Last reviewed: · Prices in US Dollars ($ USD) are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview & City Profile
Camden (Ray County, Missouri; pop. 186) sits at 226 m (741 ft) elevation near Big Lake (historical), with regional transit access via Lexington Municipal Airport (8.4 km). Visitors pair Camden landmarks with signature Missouri specialties including St. Louis toasted ravioli & Provel thin-crust pizza and Kansas City slow-smoked ribs & burnt ends.
Within Missouri, Camden (Camden, MO) serves as a us city in missouri. Travelers exploring Missouri often combine a stop in Camden with state highlights such as Gateway Arch National Park (St. Louis), Kansas City Jazz & 18th & Vine, Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Lake of the Ozarks & Branson.
| Fact | Details for Camden (Camden, MO) |
|---|---|
| City & State | Camden, MO |
| County & Role | US City in Missouri |
| State & Major Hubs | Missouri (St. Louis, Kansas City & Branson) |
| Population | 186 residents |
| Elevation | 226 m (741 ft) above sea level |
| Nearest Airport / Transit Hub | Lexington Municipal Airport (8.4 km) |
| Coordinates | 39.1972°N, 94.0230°W |
Getting to Camden & Getting Around
Via the regional hub (Lexington Municipal Airport (8.4 km)): St. Louis Lambert (STL) and Kansas City (MCI) airports, Amtrak Missouri River Runner linking St. Louis, Jefferson City & Kansas City, I-70/I-44.
- Public transit & contactless payment: Major US metro areas use tap-to-pay cards and mobile wallets (NYC OMNY, SF Clipper, Chicago Ventra, DC SmarTrip, LA TAP), while smaller towns and National Park gateways are best explored by rental car or intercity coach.
- Airlines & baggage rules: Flying domestically into STL St. Louis & MCI Kansas City Airports + Amtrak Missouri River Runner? Check your 22×14×9 inch carry-on and $35 checked bag fees in our TSA & Airline Baggage Checker.
- Driving & National Parks: If your route from Camden includes National Parks or Scenic Byways, use our $80 America the Beautiful Pass Calculator to see if the annual pass saves you money.
What Locals Eat in Camden (Missouri)
1. Signature Regional Dish
In Camden (Ray County, Missouri), local tables feature: Signature Missouri dishes—St. Louis toasted ravioli & Provel thin-crust pizza, Kansas City slow-smoked ribs & burnt ends, and St. Louis gooey butter cake.
2. Diner, Smokehouse & Market Staples ($14–$28)
Around Camden and across Missouri, local beverage lists highlight: Regional pours and beverages in Missouri: Hermann Missouri Norton reds & historic lagers, alongside independent American craft breweries, local roasters, and regional vineyards.
3. Local Craft Beverages & Regional Produce
At farmers markets and specialty shops in Camden (Missouri), look for: Local specialties across Missouri: Frozen custard concretes (Route 66 tradition), farmers-market seasonal produce, and regional smokehouse or bakery traditions.
4. American Dining & Tipping Rhythm (18%–22%)
Classic Missouri dining—hearty diner or café breakfasts, casual lunch counters and food trucks ($12–$20), and evening neighborhood restaurants where 18%–20% table-service tipping and state/local sales tax apply at checkout. In a smaller American town like Camden (pop. 186), dining centers around Main Street cafés, family diners, barbecue smokehouses, and seasonal farmers markets; note that rural kitchens in Ray County often wrap up dinner service by 20:30–21:00.
GeoNames Local Data: Elevation, Nearest Hub & Neighboring US Cities
- Elevation: 226 m (741 ft) above sea level
- Nearest Airport / Rail Hub: Lexington Municipal Airport (8.4 km)
- Nearby Landmarks & Points of Interest: Big Lake (historical) (6.2 km) · Fort Osage Historic Site (14.6 km) · Cooley Lake (historical) (21.2 km) · Monkey Mountain (25.3 km) · Watkins Mill State Park (30.5 km)
- Local Districts & Neighborhoods: Historic Downtown Camden, Ray County District
5 Nearest Neighboring US Cities & Towns
- Richmond, MO (9.9 km)
- Lexington, MO (12.4 km)
- Buckner, MO (16.8 km)
- Odessa, MO (22.8 km)
- Oak Grove, MO (23.3 km)
Regional Specialties Across Missouri
- St. Louis toasted ravioli & Provel thin-crust pizza — a signature specialty across Missouri.
- Kansas City slow-smoked ribs & burnt ends — a signature specialty across Missouri.
- St. Louis gooey butter cake — a signature specialty across Missouri.
- Frozen custard concretes (Route 66 tradition) — a signature specialty across Missouri.
- Hermann Missouri Norton reds & historic lagers — a signature specialty across Missouri.
For dietary restrictions or food allergies, open our American English Idioms & Allergy Show-Cards.
Best Time to Visit & Practical Tips for Camden
Best time to visit Missouri: Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov.
- Sales Tax & Tipping: Menu and shelf prices in Camden exclude state and local sales tax. At sit-down restaurants, plan on an 18%–22% pre-tax tip. Use our State Sales Tax & Tipping Calculator ($).
- Cards & Contactless: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay, and Google Pay are accepted almost everywhere in Camden; keep $20–$40 in $1 and $5 bills for hotel bellhops, valet parking, and roadside farm stands.
- Emergency & Visitor Info: Dial 911 for police, fire, or medical emergencies anywhere in the US, and dial 511 for state highway and weather road conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Camden (Camden, MO) located in the United States?
Camden (Camden, MO) is a us city in Missouri, United States (coordinates: 39.1972°N, 94.0230°W, elevation: 226 m (741 ft)). It has a population of approximately 186.
How do I get to Camden by plane, Amtrak, or car?
Most visitors reach Camden via Lexington Municipal Airport (8.4 km). St. Louis Lambert (STL) and Kansas City (MCI) airports, Amtrak Missouri River Runner linking St. Louis, Jefferson City & Kansas City, I-70/I-44. You can compare Amtrak fares and passes using our Amtrak & USA Rail Pass Calculator ($).
What local food is Camden and Missouri known for?
In Camden and across Missouri, signature regional dishes include St. Louis toasted ravioli & Provel thin-crust pizza, Kansas City slow-smoked ribs & burnt ends, St. Louis gooey butter cake, as well as Frozen custard concretes (Route 66 tradition) and Hermann Missouri Norton reds & historic lagers. Remember that menu prices exclude state sales tax and 18–22% tipping—check our State Sales Tax & Tipping Calculator ($).
When is the best time of year to visit Camden?
Best time to visit Missouri: Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov. Check our US Seasonal Travel Calendar to compare month-by-month weather and National Park crowd levels.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: