Sam A. Baker State Park

Park Information

With the ancient St. Francois Mountains, the unspoiled natural landscape and the cool waters of the St. Francis River and Big Creek, Sam A. Baker State Park has something for everyone. 

Access to both the river and creek gives anglers the opportunity to hook many varieties of fish and canoeists the chance to float year-round. Several miles of hiking, backpacking, bicycling and equestrian trails provide glimpses of the area as the earlier settlers found it. Exhibits in the park’s nature center interpret the natural and cultural history of the park.

Visitors can spend the night in either a rustic cabin or one of two large campgrounds. For horse lovers, there is a separate equestrian camp. Shaded picnic areas are available for small and large groups.

At Sam A. Baker State Park, the possibilities are endless and the choice is all yours.

Park Hours

For temporary closures related to weather, stewardship activities and maintenance, as well as temporary trail closures, click here to visit our Park and Site Status Map.


On the following days (actual or observed), staff will not be available and park buildings will be closed: Thanksgiving Day; Nov. 24, 2023; Christmas Eve; Christmas Day; New Year’s Eve; New Year’s Day; Martin Luther King Jr. Day; Lincoln’s Birthday; and Presidents Day. 

Park Grounds

7 a.m. to 10 p.m., daily, year-round

Park Office hours

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

On the following days (actual or observed), staff will not be available and park buildings will be closed: Thanksgiving Day; Nov. 24, 2023; Christmas Eve; Christmas Day; New Year’s Eve; New Year’s Day; Martin Luther King Jr. Day; Lincoln’s Birthday; and Presidents Day. 

Visitor Center hours

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

Mudlick Trailhead #2 hours

Click here for more information about trails at this park.