Photo by: Al Griffin Photography

There’s no shortage of breathtaking views at the Lake of the Ozarks.

But if you want to see the lake the way the birds see it, you’ve got to do a little climbing

LakeExpo.com has a piece from Al Griffin, who scaled the tower and took some gorgeous photos.

One day in May, I lugged a full camera bag up the tower and spent hours photographing the lush green countryside. Hills marching away mile after mile, majestic pine after pine and dense oak layered with shorter redbud and dogwood paint the Ozarks with a vibrant green brush to the horizon line. Looking down upon a fully mature pine tree jolts the senses and delights the eye by the unexpected perspective.

The 100-foot Fire Tower, found at the Camdenton Conservation Service Center, is open to the public, with the viewing platform standing at 80 feet above the ground. Be sure to take your binoculars and your best camera!

Driving Directions to the Camdenton Conservation Service Center

From the junction of Highways 54 and 5, take Highway 54 west to Business Highway 5, then take Business Highway 5 north to Old Route 5. Turn left and take an immediate left onto Thunder Mountain Road. Continue west 0.6 miles to office.