Sam A. Baker State Park
- Status
- Status not postedDaily 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Entrance fee
- Statewide rule — see below
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Dogs allowed, with restrictions10-ft leash
- Camping
- YesAlso cabins
- Official site
- mostateparks.com(573) 856-4411
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Overview
In Wayne County, about 12 miles northeast of Piedmont, Sam A. Baker State Park covers about 5,582 acres.
The park supports horseback riding, mountain biking, canoeing and kayaking, boating, and swimming. Overnight options include 3 camping areas, with tent sites and equestrian camping. Roofed lodging includes cabins.
Hours
Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.
| Facility | Days | Hours | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park | Daily | 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. | — |
| Office | Daily | 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. | — |
| Visitor center | Wed–Sun | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Apr 1 – Oct 31 |
| Mon, Tue | Closed | — | |
| Daily | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Apr 1 – Oct 31 | |
| Wed–Sun | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Apr 1 – Oct 31 | |
| Mon, Tue | Closed | — | |
| Park | 2025-2026 State Holidays: On the following days (actual or observed), staff will not be available and park buildings will be closed: Thanksgiving Day; Nov. 28, 2025; Christmas Eve; Christmas Day; New Year’s Eve; New Year’s Day; Martin Luther King Jr. Day; Lincoln’s Birthday; and Washington's Birthday. | ||
Official wording
Park Grounds: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., daily, year-round
Park Office - Sam A. Baker: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday as staff are available, year-round
Visitor Center, April through October (on-season): April 1 through Memorial Day 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday Closed Monday and Tuesday Tuesday after Memorial Day through Labor Day 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily Tuesday after Labor Day through Oct. 31 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday Closed Monday and Tuesday November through March (off-season): Closed
2025-2026 State Holidays: On the following days (actual or observed), staff will not be available and park buildings will be closed: Thanksgiving Day; Nov. 28, 2025; Christmas Eve; Christmas Day; New Year’s Eve; New Year’s Day; Martin Luther King Jr. Day; Lincoln’s Birthday; and Washington's Birthday.
Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/Chicago).
Fees and passes
Fees apply to camping, lodging and some tours (e.g. cave tours).
Statewide fee rule from Missouri's park system; this park’s page doesn’t list its own fees.
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Booking system
- Missouri State Parks reservation system (UseDirect / Tyler, 'ICampMO')
- Phone
- 877-422-6766 (877-ICampMO)
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Pets
Dogs allowed, with restrictions · leash up to 10 feet
Not allowed in or on: any building that is not part of the cabins for canines program.
We recommend no more than two dogs per campsite. Pets must be supervised and kept on leashes no longer than 10 feet at all times. Pet waste bags are available in most locations. Other than service animals, pets are not allowed inside any building that is not part of the Cabins for Canines program, or in public swimming areas or waters reserved for fishing.
Service animals are generally permitted where pets are not. Check with the park for specific areas.
Camping
| Campground or site type | Sites | Hookups / features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Campground 1 Season: Apr 1-Oct 31 Reservations: Apr 1-Oct 31 | — | Basic, Electric*, Family*Showers | — |
| Campground 2 Season: Year-round Reservations: Apr 1-Oct 31 | — | Basic, Electric*, Family*Showers | — |
| Equestrian Campground Season: Mar 1-Nov 30 Reservations: Apr 1-Oct 31 | — | Basic, Electric* | — |
Camping details from the park
Sam A. Baker State Park has two campgrounds and an equestrian campground. The park also has a special-use camping area. Both regular campgrounds offer family campsites for those who need a little extra space. The park store offers supplies for your camping stay.
Printable campground maps are available for your reference by clicking the "Map" links.
Individual Campground Information
CampgroundAvailable DatesShowers/Water AvailableReservationsTypes of Sites
Campground 1 (Map)
Apr 1-Oct 31Apr 1-Oct 31Apr 1-Oct 31Basic, Electric*, Family*
Campground 2 (Map)
Year-roundApr 1-Oct 31Apr 1-Oct 31Basic, Electric*, Family*
Equestrian Campground (Map)
Mar 1-Nov 30Apr 1-Oct 31Apr 1-Oct 31Basic, Electric*
- Equestrian Campground sites can be reserved by equestrian and non-equestrian campers.
- During the off-season (November through March), potable water is available at the frost-free water spigot located at the visitor/nature center. Modern restrooms and showerhouses are closed during the off-season.
- Parking of watercraft or all-terrain vehicle (ATV) trailers off of the campsite pad (usually in the grass) is permitted at this facility.
Other Types of Camping Areas Available in the Park:
Special-use camping area
From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Cabins and lodging
- Cabins: 19 units
Nineteen rustic cabins made of native stone and wood are nestled within this scenic park. Most have fireplaces, kitchens, full baths, heating and air conditioning, outside grills, fire pits, and picnic tables. They are equipped with bedding, towels and kitchen utensils.
To make your reservation, visit samabaker.com or call 888-210-3889 or 573-856-4524. Reservations are not accepted by email.
Dogs are allowed in a limited number of the cabins for an additional fee. Click on the Cabins for Canines link to the right for more information.
The cabins, Mudlick Mountain Grill, Mudlick Mountain Store and canoe rental are operated by the concessionaire. Raft and kayak rentals are also available. Let the concessionaire or a member of the concession staff make your visit to Sam A. Baker State Park more enjoyable. For more information about the concession facilities, please call 888-210-3889 or 573-856-4524 or visit their website.
For temporary closures related to weather, stewardship activities and maintenance, as well as temporary trail closures, visit our Park and Site Status Map.
Things to do
CampingHorseback ridingHikingBikingMountain bikingBoatingCanoeing and kayakingFishingRanger and interpretive programsPicnickingSwimming
Trails
| Trail | Length | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Tower Trail | — | — | Trail information: https://mostateparks.com/media/pdf/trail-details-fire-tower-trail-0 |
| Mudlick Equestrian Hike Trail | — | — | Trail information: https://mostateparks.com/media/pdf/trail-details-mudlick-equestrian-hike-trail |
| Mudlick Hike Only Trail | — | — | Trail information: https://mostateparks.com/media/pdf/trail-details-mudlick-hike-only-trail |
| Paved Bicycle Trail | — | — | Trail information: https://mostateparks.com/media/pdf/trail-details-paved-bicycle-trail |
| Shut-Ins Trail | — | — | Trail information: https://mostateparks.com/media/pdf/trail-details-shut-ins-trail |
Trail descriptions from the park
Fire Tower TrailMudlick Equestrian Hike TrailMudlick Hike Only TrailPaved Bicycle TrailShut-Ins Trail
- Trail Map
- Trail Information
- Trail Map
- Trail Information
- Trail Map
- Trail Information
- Trail Map
- Trail Information
- Trail Map
- Trail Information
Fishing
Commonly caught fish: bass, bluegill, catfish
A state fishing license is usually required.
Amenities
Facilities
- Picnic areas
- Picnic shelters
- Playground
- Restaurant or food service
Camping
- Tent camping
- Equestrian camping
Lodging
- Cabins
Recreation
- Horse trails
✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.
Accessibility
Birding
Visitors of all abilities can enjoy birding along the Paved Bicycle Trail. This trail has manageable surfaces, trail information and signage, rest areas, and many other ADA considerations.
To find additional locations that are accessible, visit Birdability to view their accessible birding trails maps.
Visitor Center/Fee Office
The visitor center's unique architecture can be attributed to the Civilian Conservation Corps, which, in the 1930s, built all the historic structures you'll see in this park. This building was originally meant to be a barn with a hayloft. Now it houses the visitor center, which holds many exhibits that interpret the history of the area; and the nature center, where you can see examples of local plant and animal life.
Read more from the park
As you pull into the parking lot, you'll find a handicap parking space with an adjacent paved pathway leading past an information board to the entrance. Inside the visitor center there are accessible public restrooms.
Mudlick Mountain Store and Grill
Helpful concessionaires provide cabin rentals, fishing and camping supplies, groceries, a grill, jewelry, T-shirts and much more. Accessible parking is near the entrance with an adjacent paved pathway.
Shelter 1/Day-Use Area
This lightly wooded area was originally developed by the CCC, as can be seen in the construction of the shelter. The shelter accommodates 75 people and has electricity, two group grills and extended-end tables. A concrete pathway connects to the parking lot, where four parking spaces have been reserved. From the parking lot, other paths lead to the accessible playground, individual picnic sites and restroom. Two water fountains are in the area.
Shelters 2 and 3/Day-Use Area
This day-use area contains two accessible shelters that accommodate 75 people, with electricity, two group grills and extended-end tables. Parking is level with a pathway connecting a water fountain and information board to the shelter. The vault toilet at Shelter 3 is accessible; the vault toilet at Shelter 2 is not accessible at this time.
Cabin Area
There are 18 cabins; many were built by the CCC. Cabin 8 has been constructed to be accessible with a kitchen area, a transfer seat in the shower/tub and ease in maneuvering. The cabin accommodates up to four people and has a deck and pedestal grill. Two parking spaces are assigned to this cabin.
CCC Lodge
The CCC lodge was constructed with local stone and blends into its setting overlooking the river. Here you'll find a handicap parking space with an adjacent concrete pathway leading to the front door. Inside is a charming, rustic atmosphere with an accessible restroom available. The lodge is open as a rental venue and occasionally for dining during the on-season.
Campgrounds
Campground 1 is located just inside the south park entrance and can be recognized by its huge pine trees. The campsites are hidden among these and other trees in this level area next to the river.
This area has five electric and two basic accessible sites. The large showerhouse is totally accessible and has six level parking spaces on the side with both stairs and a ramp. An accessible vault toilet is also available. The dump station is level with no barriers, but fresh water is from a hydrant with a pump-style handle. All water hydrants have concrete paths off the road for your convenience. A boat ramp is adjacent to the entrance of this area and is of corrugated concrete at an average slope of 7.3%. Parking is level with one handicap space.
Campground 2 has one accessible site. A large restroom is available during the on-season with level parking and a sidewalk. An accessible vault toilet is also available year-round. The dump station is level with no barriers.
Amphitheater
The amphitheater, interestingly, was constructed in the same area in which the CCC held boxing matches. It has not been modified for accessibility; however, some visitors have entered from the Shelter 1 day-use area behind the amphitheater with assistance.
Equestrian Area
This area has 21 campsites outfitted with tie-up areas, tables, lantern posts and fire-rings. Bases are of packed gravel and most are level. Most sites have shade. One electric site and one basic site are available with extended-end tables located on packed gravel continuous with the parking space. Water hydrants are located on concrete paths. An accessible vault toilet is available for your convenience.
Paved Bicycle Trail
The asphalt paved walking/bicycling trail is a 1.5-mile route that runs from the park store to Campground 1. The trail enters Campground 1 between campsite 84 and 85. The trail has little slope except for a short length that leads to the store that measures 7%. If this is a problem, the trail can be accessed at the visitor center or by the Bike Trail Spur located at campsite 130 in Campground 2. This spur is mostly level with a small incline at the junction with the main trail.
Sam A. Baker State Park
5580 state Highway 143
Patterson, MO 63956
573-856-4411
1-800-334-6946
1-800-379-2419 TDD
Last updated: April 2021
Official accessibility information
Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.
Getting there
- Address
- 5580 State Highway 143
Patterson, MO 63956-9729 - Nearest town
- Piedmont — about 12 mi northeast (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 37.2590, -90.5268
- Phone
- (573) 856-4411
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- Missouri State Parks — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026
- Quick List of Parks and Historic Sites (HTML) + MoDNR ArcGIS boundary layer for coordinates
- Wikidata
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. No change has been detected since this page was first published. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology