your ideal Missouri outdoor escape.

Sam A. Baker State Park is conveniently located on MO-143, near Des Arc, MO 63636, USA. This placement in the heart of the St. Francois Mountains region of the Missouri Ozarks makes it an accessible and attractive destination for residents across the state. The park is situated where the St. Francis River and Big Creek converge, providing abundant water access and scenic views that are characteristic of this beautiful area.

Navigating to the park is generally straightforward, with the park office, visitor center, store, and campgrounds all located easily off the main road. Visitors typically don't encounter issues with narrow roads, steep climbs, or low bridges, making it suitable for larger vehicles and RVs. While the park maintains a peaceful atmosphere, it's worth noting that some campsites might experience a bit of road noise from MO-143, particularly in quieter seasons or times of day. However, this is a minor detail compared to the overall tranquility and natural immersion the park offers. Its accessibility ensures that a fantastic outdoor adventure is never too far away for Missourians.

Sam A. Baker State Park offers a wide array of services designed to enhance your camping experience and cater to diverse needs:

• Two Main Campgrounds (Campground 1 and Campground 2):
• Campground 1: Features 109 total sites, with 60 offering electric hookups (30-amp and some 50-amp). While it does not have individual water or sewer hookups at sites, potable water spigots are available nearby, along with a dump station. This campground is open during peak season, typically from April to October. It also provides a boat launch ramp and a dedicated bike trail.
• Campground 2: Open year-round, offering electric hookups at 69 of its 92 total sites. It provides potable water, a dump station, and a laundry facility. Restrooms and showers are available during the on-season.
• Equestrian Campground: A separate campground with 21 sites for horse lovers, though it does not have a showerhouse or dump station (these services are available in the other two campgrounds).
• Special-Use Camping Area: Located near Campground 1, this area is designated for group camping and can be reserved.
• Modern Restroom and Shower Facilities: Clean, roomy bathrooms with hot water and good pressure are consistently praised by campers across the main campgrounds. Some amenities may be unavailable during the off-season.
• Sanitary Dump Stations: Conveniently located for RV campers in both main campgrounds.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings/Grills: Available at each campsite for outdoor cooking and enjoyment.
• Laundry Facilities: Available in Campground 2.
• Potable Water Spigots: Easily accessible for all campers.
• Camp Store & Mudlick Mountain Grill: The park features a well-stocked general store with necessities and a restaurant offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the peak season (April to October).
• Canoe, Kayak, and Raft Rentals: Available at the park store for floating the St. Francis River.
• Bike Rentals: Bikes are available for rent, making it easy to explore the park's paved trails.

Sam A. Baker State Park is rich with features that make it a standout destination:

• River and Creek Access: The park boasts extensive access to the St. Francis River and Big Creek, offering excellent opportunities for fishing (bass, sunfish, bluegill, catfish), swimming, wading, and floating. The boat ramp in Campground 1 provides easy river access.
• Extensive Trail System: A paradise for hikers, backpackers, bicyclists, and horseback riders. Trails vary in difficulty and length, including the 12-mile Mudlick Trail (a National Recreational Trail with backcountry shelters and views of Mudlick Mountain Wild Area), the 1.5-mile Shut-Ins Trail, and a 1.5-mile paved bicycle trail connecting Campground 1 to the park store.
• Beautiful and Well-Maintained Grounds: Campers consistently praise the cleanliness and meticulous upkeep of the campgrounds, individual sites, and facilities.
• Spacious Campsites: While some spots are more roomy than others, many concrete slab sites are noted as being large, level, and well-maintained.
• Historic CCC Structures: The park showcases beautiful stone structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, including the park office, visitor center (originally a stable), dining lodge, and many cabins, adding a unique historical element.
• Nature Center: Housed in a historic CCC building, the nature center offers engaging exhibits on the park's wildlife, history, and geography, with live animals that kids love.
• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Despite its popularity, the park is often described as quiet, especially in the evenings, allowing for a truly relaxing experience.
• Family-Friendly Environment: With a playground, safe river access for various ages, and a variety of activities, it's an ideal spot for family outings.
• Rustic Cabins: 18 rustic cabins, constructed from native stone and timber, offer modern conveniences including fireplaces, kitchens, bathrooms, heating, and air conditioning, providing a comfortable alternative to camping.

Address: MO-143, Des Arc, MO 63636, USA (Please note: The official address often listed for the park's main facilities and office is 5732 State Hwy 143 Patterson, MO 63956, which is functionally the same area.)

Retail & Reservations Phone: (573) 856-4524

Kitchen & Grill Phone: (573) 856-4524

Main Park Office Phone: (573) 856-4411

Toll-Free Reservations: 1-877-422-6766 (for Missouri State Parks system)

Email: moparks@dnr.mo.gov

Website: www.mostateparks.com/park/sam-baker-state-park (for official information and reservations)

For Missourians, Sam A. Baker State Park is more than just a campground; it’s a treasured institution, deeply woven into the fabric of countless family traditions. Its enduring popularity among locals speaks volumes about its suitability as a premier outdoor destination right here in our state. The relatively short drive for most residents makes it an ideal choice for quick weekend escapes or extended vacations without the hassle of long-distance travel, allowing you to maximize your time enjoying the park's offerings.

The park’s comprehensive amenities, including both electric and non-electric sites, clean and roomy shower houses, and convenient dump stations, cater to all styles of camping, from RV enthusiasts to tent campers. The presence of a well-stocked store and an on-site grill means you're never far from necessities or a delicious meal after a day of adventure. The friendly staff, often highlighted in reviews, further contributes to the welcoming and pleasant atmosphere.

What truly sets Sam A. Baker apart for us locals is the sheer breadth of activities available. From the refreshing waters of the St. Francis River and Big Creek, perfect for swimming, fishing, and floating, to the extensive network of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails that wind through the picturesque Ozark landscape, there’s an activity to suit every interest and energy level. The historical significance of the CCC-built structures adds a layer of depth and charm, connecting visitors to Missouri's rich past.

For generations, Sam A. Baker State Park has provided a clean, quiet, and engaging environment where Missouri families can connect with nature, learn, and create cherished memories. It continues to be a go-to destination, offering a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern convenience, ensuring that a fantastic outdoor adventure is always within reach for us here in Missouri.

Campground 1

MO-143, Des Arc, MO 63636, USA