Activities

  • camping

    Basic, electric and equestrian campsites are available. Click here for more information.

  • lodging

    Eighteen rustic cabins made of native stone and wood are nestled within this scenic park. Click here for more information.

  • dining

    Made of native stone, the dining lodge overlooks scenic Big Creek. Click here for more information.

  • canoe_float

    Take a float trip on the scenic and secluded St. Francis River. Click here for more information.

  • Horseback Riding

    Wind throughout scenic Mudlick Mountain on Mudlick Trail. Click here for more information.

  • Bicycling

    Ride on the park’s paved bicycle trail. Click here for more information.

  • hiking

    Take a leisure walk or a challenging hike on one of four scenic trails. Click here for more information.

  • fishing

    Cast your line at multiple access points in both the St. Francis River and Big Creek. Click here for more information.

  • swimming

    Several great splashing areas are available in both the St. Francis River and Big Creek. Day usage is from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Swim at your own risk.

  • boating

    Launch your canoe or small boat into the St.Francis River at the concrete boat launch. Click here for more information.

  • backpacking

    Stone backpack camping shelters are available on Mudlick Trail. Click here for more information.

  • picnicking

    Get your family or a group of friends together under one of the park's three picnic shelters. Click here for more information.

  • Interpretive Programs

    You can attend a variety of interpretive nature, recreation and leisure programs at the park. Click here for more information.

  • Playground

    There is a playground located at the day-use area.

Park information

It only takes a few minutes to fall in love with Sam A. Baker State Park. The cool waters of the St. Francois River and Big Creek frame a wooded setting with trails that range from easy to challenging. Ancient mountains, towering trees, and fresh air are hallmarks of the park. Rustic cabins, a campground, a separate campground for equestrians, and a lodge with good country cookin’ round out the Sam A. Baker experience.

See video

Park Hours

Park Grounds

7 a.m. - 10 p.m. , year-round

Park Office hours

8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday through Friday as staff are available, year-round

Visitor Center hours

Visitor and Nature Center

  • April 1 through the Thursday before Memorial Day weekend
    10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday through Thursday
    10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Friday
    9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday
    Closed from noon to 1 p.m. daily
  • Friday of Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day
    10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday
    10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday
    9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday
    10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday
    Closed from noon to 1 p.m. daily
  • Tuesday after Labor Day through Oct. 31
    10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday through Thursday
    10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Friday
    9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday
    Closed from noon to 1 p.m. daily
  • November through March
    Closed

Camp Fee Office

  • April 1 through the Thursday before Memorial Day weekend
    10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday through Thursday
    10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Friday
    9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday
    Closed from noon to 1 p.m. daily
  • Friday of Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day
    10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday
    10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday
    9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday
    10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday
    Closed from noon to 1 p.m. daily
  • Tuesday after Labor Day through Oct. 31
    10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday through Thursday
    10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Friday
    9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday
    Closed from noon to 1 p.m. daily
  • November through March
    Closed
    NOTE: Camping fees are collected at the campsite by park staff.