The best camping in Sam A. Baker State Park, MO

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Discover the natural beauty of Sam A. Baker State Park.  

The best camping in Sam A. Baker State Park, MO

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.
Saco Valley Farm, LLC

1. Saco Valley Farm, LLC

98%
(26)
8.6mi from Sam A. Baker State Park · 4 sites · Tents · Fredericktown, MO
Camp, Swim, BBQ, wade the creek, enjoy the campfire! Primitive Camping. Very Private. Water is cool and clear. Open to the stars. A great place to commune with nature, or enjoy some peace and quiet! 12 mile creek runs directly through our property. Shallow and deep all throughout. Great for wading, swimming, floating, kayaking. Great small mouth fishing! We are approximately one mile by water from the St. Francois River. We have kayaked down the creek to the river for many years. The farm is very rural. We are 16 miles to the closest gas station, and 25 miles to town. There is no internet. Cell phone service is spotty at best. Currently a working farm, we have 2 high tunnels on the property behind the house, and our original market garden. Across the creek we are finishing up our 5 acre agroforestry planting. 3 acres of elderberries and 2 acres of blackberries. 28 acres, 3 on one side, and 25 on the other. The farm is located approximately 2 hours south of St. Louis. Fredericktown is 30 mins away. Food, Drinks, Golf, and Lalo's Mexican Restaurant! There are a ton of local antique shops, and outdoor activities. Local places of interest: Amidon Arcadia Valley Black River Bonne Terre Mine Elephant Rocks Johnson Shut Ins Mill Stream Gardens One Nation Paintball Park Sam A. Baker State Park Saco Valley Farmstand Sherpher Mountain Bike Park Silvermines Taum Sauk Mountain
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$25
 / night
The Holliday Landing on the Lake

3. The Holliday Landing on the Lake

94%
(65)
17mi from Sam A. Baker State Park · 44 sites · Tents, RVs · Greenville, MO
Learn more about this land: Holliday Landing Resort & Marina offers a variety of beautiful campsites to meet your camping needs. There are 11 sites with water, electric, and sewer hook-ups, 28 sites with water and electric, there is a secluded mini-loop where tent campers can enjoy the same access and amenities. All water and electric campsites have 30/120 amp electric service and frost-free water. Guests may use the modern restroom facility with showers. A dump station is available for your use. Each non-primitive site has a gravel pad for RV campers and parking, a grassy area for tent camping, visiting, or playing, a picnic table, and a fire ring with grill. Each primitive site has a grassy area, picnic table, and fire ring with no designated parking area. For your convenience, camping guests may use the boat ramp and may rent a boat slip for a $10 nightly fee.  Kids and adults alike can play together at our playground area. Camping guests also have access to an inground swimming pool at no extra charge.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night
Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

6. Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

98%
(839)
24mi from Sam A. Baker State Park · 37 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Ironton, MO
A wooded, more private camping experience with unique site designs and natural elements. Wood-burning sauna and hot tub available for guest use. Primitive Camping Van/vehicle Camping Small Trailers Glamping Bike Trails, Hiking, creek sit-in' on site! Best of the midwest biking, hiking, Ozark Trail, rock climbing Elephant Rocks Park, Johnson Shut-ins and more swimming holes nearby! Wood for sale on site, $5 per bundle, Fire starters also available. Ask us about our "Really Good At Camping" merchandise. We have shirts, mugs & wine tumblers! *Cash Only* at this time. We Have free stickers! *For camp site locations please refer to our map in the campsite listing photos. We are located just west of the Ironton Water Works Plant and the Shepherd Mountain Lake dam. Turn right after the dam, drive through Shepherd Mountain Lake Park. If our "campground guests only" gate if it is closed, and please close gate behind you. Thank you! No Hook Ups No swimming in the lake and no outside boats, but we have boats for campers to use free of charge! General Store and restroom facilities/showers coming soon!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$32
 / night
Scottish Highland Cattle Ranch

7. Scottish Highland Cattle Ranch

100%
(12)
27mi from Sam A. Baker State Park · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · Glen Allen, MO
Learn more about this land: We have five campsites in 135 acres of acres of forest and ranch land in our working cattle and sheep ranch.  Located in a serene valley in the Ozark Highlands, the Ranch has Sheep, Scottish Highland Cattle, Chickens, Ducks and Great Pyrenees livestock guard dogs (only in the sheep pastures - and they are friendly).  If you want to meet our animals and see the farm we are happy to show you around! This is a unique site located in the Ozark Highlands. Only 45 minutes from Cape Girardeau (a small river town on the Mississippi), and 45 minutes from the Arcadia Valley including Taum Sauk mountain (the highest point in Missouri), Elephant Rocks, the Johnston Shutins, and other beautiful areas in the highlands.  The farm is five minutes from Marble Hill, which is home to the Bollinger County Natural History museum which highlights the only dinosaur bones found in Missouri. The bones were found at a farm in Glennallen (a few minutes from our farm) as well as a great barbeque (Jay’s Restaurant) and a good catfish restaurant (Jers Restaurant). On the way to our farm, feel free to stop at the 1,700 foot deep artesian well to get a cool, refreshing jug of natural artesian well water – the water is free, but you have to bring your own containers!  We are two and a half hours southwest of St. Louis, and two and half hours northwest of Memphis.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$24
 / night
Cinco de Mayo Campground

9. Cinco de Mayo Campground

98%
(191)
30mi from Sam A. Baker State Park · 16 sites · RVs, Lodging · MO
Every morning that I wake up at Cinco I think how fortunate I am to have a place on this earth where I am excited to be. Whether it is sweaty-hot summertime or deep-freeze, snow-covered wintertime I treasure the moments sipping a cup of tea on the riverbank listening to the birds competing over food and mates...or to the ice breaking up with the morning heat. Starting the day this way can sure alleviate a lot of stress!   The tenants and guests that have stayed here make my favorite place on earth truly precious.  Sharing with others magnifies the experience.  Please give yourself the gift of staying here for a weekend.Learn more about this land:Sleep right on the banks of the river or in the clean level yard just a few feet away. Kayak or fish all day then enjoy a nice warm shower in our bathhouse. You can freshen your gear in our new mini-laundromat. Bring quarters or download an Iphone app to start the laundry machines.  
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$45
 / night
This is campsite 2 located near the creek not on it like 1 is. It’s the smallest of them all but surrounded by woods an closest  to the outhouse.  It can hold 2 maybe 3 small size tents.

10. 1855 Campground

100%
(71)
31mi from Sam A. Baker State Park · 7 sites · Tents · Black, MO
Hosts News: And just like that are camping season is at a close. I want to thank ALL my campers for making this a record year! Also a very big thanks for LEAVING NO TRACE. TIRED OF NOISEY OVERCROWDED CAMP GROUNDS, give us a try! 1855 Campground is 45 acres of private property, dedicated to the natural Ozark experience. We border the Mark Twain National Forest, enjoy the outdoors at its best. Our space offers 7 large campsites to provide privacy & serenity. Site 1, Little Brushy Creek with parking. Site 2, Nancy’s Landing, smaller site close to the creek with parking. Site 3 Bills Hill, located high up in the woods. Sites 4 & 5 Walnut Grove, large flat grassy sites in a meadow with wildflowers. Site 6 Hidden Hollow, located in a private cove. Site 7 Roberts Mountain located high up in the woods. Sites 3-4-5-6-7 are remote wooded campsites. Accessible by foot only & upon request a free shuttle of your camping gear. MUST arrive before 8pm when booking these remote sites. Bordering the National Forest, so hiking is abundant & encouraged. Far from the city is ideal for star gazing & amazing photo ops. There is a year round freshwater spring flowing nearby.  Enjoy fishing, swimming in the pond or babbling brook that runs alongside the property. Close by attractions: Floating along the Black River Johnson Shut Ins State Park Bell Mountain Hiking Trails  Elephant Rocks State Park Counsel Bluffs Lake Tip Top Park Taum Sauk State Park Historic town of Caledonia  Clearwater Lake Shepard Mountain bike trail Campsites can accommodate multiple tents. All sites have fire pits, first bundle of wood provided, & BBQ grills and tables (except sites 3 & 7).  Bring charcoal. Outhouses & outside shower are available. Parking lot provided, after check in & assistance to campsite.  NO vehicles, guns or loud music allowed in campground   “ Leave No Trace Principles apply, take out what you bring  in. The office is open 9 to 9 daily through the season. It’s worth noting that the office/ house is “off grid”. Bill, the manager of the campground has been living full time off grid for over 8 yrs & loves to share his experiences & encourages others to ask questions on the subject during normal business hours.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$18
 / night
Quiet Ozark RV/Tent Camping

11. Quiet Ozark RV/Tent Camping

100%
(12)
33mi from Sam A. Baker State Park · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Van Buren, MO
Looking for a quiet, peaceful private RV site? This site is on a 1 lane county road, 1 mile from Current River and 3 miles from Big Springs (see pics). The country setting is ideal for anyone interested in fishing, floating, hiking or other outdoor activities. No worries about flooding at this location! The small rural town of Van Buren, Missouri is 1 mile away for supplies. A must see is Big Springs in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways Park 3 miles away. Full hook up (water/elec/sewer/trash) located at 136 Harner Holler in Van Buren, Missouri. Only a three other RV sites on the property. Sites listed are 136A and 136 B is on the shared acre. The other two sites are approximately 50 yards away, 209 being one of these sites. The total property area is 30 acres with rarely any traffic on the country road. Note: A large Class A RV would not be able to make the curve in the county road. 2 night minimum preferred, but not required. Weekly/monthly rates available. Contact owner. Weekly and monthly rates will have additional electric charge based on usage.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$40
 / night
Chambourcin berries during veraison.

12. Monarch Hill Vineyard

99%
(92)
39mi from Sam A. Baker State Park · 19 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Ste. Genevieve, MO
Welcome to Monarch Hill! Tucked away in the hills of Ste. Genevieve County, we enjoy watching the sun rise and set over our secluded pastures and vineyards.  Our hilltop sites offer an open area with fire rings and picnic tables, great for groups or social butterflies. These offer well water at the nearby barn for drinking and showering.  The Seclusion sites are private escapes for those who want to immerse themselves in the sounds of nature. Take in the chirps of frogs, birds and crickets at these isolated sites.  We offer a complimentary wood basket with every booking, and have additional fire-building supplies available. Be sure to check out our experiences to make the most of your stay, and don't forget to reserve a s'more kit! *** April 2024 Total Solar Eclipse *** We are excited to be located in the best viewing path for this year's total eclipse! We will be preparing additional sites as needed for this weekend, so if we are fully booked check back soon or message us to reserve a spot. More information to come as we approach the date.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$50
 / night
Rocky Falls Campsite

13. Rocky Falls Campsite

100%
(10)
41mi from Sam A. Baker State Park · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Eminence, MO
Closest electric campsite to the wonderful Rocky Falls picnic area/swimming hole in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, where there is also a connection to the Ozark Trail to Mill Mountain Shut-Ins and historic Klepzig Mill. Enjoy the exclusive use of this electric campsite on 80 acres, mostly forest. 50 amp, 30 amp, and two 110-volt outlets. Room for up to 2 large RVs/camper trailers plus tents, so bring your family or small group. Other attractions in the area include the clear spring-fed Jacks Fork River and Current River, Blue Spring, Alley Spring, Peck Ranch Conservation Area, the Rocky Creek wild horse herd and so much more. Enjoy all these areas while camped away from the crowds in your own private campsite with a picnic table and campfire ring. About 1 ft x 4 ft of dry firewood available for $15, or about 2 ft x 4 ft for $30, from on-site wood box. Call or text host for lock combination. Enjoy the fireflies and vast dark night sky with no overhead lights in an area with very little light pollution. Campsite has good cell phone coverage with most carriers.
Pets
Campfires
Trash
from 
$28
 / night
Williams Camp : Eleven Point River

16. Williams Camp : Eleven Point River

98%
(30)
49mi from Sam A. Baker State Park · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · MO
Learn more about this land: You'll have a private place of your own, with access to some of Missouri states most hidden springs, rivers, waterfalls, fishing, hunting, hiking, (some of the best) horseback riding trails, and historic landmarks.  Rather you're after solitude or sport, this area has you covered.  Kayak, canoe, and shuttle rental, service is available at hufstedlers.com and is a short 11.5 mile drive.  Beautiful eleven point river offers blue, red, and white ribbon, spring fed trout/walleye water.  If you're looking to float the river, be sure to research the many springs on the way down your trip and the historic mill communities that once flourished there.  These are perfect opportunities to take a break, eat a meal, and explore the area.  Most also will have public bathrooms.  Unless there are multiple reservations, you will be allowed to hookup/stay at whichever site is the easiest for you to get parked at.  Maps of the area and things to do will continue to be updated as they are developed.  In the mean time, a great resource is MissouriScenicRivers.com. We do not live near this site so this is an exclusively non-hosted listing.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night
Front entrance

18. Pine Valley at Dillard Mill

99%
(42)
49mi from Sam A. Baker State Park · 5 sites · Lodging · Davisville, MO
Pine Valley is located in the heart of the Mark Twain National Forest and sits just a short walk away from historic Dillard Mill. Book the entire Farm or stay in an Airstream or Cottage. Group rentals Welcome! Pine Valley is on 43 acres of beautiful green pasture and woodland. Take a hike on one of the trails around the property or go fishing or wading on the Huzzah Creek. Spend your evening roasting marshmallows around your private campfire. Guests will have access to the 40 acres of land surrounding them. There are two ponds on the premise. Enjoy the quarter-mile walk to the old Dillard Mill Store, displayed in museum fashion at the entrance of Dillard Mill State Historic Site. Tour the old grist mill in working form, fish for sunfish, smallmouth bass and largemouth bass at the Mill, and take memorable photos. Just across from our main entrance take the half-mile trail through Mark Twain National Forest and skip rocks on the Huzzah Creek! Ask us about access to our private gravel bar on the Huzzah. You will pass it, and the private parking, on Dillard Mill Rd on your drive into Pine Valley We may or may not be on the premise during individual rentals. If there are any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out. Other things to note While this space provides most utilities and amenities you'd find at your home, it is important to note it is still a camping-style getaway. We do our best to treat the area, but you will encounter insects. AT&T has limited cell phone reception in the area, Sprint is very spotty, and Verizon is pretty much unavailable for service. We provide the best free wifi available to help with communication back to the real world, but it is rather slow. The best wifi reception is near the General Store/Courtyard. We try and keep the area well maintained. You may see ATVs/tractors on our property and on the gravel road. Pets are welcome for an extra $50 per stay. Please note our dogs may be on the property. They are friendly and well-behaved, although sometimes curious. Other guests may have no-leash pets as well. Park right next to your glamper. Arrive anytime after 4pm, just give us an eta to know when to expect you. If your glamper is not ready upon your arrival, feel free to explore our farm, visit Dillard Mill or head down to the Huzzah while we make it ready for your stay. Self Check-In is always the norm for added privacy. We won't bother you except to wave or maybe say hello if you're out and about. Please feel free to approach us with questions, niceties, or needs.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$117
 / night

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The best camping in Sam A. Baker State Park, MO guide

Overview

About

Nestled in the ancient St. Francois Mountains, Sam A. Baker State Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. With the St. Francis River and Big Creek offering year-round canoeing and fishing, and miles of trails for hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding, adventure awaits. The park also features rustic cabins and campgrounds, ensuring a memorable stay amid Missouri's scenic wilderness.

Notable campgrounds

  • Rustic Cabins: Cozy accommodations offering a serene retreat in the heart of the park.
  • Main Campground: Spacious sites suitable for tents and RVs, complete with modern facilities.
  • Equestrian Camp: A separate camping area designed for horse lovers with ample trail access.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book early, especially for peak seasons, to ensure your spot in this popular state park.
  • Consider visiting during weekdays for better availability and a quieter experience.
  • Check the park's website for cancellations to snag a last-minute reservation.
  • Explore nearby camping options for alternative accommodations if the park is fully booked.

When to go

The best time to visit Sam A. Baker State Park is from April to October when the visitor center is open and all activities are in full swing. Off-season visits offer tranquility but with limited services. Avoid holiday closures for an uninterrupted experience.

Know before you go

  • Check the Park and Site Status Map for temporary closures due to weather or maintenance.
  • Ensure you have all necessary safety gear for outdoor activities, including sturdy footwear for trails.
  • Accessibility information is available for those with special needs; inquire ahead of your visit.
  • Park office hours are 8am to 4pm, Monday through Friday, with some holiday closures.
  • Remember to pack out your trash and respect the park's natural environment during your stay.
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