at Sam A. Baker State Park
This symbol indicates that the specified area is fully compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG).
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.
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.
For more information, contact the park:
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