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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Camdenton, MO sell after 82 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Camdenton, MO over the last 12 months is $334,000, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Every great lake story begins with a view and this Cross Creek estate delivers one of the most captivating settings on Linn Creek Cove. Offered by its original owner, this meticulously maintained 5-bed, 6-bath lakefront home blends timeless craftsmanship with exceptional lake living. The main level showcases soaring ceilings, rich wood accents & open, light-filled spaces designed for both
Located at the 3 MM of the Big Niangua, just past “Four Corners,” this premier lakefront development offers a rare, level landscape that puts you right at water’s edge. Easy access to pool area w/restrooms, perfect for relaxing, and take advantage of an unbeatable location close to lake hotspots, shopping, dining, and more. These 3 bed, 2.5 bath condos offer approx. 1,515 sq. ft. of thoughtfully
Located at the 3 MM of the Big Niangua, just past “Four Corners,” this premier lakefront development offers a rare, level landscape that puts you right at water’s edge. Easy access to pool area w/restrooms, perfect for relaxing, and take advantage of an unbeatable location close to lake hotspots, shopping, dining, and more. These 3 bed, 2.5 bath condos offer approx. 1,515 sq. ft. of thoughtfully
Motivated Sellers! Solar Efficient Lake Home with energy bill averaging $89 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
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
Only 3 Units Left!!! You will love this 3 bedrm/3 bath unit- All En-suites.This unit offers a beautiful main channel views & gentle lakefront access. The setting is ideal as this sits perfectly inside a large cove that offers protection for your dock. Well designed- this Open Floorplan offers numerous upgrades with Stainless Steel Appliances & granite in the Kitchen w/pantry. The Views from the
Experience lake living in this 4-bedroom, 2-bath penthouse condominium with approximately 1,923 sq ft in Cedar Heights—perfect for a family getaway! The open layout features vaulted ceilings, abundant natural light, and a stone fireplace. Two outdoor spaces—a screened deck and sun deck—are ideal for relaxing and enjoying the views. The kitchen offers stainless steel appliances, a spacious
Experience lake living in this 4-bedroom, 2-bath penthouse condominium offering approximately 1,923 square feet in the Cedar Heights community—large enough for a wonderful family getaway! The open layout features vaulted ceilings, abundant natural light, and a stone fireplace. Enjoy two outdoor spaces, including a screened deck and an open sun deck, perfect for relaxing and taking in the
Located just outside of Camdenton, this impressive 3,900 square foot home sits on just under 50 acres and offers the perfect blend of space, privacy, and convenience. With great hunting, room for livestock, and the lake only a few miles away, this property is ideal for those wanting a true country lifestyle without being far from town.The home features 4 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms across
Located just outside of Camdenton, Missouri, this 4.7 +/- acre tract offers the perfect blend of seclusion and convenience. Situated only a quarter mile off D Highway, the property is heavily timbered and features a level build site ready for your dream home or weekend escape. Power is accessible at the road, making development simple and straightforward.Nature lovers will appreciate the
BIG PRICE REDUCTION This one-of-a-kind home is full of character and updates. Featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, and approximately 2,500 sq ft of living space, it offers a spacious layout with unique design details. The kitchen includes a center island with a cook top and brand-new counter ops. Completely renovated bathroom with new walk-in tile shower, updated sink, and modern fixtures. The
This turnkey property has been fully updated, ensuring an immediate enjoyment of lake life! Recent improvements include a brand-new boat lift and HVAC system, installed in late 2025. Prior upgrades encompass solid surface, white-veined countertops, custom white cabinetry, a unique backsplash, a new bathroom vanity, light LVP flooring, and fresh paint throughout. The two-bedroom, two-full-bath
Three Camelot Building Lots on 1 Acre. Perfect for your special Home with Water, Sewer and Electric available. Camelot Amenities are included with 2 Community Pools, 2 Club Houses, Lake Access Boat Ramp, Fishing Dock, Tennis Courts, Campground and Horse Stables. Close to area Shopping, Medical and Restaurants.
Every great lake story begins with a view and this Cross Creek estate delivers one of the most captivating settings on Linn Creek Cove. Offered by its original owner, this meticulously maintained 5-bed, 6-bath lakefront home blends timeless craftsmanship with exceptional lake living. The main level showcases soaring ceilings, rich wood accents & open, light-filled spaces designed for both
Great Building Lot in nice Subdivision located close to Camdenton Schools and behind the Camdenton Public Library. Only 4 Lots remaining. There is Community Water, Central Septic and Electric hookups. Great location close to Town, Shopping, Restaurants & Medical.
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