Origin
Saint Joseph, MO
Afternoon in Saint Joseph on Sunday
Local time
2:40 PM
CDT
Current temp
45°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Saint Joseph, MO to Camdenton, MO
Drive Time
4h 19m
Distance
205.9 mi
331 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$31
one way
Saint Joseph, MO
Andrés Oliver Joya Zapata
Camdenton, MO
Change C.C
Trip Overview
Traveling from Saint Joseph to Camdenton covers 205.9 miles across the heart of Missouri. You should plan for a drive time of approximately 4 hours and 19 minutes, making this a very manageable single-day trip. With a fuel budget of roughly $31, the route is economically friendly for a weekend getaway. You will transition through the Midwest landscape using a combination of I-29, Bruce R. Watkins Drive, and MO 7. Since the entire trip stays within Missouri, you will experience a consistent regional feel from start to finish. This drive works perfectly if you want to reach your destination without the need for an overnight split, allowing you to maximize your time in Camdenton.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
102.9 miles from Saint Joseph, MO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 1m into the drive .
Drive Character
This trip features a highway-focused profile, with 66% of the journey spent on high-speed roads. You will navigate a mix of interstate transit and local highway driving as you transition between major routes. A significant portion of your time behind the wheel will be spent on MO 7, which hosts the longest uninterrupted stretch of the trip at 77 miles. Expect the drive to feel efficient as you move from the urban corridors near Saint Joseph toward the more relaxed pace of the Missouri interior. The transition between fast-paced highway segments and the steady rhythm of MO 7 keeps the drive engaging without requiring constant navigation changes.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 34 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 77 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on MO 7 and I 29. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.8 miles in.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 26 significant decision points across 205.9 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 1.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 35.2 miles (I 29; US 71): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 26 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
1.8 mi into trip
|
~3m in
Take the exit toward I 229 South, US 59 South: Kansas City
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 229 South, US 59 South: Kansas City
6
6.5 mi into trip
|
~8m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 29 South, US 71 South: Kansas City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 29 South, US 71 South: Kansas City
8
35.2 mi into trip
|
~39m in
|
I 29; US 71
Keep slight left at fork onto I 29; US 71 toward I 29 South, US 71 South: Kansas City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the none lane.
Toward I 29 South, US 71 South: Kansas City
8
53.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 3m in
|
I 70; US 24; US 40 / George Brett Super Highway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 70; US 24; US 40 / George Brett Super Highway toward I 70 East, US 24 East, US 40 East, US 71 South: Saint Louis, Joplin
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 70 East, US 24 East, US 40 East, US 71...
7
54.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 4m in
|
US 71 / Bruce R. Watkins Drive
Keep slight right at fork onto US 71 / Bruce R. Watkins Drive
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left / none lanes.
Exit 2M
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Saint Joseph, MO to Camdenton, MO, road signs begin pointing toward Joplin along the way.
Joplin
53.6 mi in
|
~1h 3m
|
via I 70; US 24; US 40
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MO 7 | 77 mi | 1h 39m |
| I 29 | 40.4 mi | 44m |
| Bruce R. Watkins Drive | 37.8 mi | 45m |
| East Division Road | 27.6 mi | 37m |
| MO 5 | 7.5 mi | 9m |
| US 169 | 5.2 mi | 7m |
| I 229 | 4.5 mi | 4m |
| North 9th Street | 1.2 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
MO 7
— 77 mi, about 1h 39m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Saint Joseph, MO and Camdenton, MO.
1
Start on Walter Welsh Avenue
417 ft
·
8 sec
·
Walter Welsh Avenue
2
Turn right onto North 12th Street
297 ft
·
10 sec
·
North 12th Street
3
Turn right onto Francis Street
0.2 mi
·
37 sec
·
Francis Street
4
Turn left onto I 29 Business
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
North 9th Street
5
Take the ramp
0.1 mi
·
15 sec
6
Merge onto US 36
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
·
US 36
7
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
Toward I 229 South, US 59 South: Kansas City
8
Merge onto I 229; US 59
4.5 mi
·
4 min
·
I 229; US 59
9
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
29 sec
Toward I 29 South, US 71 South: Kansas City
10
Merge onto I 29; US 71
26 mi
·
27 min
·
I 29; US 71
Use the none lane.
11
Merge onto I 29; I 435; US 71
2.2 mi
·
2 min
·
I 29; I 435; US 71
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 29; US 71
12 mi
·
13 min
·
I 29; US 71
Toward I 29 South, US 71 South: Kansas City
Use the none lane.
13
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
29 sec
Exit 2B
Toward US 169 South: Kansas City Downtown
14
Merge onto US 169
5.2 mi
·
7 min
·
US 169
Use the none lane.
15
Keep slight left at fork onto Broadway Boulevard
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
·
Broadway Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
16
Turn left onto West 6th Street
0.3 mi
·
26 sec
·
West 6th Street
Use the left lane.
17
Take the ramp
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
Toward I 35 North, I 70 East, US 24 East, US 40 East
18
Continue on I 35; I 70; US 24; US 40
0.4 mi
·
39 sec
·
George Brett Super Highway
Use the none lane.
19
Keep slight right at fork onto I 70; US 24; US 40
0.5 mi
·
58 sec
·
George Brett Super Highway
Toward I 70 East, US 24 East, US 40 East, US 71 South: Saint Louis, Joplin
Use the slight right lane.
20
Keep slight right at fork onto US 71
38 mi
·
45 min
·
Bruce R. Watkins Drive
Exit 2M
Use the straight / slight left / none lanes.
21
Take the exit onto MO 7
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
·
MO 7
Exit 157
Toward MO 7 South: Clinton
22
Turn slight left onto MO 7
39 mi
·
44 min
·
MO 7
Exit 157
Toward MO 7 South: Clinton
Use the left lane.
23
Turn left onto MO 7
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
East Ohio Street
24
Continue on MO 7
28 mi
·
37 min
·
East Division Road
25
Take the ramp onto MO 7
6.5 mi
·
8 min
·
MO 7
Toward MO 7 South, MO 65 South: Springfield
26
Turn left onto MO 7
31 mi
·
46 min
·
MO 7
27
At end of road, turn right onto MO 5; MO 7
7.5 mi
·
9 min
·
MO 5; MO 7
28
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
39 sec
Toward US 54 West: Nevada
29
Turn slight right onto US 54
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
US 54
30
Turn left onto Court Circle SE
147 ft
·
4 sec
·
Court Circle SE
31
Continue on Court Circle SE
0.1 mi
·
20 sec
·
Court Circle SE
32
Continue on Court Circle SW
379 ft
·
15 sec
·
Court Circle SW
33
At end of road, turn right onto US 54
296 ft
·
8 sec
·
US 54
34
Arrive at destination
US 54
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour and 19-minute duration, departing in the morning is your best bet to arrive in Camdenton by the afternoon. Plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refuel, as this helps break up the 205.9-mile journey effectively. Because you will spend a large block of time on MO 7, keep an eye on your speed and traffic flow during that 77-mile stretch. Since the total fuel cost is estimated at $31, you have plenty of flexibility to adjust your pace without worrying about a massive spike in travel expenses. This route offers a straightforward path, so use your extra time to enjoy the flexibility of a single-day itinerary.
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 102.9 miles from Saint Joseph, MO, or about 2h 1m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 77 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 34m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 102.9 miles or 2h 1m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 25m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Camdenton, MO than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Saint Joseph, 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 Saint Joseph, MO
This is one driving day of about 205.9 miles and 4h 19m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Saint Joseph, 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 77 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 102.9 mi from Saint Joseph, MO · 2h 1m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
103 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.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 102.9 miles from Saint Joseph, MO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before MO 7 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 77 miles.
Arriving in Camdenton, MO
The final approach into Camdenton, 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 Camdenton, MO.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$31.27 one way
$62.55 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
72 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $34.48 | $68.95 |
| premium | $4.80 | $38.87 | $77.74 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $45.74 | $91.49 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$31
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$56–$81
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 72 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 61.8 | 0 | $21.62 | $9.88 |
| Efficient EV | 51.5 | 0 | $18.02 | $8.24 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 82.4 | 1 | $28.83 | $13.18 |
Gas CO2
72 kg
EV CO2
24 kg (67% 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.
Destination
Camdenton, MO
Afternoon in Camdenton on Sunday
Local time
2:40 PM
CDT
Current temp
76°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
41°F
Warsaw, MO
103 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
31 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 19m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Saint Joseph, MO to Camdenton, MO covers 205.9 miles and takes about 4h 19m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are MO 7, I 29, Bruce R. Watkins Drive. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 102.9 miles from Saint Joseph, MO. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $31.27 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. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 26 significant decision points across 205.9 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 35.2 miles (I 29; US 71): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Saint Joseph, MO to Camdenton, MO, road signs begin pointing toward Joplin along the way.
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