Camdenton has deep roots in the Lake of the Ozarks
Camdenton has been around as long as the Lake of the Ozarks. Before the town’s founding in 1931, Camdenton was just 160 acres of land 9 miles south of Linn Creek, which was the original Camden County seat. After the lake construction flooded the old town, Camdenton became the new county seat due to its location in the middle of a major highway intersection. Today, Camdenton has many recreational options and a highly rated school system south of the 54,000-acre reservoir. “It’s a little bit of old-school America,” says Ed Schmidt, a 20-year resident and Realtor for Lake of the Ozarks EXP Realty. “It’s a small, tight-knit community where everybody is friendly, waves and knows each other. If you enjoy quiet, family and tradition, Camdenton is a good spot for you to be.”
A scenic overlook offers a stunning view of Lake of the Ozarks at Ha Ha Tonka State Park.
Downtown Camdenton is centered around the intersection of US Highway 54 and Missouri Route 7.
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State parks, golfing and the Ha Ha Tonka Castle Ruins
The Big Niangua Arm of the lake sits on Camdenton’s west side with lakeside resorts, golf carts and boat docks along the shoreline. Tour guides have led visitors through Bridal Cave’s speleothem formations for over 75 years. Ha Ha Tonka State Park has natural springs, rock bluffs and old castle ruins from the 20th century, and Bennett Spring State Park is a popular fishing destination for rainbow trout. The Old Kinderhook Golf Club and the Lake Valley Country Club are two championship golf courses around 3 miles west past the river. The 120-acre city park has playgrounds, baseball fields and tennis courts along with an aquatic center, a skate park and an 18-hole disc golf course. The city is also building a new 14,000-square-foot convention center that aims to open by summer 2026.
Lake Valley Golf Course is a popular golf course in Camdenton.
Residents enjoy walking throughout Camdenton City Park.
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Ranch-style homes and lakefront properties
Older homes built between the 1940s and 1950s are most common in Camdenton, with houses growing in square footage and acreage closer towards the lake. “Camdenton has more affordable housing in the inner-city limits,” Schmidt says. “It’s one of the cheapest places in the state of Missouri and in the country.” Log cabins, container houses and small fixer-uppers cost between $100,000 and $175,000, and ranch-style homes range from a quarter acre to 5 acres with prices of $200,000 to $600,000. Lakefront homes with clubhouses and decks are made of brick and stone masonry, vinyl and wood, costing $600,000 to $1 million. Newer custom homes with fire pits, three-car garages and home security systems are most expensive, ranging from $1 to $1.3 million.
Ranch style homes are prevalent throughout Camdenton.
Large, custom homes line the shores of Lake of the Ozarks around Camdenton.
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Boutique shops, beignets and barbecue
Visitors will find most storefronts downtown at the main highway intersection. The Funky Buffalo is a full-service coffee shop with breakfast burritos, bagels and pastries, while the Highlander Public House offers brunch specials such as chocolate beignets, French toast and chicken and waffles. The El Caporal Mexican Restaurant specializes in tacos, chimichangas and chile rellenos, and the Tavern Smokehouse has brisket and burnt end sandwiches. The Ozarkland General Store and the Bear Market Consignment Sales shop have clothing, outdoor apparel and home goods, and there are plenty of grocery options between Walmart, Gerbes, Vernetti’s Italian Grocer, The Butcher Shop and Farris Fruit & Vegetable Market.
Camdenton residents enjoy authentic flavors and a horse theme at El Caporal.
Bear Market Consignment Sales offers locals a place to shop and make a few bucks. .
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Two elementary schools and a new high school
People move to Camdenton due to the strength of the Camdenton R-III School District, which earns a B-plus on Niche. There are two elementary schools between Dogwood and Hawthorne Elementary, both of which have B ratings on Niche. Fifth and sixth-grade students go to the B-plus rated Oak Ridge Intermediate School before moving on to seventh and eighth grade at Camdenton Middle, rated a B. Camdenton High School has a new campus and a career and technical center and earns a B.
Dogwood Elementary School is part of the Camdenton Public Schools.
Students at Hawthorn Elementary School attend grades 3rd and 4th.
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An annual festival and air show
The annual Dogwood Festival is a weekend-long event in late April that features a carnival, live music and a parade. Summer concerts are held at the Ozarks Amphitheater, a 10,000-seat pavilion that was voted Missouri's best live entertainment venue nine times. Every September, the Lake of the Ozarks Air Show features aerial tricks alongside historical aircraft at Thunder Mountain Park.
Two highways and OATS Transit
Linn Creek is around 3 miles northeast when driving on U.S. Route 54. Taking Route 5 leads 30 miles north through the mountain lake system. OATS Transit provides public transportation throughout the county on weekdays, including the 24-hour Lake Regional Hospital in Osage Beach.
Written By
David Dunn
Photography Contributed By
Kenyon Gerbrandt
Video By
Kyle Keyes
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Rob Luck,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Camdenton, MO sell after 83 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Camdenton, MO over the last 12 months is $340,000, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 2 full and 1 half bath home offering the ease and comfort of main-level living, perfectly situated on a peaceful dead-end road. Nestled on 2.3 acres with a mix of open space and mature trees, this property provides the perfect balance of privacy and convenience—right within city limits yet tucked away off the beaten path. Step inside to find warm,
ONE OF THE LARGEST ONE BEDROOM CONDOS CURRENTLY ON THE MARKET! This walk-in unit offers minimal concrete steps into your unit with direct access to the lakefront pool and lakefront boardwalk & docks! Welcome to Lake Valley Condominiums located at the 13 mile marker of the Big Niangua at Lake of the Ozarks. This oversized one bedroom/one bathroom lakefront condo comes turn-key, offers over 800sq
Don’t miss this rare investment opportunity at Old Kinderhook! This highly desirable 2-bedroom, 2-bath cottage sits directly on the #1 Members teebox, offering breathtaking, unobstructed golf views and proven high rental income. Whether you’re seeking a personal getaway, income-producing property, or both—this one delivers immediate returns and lifestyle value. Enjoy the brand-new oversized deck
Move-In Ready! Solar Efficient Lake Home with energy bill averaging $80 per month! You don't want to miss this exclusive lakefront home with dock in Linn Creek Cove, MM31, Lake of the Ozarks. This custom furnished home has a 2023 new build with a 2010 fully renovated wing located in the established quiet Cross Creek neighborhood, sitting on 1.74 acres, has a fabulous lakefront view & 621 feet of
6 Wooded Parcels Near Greenview – Lake Views & Development PotentialSix mostly wooded parcels just outside Greenview, MO, available together or separately. Enjoy lake views, community lake access, and a prime location minutes from Cave Bar & Grill and Red Oak Resort. One parcel includes a creek and solid lake view; another offers stunning views from a hilltop. Ideal for residential or
This exceptional is perched on a 2nd tier lot that features a panoramic view overlooking the Big Niangua Arm of the Lake of the Ozarks at the 2 mile marker. The property features a double lot located on a cul-de-sac for added privacy. Included with the house is a 12 x 34 boat slip in the community dock with a poured concrete path for easy access. Enjoy convenient one-level living on the main
UNBEATABLE LAKEFRONT FUN @11 MILE MARKER! Sleeps a cozy 8. Perfect STR! This furnished 1 bed, 1 bath cabin at Lake of the Ozarks - Sunrise Beach offers authentic 1950s character & unbeatable lake vibes. 24x22 deck overlooking the water. Tucked into a large, deep-water cove w/beautiful main channel views, this vintage lodge is the perfect getaway. Covered dock (10x30 slip) for cabin cruiser
Sharp 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo with Lakeview & lake access. Includes a 10 x 24 slip with lift. Well maintained and turn key with covered deck. Open layout features a large living room, inviting dining area & generous bedrooms. Views of the lake right outside the living room and primary bedroom. You will love the Cedar Glen Community's beautifully landscaped complex which offers resort-style
Vacation or Full Time Home. Well taken care of 3 Bedroom 2 Bath Lake Access Home in Georgene Subdivision. Original home built in 1986 with Addition and Remodel in 2003. Large Deck and Screened in Porch for Relaxing with Seasonal View in fall and winter. 1 Car Garage helps hold all your Lake Toys. Includes a 10x24 boat slip with lift in Dock B. Great Lake Access with Dock Slip, 3 Subdivision Lake
Laura KoeberlAssociated Brokers Lake of the Ozarks
Exciting waterfront opportunity close to Lake of the Ozarks! 254 Bank Branch Rd in Camdenton offers the rare combination of waterfront property, 20.15 acres, and direct access to nature. Currently operating as a nightly rental, this property is perfect for investors, vacationers, or anyone looking for a private retreat. This fully furnished home features many updates and there are steps outside
Situated on 4.43 acres just minutes from Camdenton, this property has just what you're looking for! The 30x40 garage/shop space has parking for 3 vehicles plus shop space, mini-split system to keep it heated and cooled, a half bath and a storm shelter/safe room. Upstairs you'll find a large open living area with wood burning fireplace and a beautiful kitchen with 42" cabinets, gas range,
Escape to this charming and affordable lake retreat, just minutes away from HaHa Tonka State Park! Thoughtfully laid out to maximize space, the home features an open-concept design that feels bright, welcoming, and functional - complete with the convenience of an attached garage. Recent upgrades, including a newer roof and windows, add fresh curb appeal and peace of mind.Inside, a cozy living
Lakefront bliss in a tranquil cove. This 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home blends relaxed lake living with effortless entertaining, and it truly stands out with its dramatic design and thoughtful conveniences.Key features: Two-well dock with deep-water access, ideal for boats, water toys, and sunset cruisesUnique tram serving every level, stopping at each floor down to the lake for easy loading
Tracy BarrBetter Homes and Gardens Real Estate Lake Realty
Classic lake vibes with the modern upgrades you’ve been looking for! This beautiful 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home is ready to impress! Pride of ownership is evident at every turn, with stylish updates and thoughtful touches throughout. The main level welcomes you with a charming sunroom (complete with A/C), updated kitchen featuring tile floors, glass tile backsplash, and updated lighting, plus a
There’s real opportunity here for buyers ready to make a move. Positioned in the heart of Camdenton, 106 Leonard North offers a fully renovated home with flexibility. Completely taken down to the studs and rebuilt in 2024, this 3-bed, 2-bath offers a standout luxury kitchen with a 7-foot island, soft-close shaker cabinetry, quartz countertops, and stainless appliances serving as the hub of the
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