Summary
This park offers a wide range of activities and attractions that make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
One of the top reasons to visit Sam A Baker State Park is its breathtaking scenery. The park is nestled within the St. Francois Mountains, providing visitors with picturesque landscapes of forests, hills, and the crystal-clear waters of the St. Francois River. This creates a serene environment that is perfect for hiking, picnicking, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature.
The park offers numerous points of interest that are worth exploring. One notable attraction is Mudlick Mountain, which offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area from its lookout point. Visitors can also explore Big Creek, a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and canoeing. Additionally, the park boasts a variety of hiking trails, including the Ozark Trail and the Boardwalk Trail, which takes visitors through a swamp and offers the opportunity to spot unique wildlife.
Interesting facts about Sam A Baker State Park include its rich history. The park was established in 1926 and was named after Missouri's 32nd governor, Samuel Aaron Baker. It was one of the first state parks in the region and has since become a beloved recreational area for both locals and tourists.
The best time of year to visit Sam A Baker State Park is during the spring and fall seasons. Springtime brings vibrant wildflowers and blooming trees, while autumn offers a stunning display of colors as the leaves change. The weather during these seasons is generally pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities.
To ensure accuracy, it is recommended to verify the information provided by cross-referencing multiple independent sources.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
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Sam A Baker State Park
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Greenville - Lake Wappapello
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Sulphur Springs - Lake Wappapello
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