Route 66 isn’t just a highway it’s a living museum of Americana, filled with quirky roadside attractions, vintage diners, and open-road nostalgia. Taking an RV down this iconic route offers the freedom to explore it all at your own pace while carrying all the comforts of home with you. From Chicago to Santa Monica, this journey is as much about the adventure as it is the destination.
I’ve traveled this route with my RV more than once, and each time, I’ve discovered something new. Whether it’s a hidden ghost town, a neon-lit gas station frozen in time, or a national park just off the shoulder, Route 66 has it all. This guide lays out some of the best RV trips along Route 66, broken into sections that can be tackled as weekend getaways or extended road adventures.
Chicago to Springfield, Illinois – Birthplace of the Journey
Starting out in downtown Chicago, the route immediately immerses you in urban energy and rich history. The city has several RV parks in surrounding areas like Joliet and Oak Brook where you can base your first night. From there, the drive toward Springfield is lined with old-school diners and vintage motels that feel straight out of a black-and-white movie.
Stops along this stretch include the Gemini Giant in Wilmington and the Polk-a-Dot Drive-In in Braidwood. Springfield, of course, brings you face-to-face with Abraham Lincoln’s legacy. His home and presidential library are must-sees, and the town offers several RV-friendly parks with full hookups.
This portion is a great introduction to the best RV trips along Route 66. It sets the tone with history, charm, and easy roads for navigating even large rigs.
Springfield to St. Louis, Missouri – Bridges and BBQ
This next stretch might be short, but it’s packed with flavor literally and figuratively. Roll into Litchfield and make a pit stop at the Ariston Café, a Route 66 staple since 1924. The small towns in this area feel like they’ve been plucked right from a classic postcard, with antique shops, murals, and mom-and-pop gas stations.
Once you reach St. Louis, the Gateway Arch looms large. RV parking is available near the arch, and several campgrounds exist just outside the city in places like St. Charles and Fenton. Be sure to grab a rack of St. Louis-style ribs and catch some live music before heading out.
This leg of the journey is one of the best RV trips along Route 66 if you’re into culinary exploration and city culture. It’s a great way to mix nostalgia with vibrant urban life.
St. Louis to Tulsa, Oklahoma – Rolling Hills and Roadside Charm
Between Missouri and Oklahoma, the landscape changes. Rolling green hills make for scenic drives, and the quirky roadside attractions really start to show up. Meramec Caverns in Stanton is one of the oldest tourist stops on the route. There’s RV parking on-site, and the cave tours are a nice break from the road.
Cuba, Missouri is another surprise gem, known for its amazing mural art and the Wagon Wheel Motel. You’ll cross into Kansas briefly just 13 miles but it’s filled with charm, including the historic Eisler Brothers Store in Riverton.
Tulsa greets you with a mix of old oil wealth and a revived downtown area. The city has several excellent RV parks with easy access to Route 66. This stretch offers one of the best RV trips along Route 66 because of its balance between quiet countryside and colorful small towns.
Tulsa to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – Heartland Hospitality
Oklahoma offers a long and winding section of Route 66 with everything from museums to vintage diners. The Blue Whale of Catoosa is a must-see, especially for families. You can pull over, grab some photos, and enjoy a picnic at one of the shaded tables nearby.
In Tulsa, don’t miss the Route 66 Historical Village, which offers a look into the region’s transportation past. Further down the road in Arcadia, the Round Barn and POPS soda ranch are classic Route 66 stops.
Oklahoma City has several RV campgrounds close to downtown. Lake Thunderbird State Park is just a short drive out and offers hookups and lake views. This part of the trip is a solid representation of the best RV trips along Route 66 because it blends family fun, culture, and comfortable camping.
Oklahoma City to Amarillo, Texas – Big Skies and Big Flavor
Heading west, the scenery opens up into the vast plains of Texas. Before you cross the state line, make sure to stop at the Devil’s Rope Museum in McLean an ode to barbed wire and Route 66 history. The stretch into Amarillo is marked by wind farms and distant horizons.
Once in Amarillo, check out the Cadillac Ranch. You can park your RV nearby and walk up to this interactive art installation where old Cadillacs are buried nose-first in the ground. Bring a can of spray paint it’s tradition to leave your mark.
The Big Texan Steak Ranch is another Amarillo highlight, especially if you’re up for the 72 oz. steak challenge. The RV park behind the restaurant is clean, convenient, and themed to match the Old West vibe. This is definitely one of the best RV trips along Route 66 for those looking to indulge in quirky Americana.
Amarillo to Albuquerque, New Mexico – Route 66 Meets the Southwest
Crossing into New Mexico, the culture and scenery shift dramatically. Tucumcari is the first major stop, known for its neon signs and vintage motels. It’s like stepping into a 1950s movie set. The Route 66 Monument here makes for a great photo op.
Heading west, you’ll hit Santa Rosa, home to the Blue Hole, a spring-fed swimming spot with incredibly clear water. It’s a perfect place to cool off if you’re traveling during the warmer months. Albuquerque is the next major city, and it offers a beautiful mix of Native American, Spanish, and Wild West influences.
I’ve always found this stretch to be one of the most scenic and rewarding parts of the best RV trips along Route 66. Between the culture, food, and views, it’s an unforgettable ride.
Albuquerque to Flagstaff, Arizona – Red Rocks and Open Road
New Mexico melts into Arizona with some serious scenery. Gallup is worth a short detour for its Native American arts and crafts scene. If you’re a fan of westerns, you’ll enjoy the historic El Rancho Hotel where stars like John Wayne once stayed.
Crossing into Arizona, Petrified Forest National Park offers both a geologic wonder and a rare opportunity to drive your RV through a national park on Route 66. Flagstaff is the main hub in this area, sitting at a high elevation surrounded by pine trees and crisp air.
For RVers, Flagstaff is a great stopover. It’s near the Grand Canyon, has plenty of campgrounds, and feels like a breath of fresh air after desert driving. This section absolutely deserves a spot among the best RV trips along Route 66 for its contrast and access to iconic national parks.
Flagstaff to Kingman, Arizona – Desert Beauty and Old-School Stops
Between Flagstaff and Kingman lies one of the oldest, most authentic sections of the original Route 66. You’ll pass through Seligman, where you can grab a root beer float at Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In. The town is filled with kitschy charm and celebrates its Route 66 roots proudly.
This stretch winds through desert hills and past remnants of old roadside attractions. Hackberry General Store is another standout stop, with classic cars, neon signs, and a mini-museum vibe. The parking lot is spacious enough for even large RVs.
Kingman itself has a couple of good RV parks and a strong connection to the historic route. It’s one of those towns where you can still feel the heartbeat of mid-century road travel. This portion really solidifies its place among the best RV trips along Route 66 with its authenticity and atmosphere.
Kingman to Santa Monica, California – The Final Stretch
As you approach the end of the journey, the road becomes more urban and fast-paced. But there are still gems to explore. Oatman, Arizona is a quirky town where wild burros roam the streets. It’s a fun and strange detour that kids and adults alike will enjoy.
Crossing into California, Barstow and San Bernardino offer plenty of nods to Route 66 heritage. The original McDonald’s museum in San Bernardino is worth a look if you’re a fan of fast food history. Eventually, the road leads to Santa Monica Pier officially marking the end of the route.
Ending at the Pacific Ocean feels like a reward. You can find campgrounds in the Malibu and Ventura area, offering beachfront parking where you can relax and reflect on your adventure. Wrapping up one of the best RV trips along Route 66 with the sound of ocean waves makes it all the more memorable.
Final Thoughts
Driving Route 66 by RV is more than a road trip it’s a moving experience, a step back into a time when road travel was filled with personality, charm, and endless discovery. The best RV trips along Route 66 connect past and present, from classic diners and neon signs to modern parks and cities.
Each segment of the route has something different to offer. Whether you’re after natural beauty, roadside kitsch, or cultural history, you’ll find it all on this legendary highway. I’ve found myself returning to parts of it again and again, always discovering something new and meaningful.
If you’re looking for an RV journey that delivers both soul and scenery, you can’t go wrong planning any of the best RV trips along Route 66.