Parks & Recreation

Gads Hill
Gads Hill is the scene of the first Missouri train robbery by Jesse James. Now Union Pacific Resources has a quarry there to mine granite.

Lon Sanders Canyon
When walking this beautiful one-mile trail, tourists can enjoy some of the earth's beauty. Located on Canyon Road, it is a favorite spot for pictures. Included on the trail is a flowing stream with waterfalls and many rocks to rest on while enjoying the scenery.

Markham Springs
The Markham Springs Recreational Area was dedicated on June 7, 1968. It's located three miles west of Williamsville near Browns Crossing. The restored mill and the spring-fed millpond are it's main attractions. The park has facilities for picnicking and overnight camping.

Piedmont Park Campground
Located on Clearwater Lake, Piedmont Park Campground provides visitors an excellent location to camp, fish, swim, boat, picnic, or sightsee. Amenities include 91 campsites (78 with electric hookups), potable water within the park, some sites with water, a dump station, hot showers, picnic shelters, boat ramp, playground, public phones, swimming area and a pavilion.

River Road
River Road Left Bank Campground, located on Clearwater Lake offers an excellent location to camp, fish, boat, picnic or sight-see. With 97 sites with electric, hot showers, picnic shelter, boat ramp, playground, public phone and 3 miles of hiking trails, you are sure to enjoy your stay.

The paved Black River Hike and Bike Trail and the Black River Watchable Wildlife Area can be accessed from the campground. Local wildlife include wetland waterfowl, fox, deer, turkey, and geese.

Sam A Baker State Park
With over 5,000 acres, Sam A. Baker State Park is one of the oldest parks in the Missouri state park system. Named after Governor Sam A. Baker who was born and raised in Wayne County, the park hosts over 200 campsites with or without electricity. The camping areas include modern bathrooms, hot showers, dumping stations, and a laundry facility. A special 20-site equestrian camp is available for those who camp with horses. The park also provides for picnicking with two covered pavilions and 20 individual sites.

There are 18.5 miles of foot and horseback-riding trails. The Shut-Ins Trail is a 1.5 mile trail that begins at the north end of the park and intersects the Mudlick Trail. The Mudlick trial is a 12-mile loop trail and winds to the top of Mudlick and Green Mountains.

The Naturalist at Sam A. Baker State Park offers a wide variety of educational programs at the park. These programs are designed for the campers but are open to the public as well. In the past the program schedule was posted at the park in various locations. Now you can visit our special Sam A. Baker Program Schedule online and see week by week what's going on at the park.