Roach offers a quiet life on the shores of the Lake of the Ozarks
Along the shores of the Lake of the Ozarks, Roach is a community that allows residents to fully enjoy the benefits of the water without too many tourists. “It’s the quieter side of the lake,” says Realtor Vilynda Hague with LOTO Realty. While Roach still feels the impact of vacationers, it is to a much lesser extent than Bagnell Dam and Lake Ozark, about 25 miles away. Instead, people can expect a slower, more secluded lifestyle surrounded by nature.
Lake of the Ozarks is the main recreation destination
Part of Roach’s appeal is the easy access to the Lake of the Ozarks, which has a surface area of about 55,000 acres. “The lake is very active,” Hague says. “It’s got all kinds of boating, skiing, wakeboarding and floating out, which is where you get your boat and your floaties out and just hang out on the lake.” Fishing is another popular way to pass the time, with several tournaments held on the lake throughout the year. Activities on the lake, like boat races and harbor hops, pick up during the season, which lasts from May to October or November, “depending on the weather,” Hague says. Ha Ha Tonka State Park is one of several places with public water access points. The park also offers hiking trails along cliffs, an old castle and a natural bridge.
Other recreational opportunities in the area include Encounter Cove, a Christian camp with an obstacle course, zip line and lake inflatables that hosts field trips and parties, and Mecca Family Farm. The farm is only open during the fall when people can pick a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch, go on a hayride and visit the petting zoo. Old Kinderhook Golf Club is a public, 18-hole course nearby. The club has two restaurants: The Trophy Room, which offers fine dining, and the more casual Hook Cafe.
Waterfront homes and ranch styles are in a competitive market
Oak, hickory and pine trees fill Roach’s rolling landscape. Homes are on large lots, many leading to the lake. “It’s a lot of lakefront homes,” Hague says. Waterfront properties are often large, contemporary cabins with lots of windows that lead to private docks, while the rest of the region features ranch styles, bilevels and cottages. These houses were built between the mid-20th century and the 2020s. Inland or smaller properties range from $190,000 to $540,000, while larger and lakefront homes can cost $640,000 to $1.1 million. “Right now, we are short on housing, and the prices are kind of high, but we are seeing a trend of price decreases and more listings coming online,” Hague says. There is also land available.
Students attend Camdenton school
Roach is part of the Camdenton R-III School District. Dogwood Elementary School, Camdenton Middle School and Camdenton High School all receive a B from Niche. The high school requires all students to complete CPR training before graduation and offers career and technical education programs like arts, communications and agriculture.
Boats and cars take residents to and from Roach
When not taking their boat across the lake, residents rely on their cars to get around. U.S. Route 54 leads about 6 miles to Camdenton. The closest emergency room is at Lake Regional Hospital, about 15 miles away. Springfield-Branson National Airport is about a 75-mile drive.
Local restaurants are along U.S. Route 54 and in Camdenton
There are several restaurants along U.S. Route 54. Hillbilly Hut serves southern comfort food, while The Burger Basket has a new specialty sandwich every week. Camdenton has more options, including El Caporal Mexican Restaurant. Residents can pick up essentials at Dollar General but otherwise get their groceries from Save A Lot. Walmart is about a 7-mile drive, while Target and Home Depot are about 20 miles away.
