Exploring Route 66 in an RV: The Ultimate Mother Road Adventure

Day 1: Chicago, IL

Route 66 officially begins in the heart of Chicago. Stay in outskirts of the city to avoid navigating traffic in your RV. Spend the day exploring iconic attractions like Millennium Park, Willis Tower, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Museum of Science and Industry. Don’t forget to snap a photo at one of the "Begin Route 66" signs at 65 E Adams St.

Campground Recommendations:

• Indiana Dunes State Park (Chesterton, IN): Located along the shores of Lake Michigan, this park offers spacious campsites with electric hookups, easy access to hiking trails, and stunning dune landscapes.
• Hollywood Casino Joliet RV Park (Joliet, IL): Convenient access to Route 66 with full hookups.

Day 2: Chicago, IL, to St. Louis, MO (5 hours)

Start early and make stops in Pontiac, IL, for the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum, and Lincoln, IL, to see the Railsplitter Covered Wagon, the world’s largest covered wagon. These kitschy attractions feature the charm and character that defines a Route 66 adventure.

Campground Recommendations:

• St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA (Eureka, MO): Located near St. Louis, this KOA offers spacious RV sites, full hookups, a pool, and proximity to Route 66 attractions.
• Sundermeier RV Park (St. Charles, MO): Located just outside St. Louis, this well-maintained park offers full hookups, paved sites, and a peaceful atmosphere close to Route 66 and area attractions.

Day 3: St. Louis, MO

Take a break from driving and explore St. Louis. Visit the iconic Gateway Arch and Forest Park, home to the St. Louis Zoo, Art Museum, and Science Center. For something unique, check out The City Museum, a playground of found objects for kids and adults alike.

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Day 4: St. Louis to Baxter Springs, KS (5 hours)

Drive through Missouri’s scenic byways, stopping in Cuba to see its famous murals. Take a photo at the (formerly) World’s Largest Rocking Chair in Fanning, MO. Visit the Route 66 Museum in Lebanon before heading to Galena, KS, for a "Cars"-inspired stop at Cars on the Route.

Campground Recommendations:

• Baxter Springs City Campground (Baxter Springs, KS): This city-run campground provides a budget-friendly and convenient option with basic amenities and easy access to Route 66 attractions in the area.
• Joplin KOA Journey (Joplin, MO): Located just outside Baxter Springs, this campground offers full hookups, pull-thru sites, a pool, and family-friendly amenities for a comfortable stay.

Day 5: Baxter Springs, KS, to Oklahoma City, OK (3.5 hours)

Continue into Oklahoma, stopping at the Blue Whale of Catoosa, a classic Route 66 roadside attraction. Enjoy the retro charm and photo ops before arriving in Oklahoma City.

Campground Recommendations:

• Twin Fountains RV Resort (Oklahoma City, OK): Full hookups, a pool, and shuttle service to local attractions.
• Roadrunner RV Park (Oklahoma City, OK): Conveniently located with spacious sites.

Day 6: Oklahoma City, OK

Spend the day exploring Oklahoma City. Visit the Oklahoma National Memorial and Museum, Myriad Botanical Gardens, or the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. Don’t miss Pops 66, a Route 66 favorite with hundreds of sodas.

Day 7: Oklahoma City to Amarillo, TX (5 hours)

As you cross into Texas, watch for the Leaning Tower of Texas and the Giant Cross in Groom. In Amarillo, visit Cadillac Ranch and dine at The Big Texan—home of the 72 oz. steak challenge.

Campground Recommendations:

• Big Texan RV Ranch (Amarillo, TX): Conveniently located near Cadillac Ranch and The Big Texan Steak Ranch, this campground offers spacious sites with full hookups, a pool, and a hot tub for relaxing after a day on the road.
• Oasis Amarillo RV Resort (Amarillo, TX): This top-rated resort offers spacious full-hookup sites, a heated pool, hot tub, and luxurious amenities perfect for relaxing after exploring Route 66 attractions.

Day 8: Amarillo to Albuquerque, NM (5 hours)

Stop at the MidPoint Cafe in Adrian, TX, and explore Tucumcari, NM, for iconic Route 66 motels like the Blue Swallow. Cool off at Santa Rosa’s Blue Hole before arriving in Albuquerque.

Campground Recommendations:

• Albuquerque KOA Journey (Albuquerque, NM): This campground offers full hookups, a pool, and a pet-friendly atmosphere with convenient access to Albuquerque’s top attractions.
• Enchanted Trails RV Park (Albuquerque, NM): Vintage charm with modern amenities, including a retro-themed clubhouse, laundry facilities, and a pool to unwind after a day of exploring Route 66.

Day 9: Albuquerque, NM

Enjoy a day off from driving. Visit Sandia Peak Tramway, Petroglyph National Monument, or the Albuquerque Balloon Museum. Consider booking a hot air balloon ride for a unique perspective of the area.

Day 10: Albuquerque to Williams, AZ (6 hours)

Detour through Petrified Forest National Park, then stop in Holbrook, AZ, to see the Wigwam Motel and have lunch at Joe and Aggie’s Cafe. Reach Williams, your gateway to the Grand Canyon.

Campground Recommendations:

• Grand Canyon Railway RV Park (Williams, AZ): Full hookups with easy access to the railway and amenities like a convenience store, laundry facilities, and a pet-friendly environment to make your stay comfortable.
• Railside RV Ranch (Williams, AZ): Offering full hookups, a camp store, and free shuttle service to the Grand Canyon Railway, this campground provides comfort and convenience for Route 66 travelers.

Day 11: Grand Canyon

Take a day to explore the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. Visit Grand Canyon Village and drive Desert View Drive. Enjoy an easy hike along the Rim Trail for breathtaking views. Bike rentals are also available for those who want a more active way to explore this iconic destination. Stay for sunset to capture stunning photos.

Day 12: Williams to Barstow, CA (6 hours)

Drive through Seligman, AZ, and stop at Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In. Visit Oatman, AZ, to see wild burros before heading into California. Stay in Barstow for the night.

Campground Recommendations:

• Barstow/Calico KOA (Barstow, CA): Full hookups near Calico Ghost Town, with amenities like a pool, laundry facilities, and a general store to make your stay convenient and enjoyable.
• Calico Ghost Town Campground (Barstow, CA): Located next to the historic Calico Ghost Town, this campground offers full hookups, pull-thru sites, and easy access to hiking trails and family-friendly attractions.

Day 13: Barstow to Santa Monica, CA (2 hours)

Visit Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch before heading to Santa Monica Pier, the official end of Route 66. Celebrate your journey with a walk on the pier and explore Venice Beach or Third Street Promenade.

Campground Recommendations:

• Dockweiler RV Park (Playa Del Rey, CA): Beachfront camping near Santa Monica with full hookups, picnic areas, and direct access to the sandy beach, making it an ideal spot to relax after your bucket list journey.
• Malibu Beach RV Park (Malibu, CA): Offering oceanfront views, this campground provides full hookups, picnic tables, and proximity to some of Southern California's most stunning beaches and attractions.

Day 14: Explore Los Angeles

Take a studio tour at Paramount, visit Hollywood Blvd, and end your day at Griffith Observatory for panoramic views of the city. For outdoor enthusiasts, hike the trails in Griffith Park or visit Runyon Canyon for scenic views and a workout. Don’t miss the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, which offers serene hiking trails and opportunities to experience Southern California’s natural beauty.

Route 66 is a journey through history, culture, and the heart of America. Use this two-week itinerary to help plan your trip. Then pack your RV and hit the road for an unforgettable adventure!