MSam A. Baker State Park


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Sam A. Baker State Park

The Basics

Sam A. Baker State Park
Route 1, Box 113
Petterson, MO 63956

Phone: (573) 856-4411
(573) 856-4223 Lodge/Canoe Rental
(573) 856-4224 Dining
Email: moparks@dnr.mo.gov

Directions: From St. Louis: Travel south on I-55 to Festus/Exit# 174. Turn south on Hwy 67 for approx 75 miles to Hwy 34. Turn right/west onto Hwy 34 and go approx 5 miles to Hy 143. Turn right/north onto Hwy 143, which leads into the park.

About Sam A. Baker

As one of Missouri's earliest state parks, Sam A. Baker State Park offers the classic state park experience, with natural, historical, and recreational opportunities available. Named for Missouri Governer Samual A. Baker, he encouraged the development of the park during his governship in the 1920s. Sometimes referred to as Baker State Park, the 5,000+ acres that encompass the park sets in the St. Francois mountains of the southeastern Missouri Ozarks. Included in the park is Mudlick Mountain, a 1,313 foot high and dominant feature of the park. Many examples of CCC craftmanship from the 1930s can also be found throughout the park.

Today, the park is frequented by hikers, backpackers, and equestrian riders alike, on one of the park's numerous miles of trails. Designated a National Recreational trail, the 12-mile loop Mudlick trail is popular with hikers, and most of the trail is open to horseback riders as well. The trail offers access to and great views of the Mudlick Mountain Natural Area and the Mudlick Mountain Wild Area, one of the larger wilderness areas in the state park system. A portion of the Wappapello Section of the Ozark Trail also passes through the park.

For overnight visitors, eighteen rustic cabins, and two campgrounds offer guests plenty of opportunities to spend the night. The cabins are equipped with heat and air conditioning, linens, cooking utensils and dishes. The two campgrounds offer 185 campsites between them, and over two-thirds of them are electric. Both campgrounds offer restrooms with hot showers, laundry facilities, sanitary dump stations, and paved drives. A separate equestrian campground, plus additional group camps, are also available. With so many outdoor recreational opportunities available in this area of the state, many visitors choose Baker State Park as a central location from which to explore the outdoors nearby.

For anglers and water enthusiasts, the nearby St. Francois River and Big Creek offer plenty of opportunities for both. Anglers can try their luck at smallmouth bass, crappie, sunfish, goggle-eye, and catfish. Wading, tubing, swimming, and snorkeling are favorite summertime activities. Canoeing is available year-round on the St. Francois River, while spring or early summer is the best time to float Big Creek, usually by kayak. The park also offers a small boat ramp and parking area for access to the St. Francois River.

Features & Facilities

Park Office | Visitor Center | Gift Shop | Nature Center | Exhibits | Fire Tower | Amphitheater | Pavilions | Picnic Area/Tables | Playground | Restaurant | Cabins | Campground | Equestrian Campground | Restrooms | Showers | Laundry | Dump Station | Canoe Rentals | Boat Ramp

Activities Available

Camping | Hiking Trails | Bicycle Trail | Equestrian Trails | Canoeing/Kayaking | Swimming | Fishing

What's Nearby


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Castor River Conservation Area
Grassy Towersite
Ketcherside Mountain Conservation Area
Lake Wappapello State Park
Mark Twain National Forest

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Lake Wappapello State Park
Mark Twain National Forest

Camping
Lake Wappapello State Park
Mark Twain National Forest

Lodging
Lake Wappapello State Park

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