There are two picnic shelters available for use and can be reserved for $35 per day. If not reserved, the shelters are available at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis. There is one shelter located in the main day-use area and the other is north of the Big Creek bridge. Occupancy is 75 people per shelter.

There is a playground located at the day-use area.

Mudlick Trail : Mudlick Trail provides an intimate journey into one of the oldest mountain regions of North America: the St. Francois Mountains. It is a moderate to very strenuous 12-mile loop trail, climbing from 415 feet above sea level in Big Creek Valley to 1,313 feet above sea level at the top of Mudlick Mountain. It is open to hiking, backpacking and equestrian use. Most of the trail is located in the Mudlick Mountain Wild Area, one of the most significant, undisturbed natural landscapes in Missouri.

The trail begins by ascending the bluffs above Big Creek where three stone hiking shelters, constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, offer outstanding views of the surrounding countryside and the "shut-ins" valley below. The trail then drops into Mudlick Hollow, a narrow rock-strewn valley interspersed with pools of clear water. The trail follows Mudlick Hollow for about three-fourths of a mile before beginning a gradual climb to the summit of Green Mountain. Horses may bypass the rocky Mudlick Hollow on the "horse friendly" Hollow Pass Trail. Hikers may use the Hollow Pass Trail as a return route after visiting the scenic hollow. The view from Green Mountain is best during the fall and winter when the trees in the thick oak-hickory forest have shed their leaves. From the southern end of Green Mountain, the trail descends rapidly, via a series of "switchbacks," into Logan Creek valley. A dense stand of red cedar grows in the valley, providing a cool shaded corridor for the trail. Once through the valley, the trail begins a steady climb to the top of Mudlick Mountain. It then traverses the rugged eastern slope of the mountain back to the starting point.

Trailheads : Mudlick Trail has three entrance points. The hiking-only trailhead is located on the west side of Highway 143 across the road from the dining lodge. The remaining trailheads are located in the equestrian camp. Equestrian campers can access the trail in camping area #1. The equestrian trailhead for day users only is located just north of the assistant superintendent's residence. Parking areas and water are available at all trailheads. During the winter months, when most of the water lines are shut off, water can be obtained at the park office. While on the trail, water from Mudlick and Logan creeks may be used, but it should always be treated before consumption.

Bicycle Trail : The park offers two miles of paved bicycle trail. This accessible trail is one-way and extends from Campground 1 to the park store. Bicyclists, hikers, skate boarders and roller skaters are permitted on the trail. Motorized vehicles (except motorized wheelchairs) and horses are not permitted on this trail. Trail accesses are located throughout the park with trail parking located just off Hwy. 143 across from the park office. Other trail accesses are located in Campground 1, Campground 2 and near the park store. Water is available from April through October at water faucets located in both campgrounds. A vault toilet is located at the trailhead in Campground 1 and modern restrooms are located behind the park store. The terrain is fairly level throughout all portions of the trail.

Naturalists provide a variety of interpretive nature programs and a summer recreation programmer provides recreation and leisure programs at the park. Programs are designed to assist visitors in learning about and enjoying the natural and cultural resources of the park. A popular activity, Junior Naturalist Hour, assists children and their families in achieving the Missouri State Park Junior Naturalist Award, a colorful shoulder patch.

Programs are provided on weekends in late spring and fall, and one or more programs are available on most days during the summer months. Programs may include evening amphitheater talks, hikes into the park's wild area or natural area, demonstrations of park plants and animals, outdoors skills instruction and much more.

Call the park at (573) 856-4424 or check bulletin boards upon your arrival to find out what programs or activities are being offered during your visit.

When possible, naturalist staff will also conduct interpretive activities for schools and organized civic and youth groups at the park and in nearby communities. Call the park at (573) 856-4424 to arrange a scheduled visit or activity for organized groups. The interpretive program is housed in the nature/visitor center building.

Directions to Sam A. Baker State Park

From St. Louis : Travel south on I-55 to Festus. At Exit 174, take U.S. Hwy. 67 south for approximately 75 miles. Turn right/west onto Hwy. 34 and travel five miles before turning right onto Hwy. 143, which leads into Sam A. Baker State Park. Campground 1 is located near the park entrance; Campground 2, the visitor center, cabins and shelter areas are two additional miles.

From Jefferson City : Travel south on U.S. Hwy. 63 to Rolla. Take Hwy. 72 to Salem. Approximately 13 miles past Salem, take Hwy. 32 east. Travel to Hwy. 21 south. Follow Hwy. 21 south as it turns into Hwy. 49. At Des Arc, turn left onto Hwy. 143 which leads into Sam A. Baker State Park. Campground 1 is located near the park entrance; Campground 2, the visitor center, cabins and shelter areas are two additional miles.