Discover Camden County

A gorge with steep rock walls nearly 250 feet high and a natural bridge give Ha Ha Tonka Karst a distinctive profile. The natural area is in Ha Ha Tonka State Park; trails through the karst provide access to the bridge. For travelers exploring Camden County, this makes scenery and hiking concrete parts of the itinerary.

Karst, Spring, and Park History

Ha Ha Tonka Spring offers another perspective on the area’s natural features: its average daily flow is 48 million gallons. While the gorge is defined by its steep rock walls, the spring can be appreciated in terms of water volume. Ha Ha Tonka State Park was established in 1978.

In the park, the ruins of a stone castle dating from around the turn of the 20th century overlook the Lake of the Ozarks and Ha Ha Tonka Spring. The two named viewpoints connect the historic site with the surrounding landscape. Ha Ha Tonka Lake and Spring were purchased in Camden County in 1904—a separate historical reference, independent of the later establishment of the state park.

Caves and Different Ways to Explore

Ozark Caverns is in Camden County, off Highway A. Four species of salamander live in the caves, making wildlife another point of interest alongside their location. Also in Camden County, Bridal Cave offers one-hour tours. The cave contains the Bridal Chapel, which has been used for more than 4,200 weddings.

Coakley Hollow Trail offers a different format: it is a one-mile, self-guided interpretive trail. The information about Bridal Cave and the trail addresses different planning questions: the tour has a stated duration, while the trail is described by its length and self-guided format. The similarly named Coakley Hollow Fen is in Lake of the Ozarks State Park.

Local History

The Camden County Museum is housed in the former Linn Creek School House and displays local artifacts from communities throughout Camden County. The exhibits offer a glimpse into the history of different communities. Old Linn Creek Memorial Cemetery provides a different perspective on the past; it was established in 1843. The museum and cemetery therefore offer distinct approaches: the museum displays artifacts with countywide connections, while the cemetery has a specific founding date.

Whether you’re especially interested in karst and springs, caves and wildlife, or local history, Camden County offers a range of themes to consider when planning your trip. The experiences mentioned range from trails leading to a natural bridge to a one-hour tour, museum artifacts, and a historic cemetery.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Osage Beach, Camdenton, Linn Creek, Climax Springs, Sunrise Beach, Cooper, Clay, Atchison.

See the main travel guide: Missouri.