Sam A. Baker State Park Campground serves as a central hub for glamping near Patterson, Missouri. The park sits where Big Creek and Saint Francis River meet, with campsites spread across two large campgrounds connected by a paved bike path. Water activities dominate recreation options during summer months, while the surrounding Ozark foothills provide year-round hiking opportunities on multiple trails ranging from easy to challenging.
What to do
River activities: Sam A. Baker State Park Campground offers floating trips on the St. Francis River with scheduled departure times. "We paid $40 for our canoe for the afternoon. It was nice to float a different river, but the St. Francois (at least near Sam A. Baker) was pretty murky and you couldn't see your feet in about knee-deep water," notes one visitor.
Hiking trails: Multiple trails accommodate different skill levels throughout the area, including backcountry options. At Marble Creek Rec Area, "the Ozark trail passes through the camp and you can hike this (or drive) up to Crane lake," reports one camper, making it a good starting point for longer hikes.
Horseback riding: Several campgrounds offer equestrian facilities and trail access. One visitor at Sam A. Baker State Park Campground mentioned, "There is plenty to do from hiking to horseback riding," noting the diverse recreational options available.
What campers like
Crystal clear waters: Many campgrounds feature pristine water access. At Marble Creek Rec Area, a visitor shares, "You can spend the day floating in the river or swimming near the little shut-ins watering hole," highlighting the natural swimming opportunities.
Spacious campsites: Campgrounds typically provide adequate separation between sites. "The campground is beautiful and the sites are spaced apart so that you don't feel like you're camping on top of your neighbors," notes a camper about Marble Creek.
Affordable rates: Basic sites at many campgrounds remain budget-friendly. As one camper at Twin Rivers Landing pointed out, "The sites were big enough for 4 tents. They have a shop and the prices there were extremely cheap."
What you should know
Seasonal water levels: River conditions change throughout the year. "We spent four days at the park with friends during the higher rain and very high river. I have never seen the river through the park so high to the top of the banks," recounted a visitor to Sam A. Baker State Park Campground.
Facilities vary: Bathroom and shower availability differs significantly between campgrounds. At Huzzah Valley, one reviewer noted that "Shower houses were not clean... luckily we didn't have to use them," indicating inconsistent maintenance.
Weekend crowds: Many sites fill quickly during peak times. "Although it was not a holiday weekend, we were a little surprised by how crowded it was," shared one visitor about river traffic during summer months.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water spots: Look for shallow areas with gradual entry. A visitor to Marble Creek Rec Area shared, "This spot was perfect for our group of friends bringing children! Site #20 had a perfect path to the water, and a reasonable creek walk up to a swimming hole."
Safety considerations: Some rivers have technical sections requiring caution. "There were tons of trees down in the water, making it a more technical trip at some points and even requiring us to get out and portage our canoe for about 25 yards," warns a camper at Sam A. Baker.
Alternative glamping options: For families seeking more comfort, Otahki Lake Cabins and Campground offers "glamping tents right on the river bluff" and "fully equipped cabins with hot tubs overlooking the 22 acre lake with a beach and activities," according to staff information.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric and water access varies by campground. At Kempers Hideaway Resort, campers can find RV sites with utilities, though one visitor noted they "were the only tent in the park on laborday weekend."
Site leveling: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain. A reviewer at Webb Creek Park observed it's an "older campground, very tight and some sites are uneven," suggesting campers should bring leveling blocks.
Seasonal access: Several campgrounds operate with limited schedules. Webb Creek Park runs "May 15 to September 15," according to campground information, making advance planning essential for RV travelers outside peak season.
