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
Jonas Farrell,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Camdenton, MO sell after 87 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Camdenton, MO over the last 12 months is $346,250, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Wake up to breathtaking main channel views at the 34 Mile Marker in this spacious 4-bedroom waterfront condo. Designed for comfort and convenience, this unit features elevator access, making coming and going from your designated front row parking space to either the lakefront community pool, the community dock, or your condo effortless. The highlight? Open concept with kitchen, dining, and living
Owners say they are ready to relocate!Exceptional opportunity offering versatility, functionality, and income potential all in one property. This unique setup features a 1,662 sq ft main residence paired with a 1,262 sq ft shouse/shop, creating endless possibilities for multi-generational living, rental income, or live-work flexibility. The main home offers 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms.
Experience refined lakefront living in this fully updated top-floor condo at Royale Palms Vista, offering breathtaking panoramic main channel views at the 34MM. The open-concept layout with soaring ceilings immediately captures the water from the moment you enter. This 3BR/2BA unit has been extensively remodeled with modern, high-end finishes throughout, including new LVP flooring, fresh carpet,
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
Back on the market at no fault of the Seller! Opportunities like this are hard to find! This recently updated 4 bed, 3 bath home sits on 18 acres in a prime location next to Lake Valley Golf Course and just 6 minutes from the Camdenton Square. With 1,255 feet of highway frontage, the possibilities here are endless—whether you're looking for a private retreat, hobby farm, or an investment
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
Welcome to easy lake living! This beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath condo offers panoramic views of the Big Niangua Arm at the 9MM and includes a 10x24 boat slip with 10,000 lb HydroHoist, and private garage, making it the perfect full-time home or weekend escape. With just 8 steps from parking to your front door, convenience starts the moment you arrive.Inside, you’ll love the
BACK ON THE MARKET AT NO FAULT OF THE SELLER! Motivated seller. Bring all reasonable offers.This is more than a home. It is the kind of property that gives you room to build the lifestyle you have been wanting. Set on a massive lot, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath property offers space to spread out, store your lake toys, start the garden you have always talked about, or finally have the workshop you
Sellers have priced home below appraised value! Home does need a little TLC, but would make a great investment for a rental, or maybe you are searching for a home to add your own special touches to? This 3 bedroom, 3 bath home is set up for 2 families with 2 kitchens, 2 living rooms, an office and a large 2 car garage situated on a large corner lot with extra parking at the back for family or
Enjoy peaceful lake living at the 5 MM of the Big Niangua Arm in a No Wake cove. This spacious 1500 sq ft well-maintained 3 BR, 3 bath condo located in a smaller complex at the Lake of the Ozarks. with no rentals allowed, offers a quiet and relaxing atmosphere. The two-level floor plan features an open living area and comfortable space for family and guests. The upper-level loft serves as the
4O acres m/L with 2 Cabins, 3 ponds and multiple build sites. Perfect for outdoor enthusiast who want privacy & enjoy hiking, driving ATV paths, hunting & fishing. 2 of the 3 ponds are stocked & 1 has a fishing platform. Lovely clearing near top of property with 2 cabins. Cabin 1 is an efficiency with bathroom, Kitchen area, deck & window AC. Cabin 2 is partially finished inside. Has covered
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
This stunningly remodeled lakefront home in Camdenton, Missouri, features 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and 69 feet of prime lake frontage at the 1 Mile Marker of the Big Niangua Arm. Thoughtfully updated from top to bottom, the home showcases modern finishes, updated fixtures, and new flooring throughout. The open-concept living spaces are designed to maximize lake views and natural light, creating a
Welcome to lake life at Cedar Glen Condos—where adventure, relaxation & convenience come together! This top-floor 4 bed, 3 full bath condo offers the space, flexibility & views buyers are searching for. Featuring vaulted ceilings, a spacious loft serving as the 4th bedroom with its own full bath, plus a second living area, there’s room for everyone to spread out after a day on the water. Take in
Sitting on a bluff over the majestic Big Niangua, The Lighthouse Condo is your beacon to lake enjoyment. This wonderful condo includes a 10x24 boat slip (with Dock Box) and an available garage as well, making it the perfect setup for full-time living, weekend escapes, or vacation rental potential at the Lake of the Ozarks. Inside, the open-concept kitchen, dining, and living areas create a
Lakeside condo/ apartment. Wonderful community with full time residents and weekend visitors. No short term renters. 12x30 foot dock. Swimming pool. Fully furnished if needed
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