State Park

Sam A. Baker State Park

Wayne County, MissouriAbout 5,582 acresEstablished 1926
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.

FacilityDaysHoursSeason
ParkDaily7 a.m. – 10 p.m.—
OfficeDaily8 a.m. – 4 p.m.—
Visitor centerWed–Sun9 a.m. – 5 p.m.Apr 1 – Oct 31
Mon, TueClosed—
Daily9 a.m. – 5 p.m.Apr 1 – Oct 31
Wed–Sun9 a.m. – 5 p.m.Apr 1 – Oct 31
Mon, TueClosed—
Park2025-2026 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)

Check availability and book

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 typeSitesHookups / featuresPrice
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

TrailLengthDifficultyNotes
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

Google Maps directionsApple MapsOfficial park map (PDF)

Nearby state parks

Sources and freshness

“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

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