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Trip from Camdenton, MO to Independence, MO

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 21m

Distance

148.4 mi

239 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$23

one way

EV Charging

Sparse

1 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
3h 9m ★
6 AM
3h 21m
8 AM
3h 45m
10 AM
3h 30m
12 PM
3h 27m
3 PM
3h 31m
5 PM
3h 44m
8 PM
3h 14m

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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city in and county seat of Camden County, Missouri, United States

Camdenton, MO

Wikimedia Commons

city in Jackson and Clay counties in Missouri, United States, that is one of two county seats in Jackson County

Independence, MO

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Spanning 148.4 miles across the Missouri heartland, this trip from Camdenton to Independence takes approximately 3 hours and 21 minutes to complete. It is a straightforward drive that works perfectly as a single-day excursion, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay. You can expect to spend roughly $23 on fuel for the journey, making it a budget-friendly option for regional travel. By utilizing MO 7, MO 58, and South Noland Road, you stay within the Midwest, transitioning from the lake country of Camdenton to the urban-adjacent setting of Independence. It is a practical route for those prioritizing efficiency over scenic detours, offering a reliable path for travelers heading north.

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

74.2 miles from Camdenton, MO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 44m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
MO 7 108.1 mi 2h 21m
South Noland Road 8.9 mi 15m
MO 58 8.5 mi 11m
MO 291 8.3 mi 12m
MO 5 7.7 mi 9m
US 50 2.7 mi 3m
Blue Parkway 2.5 mi 3m
US 54 0.8 mi 1m
Longest stretch: MO 7 — 108.1 mi, about 2h 21m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Camdenton, MO and Independence, 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

3.3 mi · 3 min · MO 7
Toward I 49 North, US 71 North, MO 7 North: Kansas City
9

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 17 sec
Exit 160 Toward MO 291 North: Lee's Summit
10

Keep slight right at fork

243 ft · 6 sec
Toward MO 291 North: Lee's Summit
11

Merge onto MO 291

8.3 mi · 12 min · MO 291
12

Turn slight left onto MO 58; MO 291

8.5 mi · 11 min · MO 58; MO 291
13

Continue on Southwest Jefferson Street

0.2 mi · 23 sec · Southwest Jefferson Street
14

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 20 sec
Toward US 50 West: Kansas City
15

Merge onto US 50

2.7 mi · 3 min · US 50
16

Continue on MO 350

2.5 mi · 3 min · Blue Parkway
17

Turn right onto MO V

5.9 mi · 9 min · South Noland Road
18

Continue on South Noland Road

3.1 mi · 5 min · South Noland Road
19

Turn left onto East Walnut Street

466 ft · 22 sec · East Walnut Street
20

Turn right onto South Lynn Street

394 ft · 22 sec · South Lynn Street
21

Turn left onto East Kansas Avenue

145 ft · 6 sec · East Kansas Avenue
22

Arrive at destination

East Kansas Avenue

Trip Plan

Since this is a manageable drive of under four hours, you have plenty of flexibility to plan your departure time based on your personal schedule. With only one recommended stop needed, consider breaking up the 148.4-mile trip near the halfway point to stretch your legs and refuel. Keeping an eye on your gas gauge before starting the long 108.1-mile stretch on MO 7 is a smart way to avoid unnecessary stress mid-trip. Because the route is so efficient, you can comfortably leave in the morning and arrive in Independence with plenty of time to settle in before evening. Use the short duration to your advantage by keeping your luggage light and your itinerary open for a spontaneous break along the way.

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 74.2 miles from Camdenton, MO, or about 1h 44m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 108.1 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 33 miles or 47m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 74.2 miles or 1h 44m 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 40m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Independence, 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 148.4 miles and 3h 21m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 33 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 108.1 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in and county seat of Benton County, Missouri, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Warsaw, MO

74 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

Hastain, MO

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 33 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Warsaw, MO

Meal break

The midpoint is around 74.2 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 108.1 miles.

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

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Café Verona

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Independence, Missouri

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $20 to $30 mile 148.4

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+18168330044

Visit website

Café Verona

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $20 to $30 mile 148.4

Independence, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+18168330044

Visit website

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 148.4

Independence, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+18167955520

Visit website

InCharge Energy Charging Station

2.5 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour

Camdenton, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18333994638

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 14

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.8 and 116.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

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
5
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. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 49 North, US 71 North, MO 7 North: Kan...
5
116.8 mi into trip | ~2h 33m in

Take the exit toward MO 291 North: Lee's Summit

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 160 Toward MO 291 North: Lee's Summit
6
116.9 mi into trip | ~2h 33m in

Keep slight right at fork toward MO 291 North: Lee's Summit

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward MO 291 North: Lee's Summit

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$23.20 one way

$46.40 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 52 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $25.47 $50.95
premium $4.89 $28.56 $57.12
diesel $5.61 $32.76 $65.53

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: 51.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 44.5 0 $15.58 $7.12
Efficient EV 37.1 0 $12.99 $5.94
EV Truck/SUV 59.4 0 $20.78 $9.50

Gas CO2

52 kg

EV CO2

17 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.

Forecast as of Apr 11, 2026

Origin

Camdenton, MO

Late night in Camdenton on Sunday

Local time

2:33 AM

CDT

Current temp

76°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Independence, MO

Late night in Independence on Sunday

Local time

2:33 AM

CDT

Current temp

75°F

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

SSE 5 to 13 mph 24% chance Live forecast

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 11 at 11:35AM CDT by NWS St Louis MO

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 11 at 11:35AM CDT by NWS St Louis MO

80°F

Warsaw, MO

74 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

1 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 21m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused journey, as 93% of this trip consists of high-speed travel designed for steady progress. The vast majority of your time behind the wheel will be spent on MO 7, which features a long, uninterrupted stretch of 108.1 miles. While the route maintains a consistent pace, the personality of the road shifts slightly as you transition away from the highway toward the local corridors of South Noland Road. You will find that the drive remains highly predictable, providing a functional experience rather than a technical or winding one. Being prepared for a long stint on the primary highway will help you maintain focus until you reach the final approach into Independence.

93% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 108.1 mi on MO 7.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on MO 7 and South Noland Road. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.8 miles in.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 148.4 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 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 113.5 miles (MO 7): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

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

Clinton

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

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 21m. Total distance: 148.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 21m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (93%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 108.1 miles on MO 7. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Independence, MO before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

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 113.5 miles (MO 7): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Possible but tiring. At 3.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Independence, MO, but most travelers stay overnight.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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