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Trip from Camdenton, MO to Kansas City, MO

Drive Time

3h 16m

Distance

152.2 mi

245 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$23

one way

EV Charging

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station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
3h 5m ★
6 AM
3h 17m
8 AM
3h 41m
10 AM
3h 25m
12 PM
3h 23m
3 PM
3h 26m
5 PM
3h 39m
8 PM
3h 10m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Camdenton, MO, MO

Camdenton, MO

Change C.C

Downtown Kansas City, MO, MO

Kansas City, MO

Matthew Chirinos

Trip Overview

If you are planning to head north from Camdenton to Kansas City, expect a straightforward journey covering 152.2 miles. This trip typically takes about 3 hours and 16 minutes behind the wheel, making it a very manageable day trip that rarely requires an overnight stay. You will primarily navigate via MO 7, MO 5, and US 54 as you transition through the heart of the Midwest. Budgeting approximately $23 for fuel should keep you covered for the entire trek. Since the route is efficient and direct, it serves as a reliable link between the Lake of the Ozarks area and the metropolitan center of Kansas City.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

76.1 miles from Camdenton, MO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 46m into the drive .

Drive Character

This 152.2-mile trek is a highway-focused drive, with 99% of your time spent on main thoroughfares. You should prepare for a consistent pace, as the route features a dominant 142.8-mile stretch on MO 7 that defines the experience. While you will utilize MO 5 and US 54 to complete the connection, the majority of the drive feels like a steady, uninterrupted transit. Expect a functional, road-heavy commute that prioritizes speed and efficiency over winding backroads. It is a predictable drive that allows you to settle into a rhythm once you merge onto the primary highway corridor.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 12 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
MO 7 is the longest continuous segment at about 142.8 miles.

Elevation Profile

Mostly flat terrain

1,055 ft 776 ft

Total Climb

146 ft

Total Descent

385 ft

Highest Point

1,055 ft

~21.7 mi in

Elevation Range

279 ft

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on MO 7 and MO 5. You will hit about 9 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.8 miles in.

Route Complexity 5/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 152.2 miles you will encounter 9 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 46 miles (MO 7): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 46.2 miles (MO 7): Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 9 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

9
0.8 mi into trip | ~1m in

Take the exit toward MO 5 North, MO 7 North: Sunrise Beach

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the left lane. Toward MO 5 North, MO 7 North: Sunrise Beach
5
46 mi into trip | ~1h 5m in | MO 7

Take the exit onto MO 7 toward MO 7 North: Warsaw, Clinton

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward MO 7 North: Warsaw, Clinton
4
46.2 mi into trip | ~1h 6m in | MO 7

Turn left onto MO 7

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.
7
113.5 mi into trip | ~2h 29m in | MO 7

Take the exit onto MO 7 toward I 49 North, US 71 North, MO 7 North: Kansas City

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the none lane. Toward I 49 North, US 71 North, MO 7 North: Kan...
7
151.5 mi into trip | ~3h 15m in

Take the exit toward 11th Street, Downtown

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Toward 11th Street, Downtown

Towns Along This Route

On the drive from Camdenton, MO to Kansas City, MO, road signs begin pointing toward Clinton along the way.

Clinton

46 mi in | ~1h 5m | via MO 7

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
MO 7 142.8 mi 3h 3m
MO 5 7.7 mi 9m
US 54 0.8 mi 1m
East 11th Street 0.3 mi 1m
Oak Street <0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: MO 7 — 142.8 mi, about 3h 3m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Camdenton, MO and Kansas City, MO.

1

Start on US 54

0.8 mi · 1 min · US 54
Use the straight / right lanes.
2

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 22 sec
Toward MO 5 North, MO 7 North: Sunrise Beach Use the left lane.
3

Merge onto MO 5; MO 7

7.7 mi · 9 min · MO 5; MO 7
4

Turn left onto MO 7

37 mi · 53 min · MO 7
5

Take the exit onto MO 7

0.3 mi · 33 sec · MO 7
Toward MO 7 North: Warsaw, Clinton
6

Turn left onto MO 7

28 mi · 38 min · MO 7
Use the straight lane.
7

Continue on MO 7; MO 13; MO 52

39 mi · 44 min · MO 7; MO 13; MO 52
8

Take the exit onto MO 7

38 mi · 45 min · MO 7
Toward I 49 North, US 71 North, MO 7 North: Kansas City Use the none lane.
9

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 25 sec
Toward 11th Street, Downtown Use the slight right lane.
10

Turn straight onto East 11th Street

0.3 mi · 1 min · East 11th Street
Use the left / none lanes.
11

Turn left onto Oak Street

461 ft · 15 sec · Oak Street
12

Arrive at destination

Oak Street

Trip Plan

Because this drive is easily completed in one day, you have plenty of flexibility to time your departure based on Kansas City traffic patterns. Plan for at least one stop along the 3-hour and 16-minute route to stretch your legs and refresh your focus. Since 99% of the trip is on highways, keep an eye on your fuel gauge before leaving Camdenton to ensure you stay within your $23 budget for the duration. Given the significant 142.8-mile stretch on MO 7, make sure your vehicle is prepared for a long period of sustained highway speeds. Taking advantage of the single recommended stop will keep you energized for the final leg of your journey into the city.

Morning Departure

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Evening Departure

A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 76.1 miles from Camdenton, MO, or about 1h 46m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 142.8 miles.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Departure

Before you leave

Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.

First stop

Around 80 miles or 1h 51m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 76.1 miles or 1h 46m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 43m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Kansas City, MO than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Camdenton, MO so your first major turns are already loaded.

+

Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.

+

Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Camdenton, MO

This is one driving day of about 152.2 miles and 3h 16m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Camdenton, MO.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on MO 7 for about 142.8 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 76.1 mi from Camdenton, MO · 1h 46m into the drive

Downtown Billings, MO, MO

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Billings, MO

76 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Popular next leg

Billings, MO to Kansas City, MO

183.2 mi · 2h 58m

Pacing Suggestions

Warsaw, MO

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Warsaw, MO

Meal break

The midpoint is around 76.1 miles from Camdenton, MO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before MO 7 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 142.8 miles.

Arriving in Kansas City, MO

The final approach into Kansas City, MO usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.

Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Kansas City, MO.

After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$23.12 one way

$46.24 round trip

$3.86/gal 25.4 MPG avg 53 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.25 $25.48 $50.97
premium $4.80 $28.73 $57.46
diesel $5.64 $33.81 $67.63

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$23

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$48–$73

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 53.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 45.7 0 $15.98 $7.31
Efficient EV 38.1 0 $13.32 $6.09
EV Truck/SUV 60.9 0 $21.31 $9.74

Gas CO2

53 kg

EV CO2

18 kg (66% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast data refreshed 5 hours ago

Origin

Camdenton, MO

Afternoon in Camdenton on Sunday

Local time

4:51 PM

CDT

Current temp

75°F

Scattered Rain Showers

S 17 mph 53% chance Live forecast

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 12 at 12:21AM CDT by NWS Paducah KY

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 11 at 9:46PM CDT until April 18 at 1:00PM CDT by NWS St Louis MO

Destination

Kansas City, MO

Afternoon in Kansas City on Sunday

Local time

4:51 PM

CDT

Current temp

71°F

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms

S 16 mph 95% chance Live forecast

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 12 at 12:21AM CDT by NWS Paducah KY

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 11 at 9:46PM CDT until April 18 at 1:00PM CDT by NWS St Louis MO

Along the Route

56°F

Billings, MO

76 mi in

Seasonal Notes

Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.

Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.

Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.

Time zone

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

4 degrees cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

3h 16m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Camdenton, MO to Kansas City, MO covers 152.2 miles and takes about 3h 16m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are MO 7, MO 5, US 54. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 76.1 miles from Camdenton, MO. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $23.12 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 152.2 miles you will encounter 9 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 46 miles (MO 7): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 46.2 miles (MO 7): Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Camdenton, MO to Kansas City, MO, road signs begin pointing toward Clinton along the way.

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Explore More

Return Trip

Kansas City, MO to Camdenton, MO

Plan the drive back the other way.

152.1 mi 3h 16m

Continue From Kansas City, MO

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