🌤 Weather at Sam A. Baker State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35–77 °F | 63–89 °F | 35–80 °F | 23–48 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Clearwater Dam, 16 mi away, elevation 660 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Sam A. Baker State Park is a public state park in Missouri near Patterson in Wayne County. Spanning 5,323 acres and established in 1926, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Missouri |
| Nearest City | Patterson |
| County | Wayne |
| Park Size | 5,323 acres |
| Established | 1926 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.6/5 (900 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
Sam A. Baker State Park is located near Patterson, Missouri. The park’s coordinates are 37.2533, -90.5261.
Things to Do
Missouri state parks protect an impressive variety of Ozark landscapes — spring-fed rivers with crystal-clear water, dramatic shut-ins (narrow volcanic rock gorges), extensive cave systems, forested bluffs along the Ozark Trail, and managed prairies. Activities include hiking some of the Midwest’s most scenic trails, swimming and floating in cold, clear Ozark springs and rivers, fishing for trout in spring-fed streams, camping in forested river valleys, caving on guided tours, mountain biking, horseback riding, kayaking, and exploring Civil War and frontier-era historic sites. Missouri’s springs — including Big Spring and Alley Spring — are among the largest and most beautiful in the country.
Best Time to Visit
Missouri parks are a three-season destination with winter hiking as abonus. Spring (March–May) brings dogwood and redbud blooms, rushing waterfalls, and comfortable temperatures. Summer (June–August) is peak season for floating, swimming, and camping — the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers are iconic summer float trips. Fall (September–November) delivers excellent Ozark foliage peaking mid-October, with comfortable hiking weather. Winter offers peaceful trail experiences and is ideal for cave tours (caves maintain 56°F year-round). All Missouri state parks are free — no entrance fees or vehicle passes required.
Visitor Tips
All Missouri state parks are free to visit — no entrance fees or vehicle permits required. Camping fees are modest and vary by facility. Reservations are made through mostateparks.com. Cave tours at parks like Onondaga Cave, Meramec Caverns, and Ozark Caverns require separate tickets and often sell out on weekends — reserve in advance. Float trip parks along the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers get very busy on summer weekends. Cell service is limited in the Ozarks backcountry.
Explore More Missouri State Parks
Sam A. Baker State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Missouri. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Missouri guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Sam A. Baker SP — 5,323 acres in the St. Francois Mountains — is one of Missouri’s most scenic parks. The park’s shut-ins on Big Creek, Mudlick Mountain, and CCC-era structures create a classic Ozark experience. Timber rattlesnakes, bobcats, and wild turkeys inhabit the rugged terrain. Eastern collared lizards bask on the glades.
Nearby Attractions
Patterson — adjacent. Johnson’s Shut-Ins SP — 25 miles northwest. Trail of Tears SP — 30 miles east. Wappapello SP — 20 miles south.
More parks nearby: Lake Wappapello State Park is within about an hour’s drive, while Taum Sauk Mountain State Park lies within about an hour’s drive.
⛺ Camping at Sam A. Baker State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | Two regular campgrounds plus an equestrian campground. Campground 1 (April 1–October 31): basic, electric, and family sites; showers, water, restrooms, dump station, parking, boat ramp access. Campground 2 (year-round): basic, electric, and family sites; showers, water, laundry, restrooms, dump station, nature center. Equestrian Campground (March 1–November 30): basic and electric sites, water, vault toilets, parking; can be reserved by equestrian and non-equestrian campers. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 19 rustic cabins of native stone and wood. Most have fireplaces, kitchens, full bathrooms, heating and air conditioning, outside grills, fire pits, and picnic tables; bedding, towels, and kitchen utensils provided. Managed by a concessionaire (samabaker.com, phone 888-210-3889 or 573-856-4524); reservations not accepted by email. Dogs permitted in a limited number of cabins for an additional fee through the Cabins for Canines program. |
| Pets | No more than two dogs per campsite recommended; pets must be supervised and kept on leashes no longer than 10 feet at all times. |
| Reservations | Reservable up to 12 months in advance via mostateparks.com or by calling 1-877-422-6766, daily 7 a.m.–7 p.m. CT. Camping limited to any 15 days within a 30-consecutive-day period at any one park. |
| Special sites | Equestrian Campground sites can be reserved by equestrian and non-equestrian campers. Watercraft/ATV trailer parking permitted on an off-site pad. |
| Season notes | Off-season (November–March): potable water available at the frost-free spigot near the visitor/nature center; modern restrooms and showerhouses closed. |
Camping questions about Sam A. Baker State Park
Can you camp at Sam A. Baker State Park?
Two regular campgrounds plus an equestrian campground. Campground 1 (April 1–October 31): basic, electric, and family sites; showers, water, restrooms, dump station, parking, boat ramp access. Campground 2 (year-round): basic, electric, and family sites; showers, water, laundry, restrooms, dump station, nature center. Equestrian Campground (March 1–November 30): basic and electric sites, water, vault toilets, parking; can be reserved by equestrian and non-equestrian campers.
How do you reserve a campsite at Sam A. Baker State Park?
Reservable up to 12 months in advance via mostateparks.com or by calling 1-877-422-6766, daily 7 a.m.–7 p.m. CT. Camping limited to any 15 days within a 30-consecutive-day period at any one park.
Are there cabins at Sam A. Baker State Park?
19 rustic cabins of native stone and wood. Most have fireplaces, kitchens, full bathrooms, heating and air conditioning, outside grills, fire pits, and picnic tables; bedding, towels, and kitchen utensils provided. Managed by a concessionaire (samabaker.com, phone 888-210-3889 or 573-856-4524); reservations not accepted by email. Dogs permitted in a limited number of cabins for an additional fee through the Cabins for Canines program.
Are pets allowed at the Sam A. Baker State Park campground?
No more than two dogs per campsite recommended; pets must be supervised and kept on leashes no longer than 10 feet at all times.
Source: mostateparks.com (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Sam A. Baker State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Responsible pet owners and their pets are welcome in Missouri state parks and historic sites, with pets leashed and under control.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash not longer than 10 feet required at all times; portable fences and shock collars do not satisfy the requirement.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed in public swimming areas or on beaches.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- The 'Cabins for Canines' program opens about 30% of lodging units to dogs (max two dogs per unit) at roughly 15 participating parks including Lake of the Ozarks, Bennett Spring, Echo Bluff and Roaring River; per-dog per-night fee varies by unit type.
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; Cabins for Canines charges a per-dog, per-night lodging fee (varies by unit).
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Maximum two dogs per campsite; pets not allowed inside any park building.
Are dogs allowed at Sam A. Baker State Park?
Responsible pet owners and their pets are welcome in Missouri state parks and historic sites, with pets leashed and under control. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via mostateparks.com. More: Missouri state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Sam A. Baker State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
