1 Campground

Star4.74
115 reviews
5580 State Highway 143, Patterson, MO 63956-9729, United States
Family FriendlyScenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

430 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

On-season: Apr 1 – O...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Opens Missouri State Parks site

Official Website
Get Directions
1 Campground
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Nightly camping rates vary by campground and by amenities (electric amperage etc.). On-season rates apply Apr 1–Oct 31; off-season rates apply Nov...
Show more
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Missouri State Parks
Provider
573-856-4411
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.74

Top-Rated

Based on 115 reviews

112 Google reviews

Most mentioned

clean

Some mention

noisecrowded

"Visitors praise the park for its river access, trails, clean facilities and family-friendly atmosphere; the park is popular and frequently cited as a favorite. Common complaints mention crowding and noise on holiday weekends and occasional issues with nearby vault toilets or cabin maintenance."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

5580 State Highway 143, Patterson, MO 63956-9729, United States

1 Campground

5580 State Highway 143, Patterson, MO 63956-9729, United States

Nearby supplies
Dollar General in Patterson (mentioned by visitors)

Best Time to Camp at 1 Campground

The rivers never sleep at Sam A. Baker—they're waiting for you whether you arrive in spring's misty mornings, summer's golden afternoons, or fall's fiery sunset hours. From April through October, the campground hums with full amenities including water and hot showers to refresh you after a day on the trail. Come winter, when the crowds thin out from November to March, the park transforms into a quiet retreat for hardy souls who don't mind trading creature comforts for the profound peace of frosted forests and your own private wilderness.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 12% in MO

Summer ideal for swimming, floating and family activities; reviewers praise river play areas.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5
Below Average

Hiking and scenic river views make fall attractive; foliage likely enhances scenery.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5
Below Average

Spring‑fed rivers and warmer weather make spring good for floating, hiking and river play.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5
Below Average

Limited winter activities indicated; weather reduces swimming/boating appeal though park likely open.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: On-season: Apr 1 – Oct 31. Off-season: Nov 1 – Mar 31.

About 1 Campground

Where ancient mountains meet rushing waters, Sam A. Baker State Park beckons adventurers to Missouri's wild heart. The St. Francis River and Big Creek wind through the rugged St. Francois Mountains, creating a year-round haven for anglers, hikers, horseback riders, and anyone seeking an authentic escape—whether you're pitching a tent under the stars or warming up in a cozy cabin.
Sam A. Baker has two large campgrounds, a separate equestrian camp and offers rustic cabins on-site.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Camping is limited to any 15 days within a 30-consecutive-day period at any one park.

Amenities available

Picnic tables
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

The park offers river and creek access for fishing, canoeing/ floating and swimming, plus several miles of hiking, backpacking, bicycling and equestrian trails. The nature center provides interpretive exhibits and the park has picnic areas and a playground.
HikingSeveral miles of hiking, backpacking, bicycling and equestrian trails traverse the park and provide scenic views of the St. Francois Mountains and waterways.
FishingAccess to both the St. Francis River and Big Creek gives anglers year‑round opportunities; commonly caught fish are listed as bass, bluegill and catfish.
SwimmingThe St. Francis River and Big Creek provide swimming and floating opportunities throughout the year.
Biking
Boating
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsVariable river conditions and strong currents at times; visitor reports note fluctuating water levels. Wildlife (e.g., skunks, beavers) has been reported by visitors and crowded holiday weekends can create noise and congestion.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at 1 Campground

Reviews

4.7
115 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
1 Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Visitors praise the park for its river access, trails, clean facilities and family-friendly atmosphere; the park is popular and frequently cited as a favorite. Common complaints mention crowding and noise on holiday weekends and occasional issues with nearby vault toilets or cabin maintenance.
Review Summaries
Based on 115 reviews

What Campers Love

Beautiful St. Francis River and Big Creek for swimming, floating and fishing; miles of multi-use trails; a nature center with interpretive exhibits; clean facilities, a playground and an on-site park...
Show more
Based on 115 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring water shoes for rocky river bottoms, expect crowds and noise on holiday weekends (Memorial Day noted), consider campsite location for river proximity, Campground 1 tends to be quieter/older...
Show more
Based on 115 reviews

Camper Quotes

Clean, friendly, and site accessible.; "Its a nice park to camp/visit/hike and visit the river access. Note: Campground 1 is mostly retirees and their dogs. Campground 2 is more family/ kids."; Nice...
Show more
Based on 115 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to 1 Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 5, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Missouri

Campgrounds
Sam A. Baker State Park
1 Campground