Campground 2, Sam A Baker

For Missourians seeking an authentic outdoor experience rooted in the breathtaking natural beauty of the Ozarks, Campground 2 at Sam A. Baker State Park in Des Arc stands out as a premier destination. This isn't just a patch of land with campsites; it's a cherished part of a historic state park, meticulously developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, offering a blend of rustic charm and essential modern conveniences. Sam A. Baker State Park is renowned for its diverse landscapes, where the St. Francis River and Big Creek converge, providing endless opportunities for water-based activities and exploration.

Campground 2, in particular, holds a special place in the hearts of many long-time visitors, as echoed by satisfied campers who have made it their go-to spot for decades. Its appeal often lies in its ability to immerse campers in nature, offering ample opportunities for wildlife viewing, including frequent deer sightings. The park's commitment to preserving its natural and cultural heritage, combined with its welcoming atmosphere, makes it an ideal choice for families, couples, and solo adventurers looking to unwind and reconnect with the outdoors right here in their home state. Whether you're an RV enthusiast or prefer the simplicity of tent camping, Campground 2 provides a well-maintained and picturesque setting for your next Missouri adventure.

Campground 2 at Sam A. Baker State Park is nestled within the scenic confines of the park, accessible via the address 7F4W+WH, Des Arc, MO 63636, USA. This location places it in southeast Missouri, within Wayne County, making it a convenient drive for many residents across the state. Des Arc itself is a small, unincorporated community, and the park serves as a significant draw to the area.

The park is well-connected by Missouri Route 143, which passes directly through it, ensuring relatively easy access for vehicles, including RVs. From the west, you can access the park via Route 143 from Des Arc, and from the east, via Missouri Route 34 north of Silva to the Route 143 junction east of Patterson. The roads within the park leading to Campground 2 are paved, ensuring smooth navigation for all types of camping vehicles. While tucked away in a more rural setting, the park's accessibility means that you can easily reach this natural sanctuary to begin your outdoor escape. The tranquil environment, far from the hustle and bustle, truly sets the stage for a relaxing retreat.

• Electric Hookups: Campground 2 offers numerous sites with electric hookups, providing convenience for RV and trailer campers who require power for their amenities. Approximately 69 of 92 sites in Campground 2 offer electric hookups.

• Potable Water: Accessible potable water spigots are available throughout Campground 2, ensuring campers have access to fresh drinking water.

• Restrooms with Hot Showers: The campground features well-maintained restroom facilities that include hot showers, a welcome amenity for campers after a day of outdoor activities. These are available during the peak season.

• Laundry Facility: For longer stays, a convenient laundry facility is available on-site, allowing campers to wash their clothes.

• Sanitary Dump Station: A dump station is provided for RVs and trailers, making it easy for campers to dispose of wastewater before leaving the park.

• Paved Drives: The internal roads within Campground 2 are paved, ensuring easy access and navigation for all types of vehicles.

• Nature Center Access: The park’s nature center is nearby, offering educational exhibits about the local flora, fauna, and the park's history, providing an enriching experience for visitors.

• Nearby Mudlick Mountain Store and Grill: During peak season (April to October), the Mudlick Mountain Store and Grill within the park offers supplies, groceries, and prepared meals, reducing the need to leave the park for necessities.

• Boat Launch Ramp (Campground 1): While not directly in Campground 2, a boat launch ramp for access to the St. Francis River is conveniently located at Campground 1, offering easy access for boating and floating activities.

• Canoe, Kayak, and Raft Rentals: The park store (concessionaire) offers rentals for canoes, kayaks, and rafts, making it simple to enjoy the water without bringing your own equipment.

• Abundant Wildlife: As noted by long-time campers, Campground 2 is an excellent spot for wildlife viewing, particularly deer, offering a true immersion in nature.

• Year-Round Operation: Campground 2 is open all year long, providing opportunities for camping even during the cooler months, though some amenities like showers and restrooms may be unavailable during the off-season.

• Historic CCC Structures: The park boasts numerous historic structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, including the nature center and the impressive dining lodge, offering a glimpse into the park's rich past.

• Access to St. Francis River and Big Creek: The convergence of these two beautiful waterways within the park provides fantastic opportunities for swimming, fishing, wading, tubing, and floating.

• Extensive Trail System: Sam A. Baker State Park features miles of diverse trails for hiking, backpacking, bicycling, and horseback riding, catering to all levels of outdoor enthusiasts. Popular trails include the 12-mile Mudlick Trail and a 2-mile paved bicycle trail.

• Scenic Ozark Beauty: Campers are surrounded by the picturesque landscapes of the St. Francois Mountains and the Missouri Ozarks, offering stunning views and a tranquil environment.

• Pet-Friendly: Sam A. Baker State Park, and generally its campgrounds, are pet-friendly, allowing visitors to bring their dogs (on leash) to enjoy the camping experience, though specific pet fees may apply.

• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: With activities like swimming, a playground (at Shelter 1/Day-Use Area), and natural exploration opportunities, the park is well-suited for family camping trips.

As a Missouri State Park, Sam A. Baker State Park typically operates under state-mandated pricing for campsites and other services. Specific, ongoing "promotions" in the commercial sense are not commonly advertised for state park campgrounds. However, the value lies in their consistently affordable rates and the extensive amenities and natural resources provided for the fee.

It is important to note that:

• Reservations: Reservations for campsites at Campground 2 are available only during the peak season. During the off-season, sites are typically available on a first-come, first-served basis. Booking ahead during peak times is always recommended to secure your preferred spot.

• Off-Season Access: While the campground is open year-round, certain amenities like showers and flush restrooms may be unavailable during the off-season when temperatures drop, offering a more rustic experience for those seeking it.

• Group Camping: The park also offers additional group camps and an equestrian campground, which might have different fee structures or availability for larger parties or specific interests.

For the most current information on camping fees, availability, and reservation policies, it is always best to check the official Missouri State Parks website or contact the park directly.

To learn more about Campground 2 or to make reservations (during peak season), you can typically contact Sam A. Baker State Park directly. While a specific phone number for "Campground 2" isn't provided, general park information and reservation services are available through the main park contact points:

• Address: 7F4W+WH, Des Arc, MO 63636, USA (This is the general location of the park, with Campground 2 situated within it.)

• General Park Phone: (573) 856-4411 (This is the widely listed number for Sam A. Baker State Park).

• Concessionaire / Cabin Reservations: For cabin rentals, the Mudlick Mountain Store and Grill (park concessionaire) can be reached at (888) 210-3889 or (573) 856-4524. While specific to cabins, they may be able to direct camping inquiries.

For the most precise and up-to-date camping information, checking the Missouri State Parks website for Sam A. Baker State Park is highly recommended.

For Missourians, Campground 2 at Sam A. Baker State Park represents an exceptional opportunity for a local escape that truly embraces the spirit of the outdoors. Its location in the beautiful Ozarks, conveniently accessible from various parts of the state, means less travel time and more time enjoying nature. This is a huge benefit for families or individuals looking for a quick weekend getaway or a longer vacation without the hassle of extensive road trips.

The park's diverse offerings cater to a wide range of local interests. Anglers will appreciate the easy access to the St. Francis River and Big Creek for fishing, while those seeking adventure can enjoy floating, canoeing, and kayaking. The extensive network of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails offers endless possibilities for exploration, allowing locals to discover the unique geology and rich biodiversity of their own state. The fact that the campground is open year-round, with the added benefit of seeing abundant wildlife like deer, means there's always an opportunity to visit, regardless of the season.

Furthermore, the presence of essential amenities like electric hookups, clean restrooms with hot showers (during peak season), and laundry facilities ensures a comfortable stay, blending rustic charm with modern convenience. The historical significance of the Civilian Conservation Corps structures also adds a unique educational and aesthetic dimension to the camping experience. For Missouri residents, Sam A. Baker State Park's Campground 2 isn't just a place to camp; it's a piece of their natural heritage, a peaceful retreat, and a vibrant hub for outdoor adventure, making it an ideal choice for creating lasting memories close to home.