If you’re planning to drive the entirety of Route 66 you’ll either start or end in the Windy City, Chicago, Illinois. Then you’ll head southwest through rural Midwestern towns with plenty of classic motel neon, vintage filling stations, roadside giants, historic bridges, and more. Keep driving until you hit the Mississippi River and East St. Louis.
Here are RV campgrounds along Route 66 in Illinois:
Many people consider Missouri’s leg of Route 66—from St. Louis into Oklahoma—to be the heart of the journey. Here, it’s still possible to travel on a decent amount of miles of the original route. Plan to stop at diners, roadside attractions, and plenty of photo ops.
Here are RV campgrounds along Route 66 in Missouri:
Oklahoma is home to the most drivable portions of the old Mother Road with plenty of fun things to see along the way. Tulsa is a landmark city on Route 66—plan enough time to visit museums, restored buildings, and historic sites—and don’t miss the iconic Blue Whale in nearby Catoosa.
Here are RV campgrounds along Route 66 in Oklahoma:
The panhandle of Texas is filled with vintage gems, from filling stations to motels and diners. Nearly 180 miles of the old Route 66 run parallel to the new route so you can easily hop on and off.
Don’t miss a stay in Amarillo, known for the famous 72-ounce steak dinner at The Big Texan Steak Ranch and Cadillac Ranch nearby. If you want a detour, Palo Duro Canyon is one of the best parks in the Lone Star State. Lastly, Adrian, Texas, is the exact midpoint on Route 66: 1,139 miles from both Chicago and Los Angeles—stay overnight here, visit the Midway Point marker, and refuel at the Midpoint Cafe.
Here are RV campgrounds along Route 66 in Texas:
The Land of Enchantment offers hot springs, forests, desert, and mountains, as well as interesting small towns and big cities—the most iconic is Tucumcari, home to dozens of famous landmarks and kitschy attractions.
Here are RV campgrounds along Route 66 in New Mexico:
You know you’re entering Arizona when you see the Teepee Trading Post and souvenir shop. Continue along the route to see famous landmarks and restored hotels before entering the outdoor adventure hubs of Flagstaff and Williams, the gateway of the Grand Canyon. Before you exit Arizona, stop in the town regarded as “Guardian Angel of Route 66” and visit the state’s Route 66 museum.
Here are RV campgrounds along Route 66 in Arizona:
The final stretch of the route takes you through desert ghost towns and ends at the Santa Monica pier. Along the way you’ll encounter plenty of worthy pit stops including museums, diners, restored motels, historic sites, and funky art displays such as Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch.
Here are RV campgrounds along Route 66 in California: