Camdenton

  Camdenton, along with Eldon, is one of the 2 larger cities in the Lake region, also nicknamed "the Hub City of the Ozarks", and is centrally located in the southern portion of the Lake, east of the Niangua and Little Niangua Arms, and just south of Linn Creek. The fire district and 65020 zip code stretches over 15 miles from Sunrise Beach in the North, to Decaturville in the south, and is bordered by MMs 31-41 of the main channel, including the '4 corners', the Niangua Arm, and the west side of the Linn Creek Arm.

  The population of Camdenton is under 4k, and the city limits are only 5 square miles, but Camdenton provides all the amenities one would expect from a larger town, interspersed with the marine services, dining, nature, and events, indicative of Lake of the Ozarks. The entire area of rolling hills and sparse suburban environs is bordered by lakefront properties and condos of all sizes, as well as quiet coves and state parks, providing a myriad of experiences both on and off the lake, for visitors and residents alike.

  Camdenton was founded in 1931 as the new county seat, when it was apparent that the old county seat, Linn Creek, would be flooded when the dam was complete, even though Linn Creek was moved up the hillside to a new location. Bill Banner sold his farm to make the new town, and the new town square would be at the intersection of 54 and business 5, and for years afterward, the town only extended a few blocks in each direction from the square. Today, it still radiates from the same town square, and is a Hub of activity, or convenient relaxation, away from the traditional tourist establishments, yet close enough to take advantage of them.

  The county was organized in 1841 as Kinderhook County, and although it was renamed in 1843 as Camden County, the Historic Old Kinderhook Golf Course honors the past by taking that original name, and caters to a plethora of land based activities, in addition to golf. Featuring 2 dining options, the Trophy Room and the Hook Café, as well as tennis courts, a pool, a full service Spa and 2 sand volleyball courts which they turn into an ice skating rink in the winter, it's easy to spend a day on the links, or just enjoying the activities and scenery with the family and friends. With the nearby Lake Valley Golf Club offering a different golf course experience, and a 50 year history, as well as full menu at the Bar and Grill, swimming pool, and league and tournament options, Camdenton caters to any golf club passions, both on and off the course.

  The Ha Ha Tonka State Park is just south of the city of Camdenton, and with over 3700 acres of family, pet and handicap friendly hiking through sinkholes, caves, natural bridges, and sheer bluffs, as well as multiple Lake access points for fishing, swimming and boating, this State Park attracts over half a million visitors a year, and is indispensable for visitors and residents alike. One of the first 'second homes' in the lake area was built here, before the dam flooded the area, by Robert Snyder, who famously said "Here I will spend my leisure, secure from the worries of business and the excitement of city life. I will fish and loaf and explore the caves of these hills, with no fear of intrusion.", highlighting the natural features and sentiment that is indicative of Lake Life to this day.

North of town is the the pristine Bridal Cave, rated as one of the most scenic caves in America, and features soda straws, massive draperies, giant columns, and more onyx formations than any other known cave or cavern. Located at MM10 of the Niangua Arm, the cave is accessible by boat, with public courtesy docks provided, viewing decks, picnic areas, and a variety of nature trails, making this an outstanding location to spend a few quiet hours, or a day with the family. Camdenton is also home to Onyx Cave, past MM16 where the Niangua Arm becomes shallow, and is only accessible by paddled boat, but is well worth the journey to paddle into and around this secluded and fascinating area.

  Dining options abound, both on and off the water, with RJ's Family Restaurant, Marty's Sports Bar, and the Tavern Smokehouse headlining the land based options, as well as the expected national chains, and beloved midwestern chain Casey's, with 2 locations. Boat up selections, which are easily accessible by land as well, include local favorites on the Niangua Arm such as the Nauti-Fish Rum Bar featuring a fish bowl of booze, and The Cave Bar and Grill, with a beach, swim up bar, brick oven pizzas, and a pool that goes right inside a cave. Also in Camdenton are local favorites The Fish and Company, and Bulldog's Beach house, as well as the always popular Larry's on the Lake right at the four corners, with a full arcade, live music, weekly cornhole tournaments, and known to locals simply as LARRYWOOD because of the sign by that name on the hill which can be seen from any direction, during the day or night.

  In addition to being centrally located on the routes 5 and 54, Camdenton is also home to 2 of the 3 major bridges crossing the Lake, providing easy access to the entire Lake area, as well as the Ozarks Amphitheater, for major Music and Entertainment events. As the Hub City of the Ozarks, Camdenton affords an array of Lakefront residences of all sizes, as well as an assortment of condominium options, in secluded coves, or on the main channel, granting access to all the Lake has to offer for a range of different tastes and budgets. There are several marinas in the area in scattered locations, in addition to marine mechanics and storage facilities, coupled with the public access and boat ramps making Camdenton an integral part of the lake experience, as well as all the comforts a city can provide.