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Sam A. Baker State Park

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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.

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.

Address

Route 1, Box 113
Patterson, MO 63956-9729

Phone numbers

  • Park Office: (573) 856-4411
  • Lodging/Store: (573) 856-4223
  • Dining: (573) 856-4224
  • Nature Center: (573) 856-4514
  • Camp Fee Office: (573) 856-4424

Related Content

Missouri State Parks and Historic Sites
May 23, 2013
Fifty years ago, if you had arrived at the natural tunnel in Bennett Spring State Park, you would have seen a lake. Around 1964, a dam created from gravel and silt and reinforced with rebar and concrete blocked the upstream entrance of the natural tunnel. There is no record of how long the resulting lake lasted, but historical accounts state the dam failed after heavy rains, leaving only the portion of the structure seen today at the end of the trail. Walk the Natural Tunnel Trail today and imagine what it would have been like 50 years ago. For more information about this trail, other trails at the park, and all the other things you can do at Bennett Spring State Park, visit mostateparks.com.