Sam Baker State Park

[Greasy B]

Does anyone know if there is a place to launch a trailered boat at or near Sam Baker Park?

I don’t necessarily need a ramp, a firm gravel bar and a safe place to park will do.

Thanks,

Mike,

[Gavin]

There is a concrete boat ramp in the campground, or you could launch at the access at the 34 bridge. Not sure about the conditions down there. There was water over the 143 bridge at the top of the park when Big Creek flooded this spring. Its pretty skinny water around the park...canoe would be better on that section of the St. Francis. Kayak if you want to run the boulder gardens on Big Creek. Or just head to the lake and run up.

 

 

[Greasy B]

Thanks Gavin,

I have had my eye on that stretch for some time but its so far out of the way I didn't want to waste a day exploring. I suspect any outfitter traffic would be what ever groups are launched and all I'd have to do is stay out of sync to avoid them.

 

 

[Gavin]

The park concession runs the Park to 34 stretch a couple times a day. You can call and ask what times they run. We camp down there with the kids every year and I have rarely seen them put in before 9am. Kind of a boring short float IMO, and the fishing is so so, plenty of tubers and swimmers in the afternoon. There is no good access below 34, and its a long 11 mile float from Coldwater Access down to the boat ramp in the park. Have done the 11 mile in a day several times, but its a long day. One small ledge to run on the 11 mile float, but mostly long pools of frog water. Would have someone drop you off at Coldwater Access if contemplating that, I would not want to leave a vehicle there. Big Creek is the better float, but there are 5 sets of shut ins to negotiate and two of them are pretty hairy, plus you have to catch the water level right. The concession only puts kayaks in on Big Creek, but they wont if the level is above 2.1'. Catch it at 1.8' and you will probably have it to yourself. Don't break an ankle, the rocks are slippery and watch out for rattlesnakes.

 

 

[Gavin]

Did the Park to 34 float last Friday. Recon, with a friend because our wives and 12yr old daughter's were planning a girls only kayak float on Saturday. It changed a bit, but pretty boring and fishing flat out sucked (5 bass combined).  Go right at the rootwads a bit below the old rockpile in the middle...bought half way down.  The girls had fun.