Route 66 Campgrounds

Route 66 celebrates its official centenary this year (2026). Major events are being organized across all eight states through which the route winds to honour this historic highway, which spans over 3,900 kilometres (2,448 miles). Highlights include official opening festivals in Springfield (Missouri), solar-powered vehicle races and roadshows in Amarillo (Texas), new artworks as part of the 'Route 66 Centennial Monument Project', and local neon-themed exhibitions in Albuquerque (New Mexico).

Historic Route 66 is part of the original US Highway System and opened on November 11, 1926. Route 66 begins in Chicago, Illinois, runs through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, and ends in Santa Monica, California. Route 66 was once a bustling highway with thriving businesses along the route, but the road fell into decline following the introduction of the Interstate Highway System. In the mid-1980s, Route 66 experienced a revival and life along the road flourished once more, though this, too, eventually waned. After a long, quiet period, a new generation is rediscovering Route 66, and the road is gaining increasing popularity among international visitors.

Today, Route 66 is no longer an official federal highway; that status was revoked in 1985. The "Mother Road" now consists of a series of tourist routes, state-marked sections, and local roads that together form the roughly 2,448-mile-long route from Chicago to Santa Monica. Because the old road is no longer a continuous stretch, travellers must piece together the historic sections themselves. In many places, the original alignment has been rerouted or absorbed into the Interstate Highway network (primarily I-55, I-44, I-40, I-15, and I-10). Following the original route requires specific tools, such as specialized navigation apps, detailed guidebooks, regional maps, or route planners, to avoid inadvertently ending up on the high-speed Interstates.

In this blog, we have divided Route 66 into 22 equal segments of approximately 100 miles each. This allows for a wonderful, leisurely travel pace, giving you plenty of time to explore the sights along the way. Below, you will find the exact list of towns where you will stay each night and for each town we’ve listed our recommended campground, glamping or RV park. The stops are distributed across the various US states as follows: Illinois (3 nights in Chicago, Pontiac, Springfield), Missouri (4 nights in St. Louis, Cuba, Lebanon, Joplin), Oklahoma (4 nights in Tulsa, Stroud, Oklahoma City, Clinton), Texas (3 nights in Shamrock, Amarillo, Adrian), New Mexico (4 nights in Tucumcari, Santa Rosa, Albuquerque, Gallup), Arizona (3 nights in Holbrook, Flagstaff, Kingman), California (2 nights in Barstow and the final destination Santa Monica).

This is the official starting point of your road trip. Chicago is the city of Frank Lloyd Wright, the HBO hit The Bear, the 2km long Chicago Riverwalk, and Cloud Gate (the Bean) in Millennium Park. Make Jellystone Park™ Caledonia your first stop. The family campground features a lovely water park with a beach, a beautiful swimming pool, and rents out mobile homes and cabins in addition to RV sites.

View the beautiful murals, the Route 66 museum, and the Historic Route 66 Old Bridge just south of the city. For an extra Route 66 feel, head to the Old Log Cabin Restaurant for lunch or dinner. Pontiac itself does not have an RV park or campground. Don't worry, just a short distance away in Secor, the team at Hickory Hill Campground welcomes you. The campground rents out RV sites and tent sites and features a swimming pool and a mini-golf course.

This is the state capital, the hometown of Abraham Lincoln and the décor of the 2011 Bad Teacher movie starring Cameron Diaz and Justin Timberlake. You may want to tour the 16th president's home, law offices and Old State Capitol. View the Lincoln Library and Museum. If you’re more into boating and fishing head to Lake Springfield. Springfield KOA Journey offers a quiet country setting, a variety of cabins, and lots of fun amenities among which a swimming pool, mini golf and bike rentals. 

Cross the Mississippi River and get a bird’s eye view from the Gateway Arch. Visit the yearly balloon festival or cheer the St. Louis Cardinals during one of the major league baseball games. If you’re RV-ing your best bet is the Cahokia RV Parque, a relaxed RV park with a family atmosphere. Their amenities include an outdoor swimming pool (seasonal) and a children's playground. 

The city of Cuba is known as the "Murals City". It features 14 murals and is home to the historic Wagon Wheel Motel, the oldest motel on Route 66. Meramec Valley Campground & RV Park is just minutes from Cuba city center and centred around Lunatto lake. RV and tent campgrounds are complemented by a range of sports facilities, including basketball, pickleball and minigolf.

Yes, Lebanon is a cozy town with a beautifully restored Route 66 museum, but you may want to consider a small detour to Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks. Right in the middle of this Midwest's premier lake resort destination (think boating, outdoor escapes and shopping) you’ll find Riviera RV Resort. The RV Resort is perched on a wooded bluff overlooking Lake of the Ozarks in Sunrise Beach. You’ll enjoy spacious full-hookup RV sites, direct access to the lake and boat slips for rent.

Joplin is right before the Kansas state line. Make sure to save some time to hike up to Grand Falls, the largest continuously flowing natural waterfall in Missouri. Rivers Bend Camp Ground is a 27 acre property located 5.5 miles off Route 66, which crosses the heart of Joplin. They offer RV sites and cabins and an on-site restaurant overlooking Shoal Creek. 

Although Tulsa is known for its beautiful art deco buildings and a rich oil history, music buffs will know Tulsa for its Bob Dylan Center, which offers unprecedented access to the creative life of one of America’s most important and influential artists. Our campground pick for Tulsa will appeal to the creative minds among us: West Bend RV Outpost. West Bend is located on the grounds of a revitalized industrial complex and brings together a unique combination of city, activity and camping. While located within the gated grounds of WOMPA (West O’ Main Producers Association), you’ll join a community of business professionals and artists.

Stroud is a great stop to wind down. The Stroud Municipal Swimming Pool is a great place to take the kids on a hot summer. The Stroud Municipal 9-hole Golf Course has very affordable green fees starting at $13 and the iconic Rock Café is a great place to get a juicy burger or tasty salad. Ozark Trail RV Park is easily accessible from the I-44 (minutes from Exit 179) and right on Historic Route 66. The campground offers full hookups (30/50 amp), pull through sites and sparkling clean private shower suites.

Ready to watch some serious sports games? The city is home to Oklahoma City Thunder (NBC), Oklahoma City Thunder, the OKC Comets (minor league baseball) and OKC for Soccer. It is also the Horse Show Capital of the World and has a rich cowboy culture. Roadrunner RV Park is a high-quality, pet-friendly RV park offering short-term travellers a reliable, hassle free experience.

Ten days down the road, almost half-way and there it finally is: the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum. It’s audio tour, exhibits guide, movies, 1950s-style diner replicas and antique cars will give you a glimpse of 100 years of Route 66 history. Other must-see Clinton attractions include the Cherokee Trading Post & Boot Outlet, Lucky Star Casino Clinton, Acme Brick Park and the Water-Zoo Indoor Water Park. If you’re looking for some serious splashing, swimming and relaxing by the pool, head to the Water-Zoo Campground which is open all year and offers full hook-ups, super-sites, WiFi and a water park deal! 

When in Shamrock, admire the beautifully lit U-Drop Inn, which was built in 1936. It originally served as a café and service station and was one of the first commercial businesses along the route. The site now also hosts a Tesla Supercharger. It is listed on the National Register and is a true must-see. And although Shamrock has a great Irish heritage there isn't a traditional standalone Irish pub in town. For a good burger and beer go to The Metropole Saloon and Restaurant. At Texas Route 66 RV Park you’ll enjoy clear starry skies while tenting or RV-ing at one of the sites. Your kids will love the farm animals and play area, your dog the dog run and you may finally understand what Horseshoes is all about. 

A place famous for its Cadillac Ranch where cars stick out of the ground. How about that! Next to its rugged cowboy heritage the city offers cool roadside art, dramatic natural landscapes and a true Route 66 Historic District, with one of the largest collections of Route 66 attractions anywhere. Amarillo By Morning RV Park is a convenient stopover for RVer's on their way east or west along the Route 66. The RV park offers pull thru’s up to 90' long, with 50 amp service and free cable at all sites. Beyond the pull thru’s there’s a playground for the kids, a gift shop, and laundry facilities.

This is the exact geographic midpoint of Route 66. When there take a detour and visit Glenrio, a fascinating Route 66 ghost town. Take a selfie at the Midpoint sign and make a stop at the Mid-Point Cafe to enjoy their delicious hamburgers and ugly crust pies. Midpoint Campground is a secure RV park with 10 spacious pull-through RV spots. They offer 30/50 AMP electric hookups, city water, and sewer facilities. Sites are on a first-come first-serve basis, no reservation needed.

A town full of vintage neon lights and classic motels, Tucumcari is nicknamed "The Gateway to New Mexico. The city is situated on the edge of the Great Plains and from here you can make scenic driving routes taking you past various mesas (table-top mountains). Back in town visit the dinosaur museum or the city’s distinctive murals. Blaze-In-Saddle RV Park is situated along the historic Route 66. The offer clean and spacious sites featuring views of Tucumcari Mountain, brilliant sunsets and cool nights.

When in Santa Rosa, make sure to check out the crystal-clear water of the Blue Hole spring, an 81-foot-deep natural artesian spring that (62 degrees) allows for year-round scuba diving. The city is located on the Pecos River, between Albuquerque and Amarillo. Enjoy the sight of picturesque stone buildings in the historic district, waterslides and pedal boats at Park Lake and the landmark Guadalupe County Courthouse. Santa Rosa Campground & RV Park is home to New Mexico's Best Western BBQ. Their Award Winning BBQ Restaurant is open every evening and serves smoked brisket, ribs, steaks, and a variety of sides.

It’s a great day for hot air ballooning and you know what? Albuquerque is the hot air ballooning capital of the world. Beyond floating through the sky it’s a great place to sample traditional New Mexican cuisine, experience world-class museums such as the Albuquerque Museum, go on a self-guided mural and street art walk in Albuquerque’s Downtown neighbourhood, or please the kids and visit the uniquely interactive art at Electric Playhouse. Don’t forget to stroll along Central Avenue under the vintage neon glow of Route 66. Isleta Lakes and RV Park offer a weird combo: it’s great for fishing and gambling. It offers well-appointed RV sites and is just minutes away by shuttle from Isleta Resort and Casino.

A historic Native American town filled with old trading posts. It proudly names itself as the "Heart of Indian Country", as it produces some 70% of the world's authentic Native American art. Gallup is located right along the Historic Route 66, showcasing dramatic sandstone canyons, and bustling vintage trading posts. USA RV Park is your best bet in Gallup. It rents cabins and RV spots, has a refreshing swimming pool and a gift shop to bay that souvenir for back home.

Holbrook, founded in 1881, is a popular Route 66 hub in Navajo County. Here you cruise past iconic neon signs and vintage diners that capture the spirit of the Historic Route 66. Enjoy the real Native American and pioneer heritage, wander the Petrified Forest National Park and sleep in a real teepee at the Wigwam Motel. Wigwam Motel is a piece of Western U.S. Culture built by Chester Evert Lewis and now operated by his family. A classic car display is present in the parking lot outside of the teepee sleeping units.

Flagstaff is a charming mountain town surrounded by dense pine forests. You’ll appreciate it’s vibrant culture coming to life in the historic downtown area. It is a truly charming, pedestrian-friendly town that welcome you with a booming live-music and arts scene, a real brewery trail and many summer and winter festivals & events. Our pick in Flagstaff is the Woody Mountain Campground & Bed & Breakfast. Besides b&b rooms and RV sites it is home to The Last Haul Coffee & Wine Lounge, a newly renovated lounge and outdoor patio, which serves fresh baked pastries and tasty breakfast sandwiches to pair with locally sourced coffee. The wine lounge proudly serves local Arizona wine and “pick & mix” charcuterie boards!

Right in the heart of historic Route 66 in Arizona, that’s Kingman. Make sure to stroll the historic downtown area. The greatest concentration of historic buildings and neon signs you’ll find along Andy Devine Avenue and Beale Street. Locomotive Park has a historic steam engine and a caboose on display. Don’t forget to check out the retro motor lodges and vintage diners and roadside attractions such as Giganticus Headicus. Our pick for Kingman is the Kingman KOA Journey, set in the high desert and surrounded by mountains. From here you can take day trips to Las Vegas, the Hoover Dam, Lake Havasu, the Grand Canyon Skywalk and ghost towns like Chloride or Oatman. The per-friendly campground has free mini golf, Wi-Fi and a seasonal heated pool and hot tub. 

Your final stop in the impressive Mojave Desert, that’s Barstow. At the crossroads of the Mojave River, the east-west American Railroad track and Route 66, Interstate 40 and Interstate 15 Barstow is a bustling city and the entrance to the Mojave National Preserve. While there, stay at the Barstow - Calico KOA Holiday. This family-oriented KOA offers 70-foot Pull-Thru RV Sites with dividing hedges, full hookups, free cable and Wi-Fi, deluxe cabins and tent sites as well as remodelled central restrooms/showers. For the sports minded ones among us, the campground is close to the hiking trails and off-roading at nearby Mule Canyon. 

After a short final drive, your journey ends at the Santa Monica Pier. What to say more about Santa Monica? LA, Malibu, Hollywood, Pasadena are all within driving range. Take a selfie at the Santa Monica Pier, taste strawberries at one of the Santa Monica Farmers Markets, put your toes in the sand at Santa Monica State Beach or stroll or bike along its many galleries and cafes. Dockweiler RV Park is L.A. County’s only recreational vehicle campground, Right on the beach and thus highly popular. This year-round beach campground offers complete hook-ups for RVs and hot showers. You can play volleyball at nearby courts, go for a swim, try surf fishing, or have a campfire on the beach. It’s all there.