1 campground with availability this weekend
Sam A. Baker State Park Campground offers equestrian camping accommodations near Dexter, Missouri with dedicated facilities for riders and their horses. The park features an equestrian campground separate from the two traditional camping areas, providing appropriate space for horses and trailers. Trails throughout the park accommodate horseback riding, with users noting the need to be aware of horses on the aquatic trails. The campground provides basic amenities including drinking water, electric hookups, fires, and sanitary facilities. Several reviews mention encountering horses while enjoying other activities in the park, indicating regular equestrian use.
Located approximately 45 miles northwest of Dexter, Sam A. Baker provides trail access suitable for both novice and experienced riders. The equestrian trails connect to the broader trail system within the park, allowing for varied terrain and riding experiences. The park maintains multiple water crossings where horses can drink and cool off during rides. Trailer parking is available near the equestrian camping area for convenient access to trails. The Big Creek and St. Francis River run through the property, creating natural boundaries and water features along riding routes. Campers should secure food items properly as wildlife including skunks and raccoons are active in the camping areas. The park's trail system ranges from short, family-friendly paths to more challenging routes suitable for longer rides.
"We enjoyed our 1.5 mile hike to get to the river access to float. We brought our own flotation devices and really enjoyed every aspect of the seclusion."
"There are 2 huge campgrounds (around 100 sites each!) and a nice paved bike path connecting them."
Available this weekend
from $14 - $46 / night
"They offer trail rides on their horses. Dog friendly. Connected to ozark trail."
"The "Zoo" is for the younger and rowdier crowd, and is located north of HWY 8, away from the family-friendly sites, and has later quiet hours and is known for its party-like atmosphere. "
from $11 - $65 / night
LegendThe trees changes are amazing in the fall. Lots of great camping spots to select from. Good for any kind of camping and has cabins, store, and restaurant. Great bike trails and plenty of water play in the river.
TravelerSam a Baker is a beautiful destination for any family. There is plenty to do from hiking to horseback riding. There are multi camp sites that can be easily reserved online. The Saint Francis River and the Big Creek meet in the park. The big creek is spring feed and ice cold. The Saint Francis is wild and is considered white water during the rainy season. There are plenty of amenities in the park for the novice camper. From the camp store to the shower house. SAM A BAKER has you covered
ScoutWe have been coming here for years, there is something for everyone here! The water is slow and shallow enough in tons of places for littles and deep and cold enough for the older kids and adults to cool off too. The store is adorable, the food is surprisingly really good (I’m craving those loaded nachos!), and when you’re absent-minded like me and forget the bikes you can rent them there 😁 We like Campground 2 on the gravel side (to the left when you pull in) because it’s nice and quiet and close to the nature center. You really can’t go wrong with any of the sites!
ScoutCamp host was nice and river was also very nice but campground was really tight. We had camper 5 feet off back window and tents on are side not much space
GuideStayed here for three nights over Halloween weekend, and it was wonderful. There were very few people there to begin with, but Sunday night there was no one else there but us. We even had a deer run through our campsite while we sat fireside! Bathrooms were clean, roads were well maintained, and the signs were very clear.
GuideMultiple weekends spent at this campsite, both with and without family. RV sites are clean, mostly level, and well spaced out, with quiet hours rules to accommodate families. The "Zoo" is for the younger and rowdier crowd, and is located north of HWY 8, away from the family-friendly sites, and has later quiet hours and is known for its party-like atmosphere. Campers in this area are effectively "locked in" after a certain time, to prevent the rowdiness from spilling over after hours. Amenities are plentiful, and the camp store is larger than most convenience stores you'd find on the highway. Floating options are plentiful, with multiple routes and raft/canoe/tube options available. Either float away from your campsite, with a shuttled return, or take the shuttle to the put-in, upstream, and float back to your campsite. An annual tradition!
RangerLevel sites throughout, but close together. Our power pole had an open ground on the 30 amp and no water at the site. No ATT or Verizon cell. The trees boosted the rating and were the highlight of the place,
It was decent for a night over, but not for a destination. Did not use the facilities nor try OTA tv. It is a nice park, but just had seen better days.
GuideWe stayed one night on our way to Arkansas in site 199. Our site was level and spacious. The camp host was friendly and helpful. We had a nice time riding our bikes in the morning. The only reason for a 4 rather than a 5 was that lack of cell signal at our site (it was fine in other parts of the park).
GuideI’ve never been to a campground so finely manicured. The grass is short and the roads are in great shape. Campground 1 has a boat ramp and easy access to river sits. Some of the sites are a little crampy, but if all you’re doing is cooking and sleeping, you’re as good to go as a crunch wrap supreme. When night falls, be sure to lock your food up like Fort Knox. We saw a few stinks, a whizzle, and a fat racc. And boy, were they persistent. Next trip we’ll be hitting the backpacking trails. Can’t wait to come back. Thanks Sammy.
Sam A. Baker State Park provides a range of camping opportunities beyond its equestrian facilities, with two large campgrounds containing approximately 100 sites each. Located in southeastern Missouri, the park encompasses sections of the St. Francois River and Big Creek, creating natural boundaries and water features for visitors to enjoy. Seasonal considerations include high water levels during spring rains and peak crowds during summer weekends when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F.
Float the river: The park offers organized float trips departing at 10am or 11am from the boat ramp at Campground 1, with pickup times at either 2pm or 4pm. A canoe rental costs approximately $40 for the afternoon. "The 4 mile float the campground offers" provides a change of scenery, though as one visitor noted, "the St. Francois (at least near Sam A. Baker) was pretty murky and you couldn't see your feet in about knee-deep water" and fallen trees can make navigation challenging at Sam A. Baker State Park Campground.
River wading: During hot weather, many visitors enjoy simply wading in the river near the campground rather than taking organized floats. "The river made for nice wading in the afternoon heat. A friend and I even spotted a baby eastern spiny softshell turtle while crossing Big Creek!" reported one camper who appreciated the accessible water features.
Biking: The park maintains a paved bike path connecting the two main campgrounds, providing a safe route for cyclists of all ages. This path is separate from the equestrian trails and allows for easy travel between camping areas without needing a vehicle. The relatively flat terrain makes this suitable for families with younger children.
Shaded campsites: The mature tree canopy throughout the camping areas provides essential relief during hot Missouri summers. "We were so pleased with how well-kept our sites were. Even during the last weekend of September, it was hot out, so we were glad there were plenty of trees around," noted one visitor at Sam A. Baker State Park Campground.
Wildlife viewing: The park's natural setting supports diverse wildlife including turtles, birds, and small mammals. Visitors should secure food items properly as "wildlife including skunks and raccoons are active in the camping areas" according to experienced campers. Early mornings and evenings offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the park.
Camp store amenities: The well-stocked camp store provides essentials and conveniences. "Nice little store, good price!!" mentioned one camper who appreciated the convenience. The store sells "reasonably priced firewood" according to visitors who prefer not to collect or bring their own supplies.
River conditions vary: Water levels fluctuate significantly throughout the year. During one visit, a camper observed: "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." These changing conditions affect both wading safety and float trips at Huzzah Valley.
Popularity impacts: The park experiences high visitation, especially during summer weekends. "Very popular, and therefore very crowded" notes one visitor, recommending advance reservations during peak season. Basic non-electric sites cost approximately $13 per night, while electric hookup sites are available at higher rates.
Connectivity limitations: Cell service and internet access can be unreliable within the park. One visitor reported: "Their wifi was very poor and didn't work half the time so that angered some campers but didn't bother us one bit, we don't go into the woods not to watch tv anyway." Visitors requiring reliable connectivity should plan accordingly.
Beginner-friendly floats: For families with children, shorter water activities may be more appropriate than full floats. One visitor suggests: "You can sit in the cool clear water and relax. Great place for kids." The accessible shoreline areas near the campgrounds provide safer alternatives to organized floats for younger children.
Educational opportunities: The park offers occasional ranger-led programs at the amphitheater, providing learning experiences for children. "The park as usual was yet maintained in almost perfect conditions, staff was very nice" reported a visitor who appreciated the well-managed facilities at Huzzah Valley.
Family camping area: For those seeking a quieter experience, request sites in the family camping area when making reservations. These sites typically cost around $12.79 per person per night and maintain stricter quiet hours compared to other camping zones that permit more nighttime activity.
Site selection considerations: RVers should note that not all sites accommodate larger rigs. "We stayed in Campground 1" mentioned one visitor who found the sites spacious enough, but others have noted challenges with larger vehicles. Sites 105 to 111 offer "full hook up, shade and near river. Plenty of room on the gravel bar to have fun" according to experienced RV campers at Huzzah Valley.
Hookup availability: Electric hookups are available at designated sites, though 50-amp service is limited. Water hookups and sewer connections vary by site. The sanitary dump station provides services for those without direct sewer connections. Visitors recommend calling ahead to confirm specific utility needs for larger RVs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Dexter, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Dexter, MO is Sam A. Baker State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 49 reviews.
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