ROUTE 66 RV TRIP: YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO AMERICA’S MOTHER ROAD ADVENTURE

Picture yourself behind the wheel of a comfortable RV, cruising past vintage neon signs and endless desert horizons as you chase the sun across eight states. A Route 66 RV trip isn’t just a road trip—it’s a time machine that rolls you through small-town America, quirky roadside attractions, and wide-open landscapes that’ll make you feel alive again.

Whether you’re a family chasing adventure or a couple seeking nostalgia, this iconic 2,448-mile journey from Chicago to Santa Monica promises memories that last forever. You can do this adventure on your timeline, stopping where you want, waking up to new views every morning, and never worrying about hotel checkout times.

A Quick Summary

A Route 66 RV trip takes 10-14 days, covering 2,448 miles across eight states. You can budget $2,000-$4,500 total, depending on the RV type (Class C motorhomes work best). The route offers 100+ RV-friendly campgrounds, iconic attractions like Cadillac Ranch and the Grand Canyon, and enough quirky stops to fill your camera roll twice over.

How LONG DOES IT TAKE TO DRIVE ROUTE 66 IN AN RV?

Plan for 10 to 14 days to drive the entire Route 66 at a comfortable pace that lets you actually experience the Mother Road. This timeline gives you breathing room for detours, photo stops, and those unexpected discoveries that make road trips legendary.

Technically, you could blast through all 2,448 miles in about 40 hours of straight driving. But that defeats the whole purpose, right? The magic of Route 66 isn’t about getting from point A to point B—it’s about everything in between.

Most RV travelers aim for 150-250 miles per day. This pace lets you explore quirky museums, grab lunch at historic diners, and still make it to your campground before sunset. Plus, RV driving requires more attention than car travel, especially through mountain passes and small towns with tight turns.

Your route breakdown by state:

• Illinois: 1-2 days (301 miles)
• Missouri: 2-3 days (317 miles)
• Kansas: Half day (13 miles—yes, really!)
• Oklahoma: 2-3 days (432 miles)
• Texas: 1-2 days (186 miles)
• New Mexico: 2-3 days (487 miles)
• Arizona: 2-3 days (401 miles)
• California: 1-2 days (311 miles)

You can factor in extra days if you want side trips to places like the Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest National Park, or Santa Fe. Trust us, you’ll want those detours.

Pro tip for first-timers: Start with a smaller section if you’re nervous about committing to the full journey. New to RV travel altogether? Our complete beginner’s guide covers everything you need to know before hitting the road. The Arizona and New Mexico portions offer some of the best-preserved Route 66 experiences, with easier RV navigation.

WHAT’S THE BEST TIME OF YEAR FOR A ROUTE 66 RV TRIP?

May through early June and September through October are your golden windows for Route 66. You’ll get comfortable temps, open attractions, and reasonable campground rates without fighting summer crowds for parking spots.

Summer (July-August) cranks the heat past 105°F in the Southwest. Your AC works overtime, and the eastern states get downright muggy. But here’s the trade-off: everything’s open, days stretch forever, and there’s something infectious about peak road trip season.

Spring blooms are gorgeous, but pack a jacket. Early spring can surprise you with snow around Flagstaff and New Mexico mountain passes, but late spring nails it.

Fall might be the secret winner. Temps drop to perfect road-tripping levels, autumn colors explode across the Midwest sections, and campground deals improve after Labor Day. Tourist crowds? Gone. Photo opportunities? Everywhere.

However, skip winter unless you’re sticking to California and southern Arizona. Because snow closes mountain passes, attractions hibernate, and the Chicago wind chill will make you question your choices.

Make sure to check weather forecasts regularly during your trip. Route 66 crosses multiple climate zones, and conditions can change dramatically within a few hundred miles.

HOW MUCH DOES A ROUTE 66 RV TRIP COST?

You can budget $2,000-4,500 for a complete Route 66 RV trip covering two weeks, depending on your RV choice, camping style, and how often you eat out versus cooking in your rolling kitchen. This breaks down to roughly $150-$300 daily for a family or couple.

You can budget $2,000-4,500 for a complete Route 66 RV trip covering two weeks, depending on your RV choice, camping style, and how often you eat out versus cooking in your rolling kitchen. This breaks down to roughly $150-$300 daily for a family or couple.

Your major expense categories:

RV rental: $90-300 per night

• Travel trailers: $90-150/night
• Class C motorhomes: $180-250/night
• Class A luxury coaches: $200-315+/night
• Multiply by 12-14 nights for your total rental cost

Campground fees: $20-80 per night

• State parks and basic sites: $20-40
• KOA and full-service parks: $50-80
• Boondocking (free camping on BLM land): $0
• Average across 12 nights: $600-800

Fuel costs: $800-1,200

• Figure 8-12 mpg for Class C motorhomes
• Diesel versus gas makes a difference
• Plan for about 250 gallons total at current prices

Food: $400-800*

• Cooking in your RV saves serious money
• Budget $50-100 daily for groceries and occasional restaurant splurges
• Don’t miss iconic diners—they’re part of the experience

Activities and attractions: $200-500

• Many Route 66 attractions are free or donation-based
• Budget for Grand Canyon entry ($35), museums ($10-20), and those irresistible gift shops

Don’t forget RV rental insurance—it’s essential for peace of mind on a 2,400-mile journey.

Money-saving strategies:

Try to book your RV 3-6 months ahead for a better rate. Travel during shoulder seasons (May or September) when rates drop. Cook most meals in your RV—you have a full kitchen, use it. Mix paid campgrounds with free boondocking sites. Lastly, skip tourist trap gift shops (okay, maybe just a few souvenirs).

Many attractions along Route 66 won’t cost you a penny—vintage gas stations, quirky roadside art, scenic overlooks, and small-town main streets offer endless photo ops and memories without opening your wallet.

WHAT SIZE RV IS BEST FOR ROUTE 66?

Photo via Pixabay 

A 25-30 foot Class C motorhome or travel trailer hits the sweet spot for Route 66, offering enough living space for comfort without the parking headaches that come with larger rigs. You’ll appreciate the maneuverability through small towns and tight campground turns.

BEST RV TYPES FOR ROUTE 66

Class C motorhomes (25-30 feet): You can drive and live in one vehicle, and it’s perfect for couples or families of four. The cabover sleeping area adds space without extra length. These work brilliantly for the full Chicago-to-Santa Monica journey.

Travel trailers (20-28 feet): Budget-friendly and versatile. Once you’re set up at camp, unhitch and use your vehicle to explore nearby attractions. Great for families who want space but don’t want to drive a motorhome. Verify if your tow vehicle can handle the weight.

Class B campervans (compact): Ultimate nimbleness for couples or solo travelers. It fits anywhere a regular van fits, gets better fuel economy, and is easier to drive. The tradeoff? Less living space and limited storage. However, it’s great if you’re minimalists who spend most of their time exploring rather than hanging out in the RV.

Avoid: Class A motorhomes over 35 feet unless you’re experienced. They’re gorgeous and luxurious, but navigating the tight sections of Route 66 can be stressful. Fifth wheels work fine, but remember you need that heavy-duty truck.

Traveling with your dog? Many of our pet-friendly RVs are perfect for Route 66’s dog-friendly campgrounds and wide-open spaces.

WHERE CAN YOU PARK AN RV ALONG ROUTE 66?

Route 66 offers over 100 dedicated RV parks and campgrounds spanning all eight states, plus countless boondocking opportunities on BLM land throughout the western sections. You’ll find everything from resort-style KOA locations to basic state park sites. Use our campground finder to locate RV parks along your planned route.

TOP CAMPGROUND CHAINS ALONG THE ROUTE

KOA Kampgrounds: 21 locations along Route 66 offer consistent quality with full hookups, WiFi, pools, and camp stores. Expect to pay $50-80 nightly, but you get peace of mind with amenities. The Springfield Route 66 KOA and Amarillo KOA get particularly high marks from RV travelers.

State parks:  Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona, and California all maintain excellent state park campgrounds near Route 66. These run $20-40 nightly and put you close to nature. Meramec State Park in Missouri and Lake Meredith in Texas offer great value.

Private RV resorts: Full-service parks with swimming pools, laundry, recreation rooms, and sometimes even restaurants. Twin Fountains RV Park in Oklahoma and Oasis RV Resort in Amarillo, Texas, consistently earn rave reviews.

Boondocking and free camping: Western states offer BLM land where you can camp free for 14 days. No hookups means you’re self-sufficient, but the cost savings and solitude appeal to experienced RVers. However, always verify current rules and pack out what you pack in.

Reservation strategy: Book ahead during peak season (June-August) and for popular stops near major attractions. You can download apps like Campendium or RV LIFE to find campgrounds and read real reviews.

Best campgrounds by state:

• Illinois: Double J Campground (Springfield)
• Missouri: Big Red Barn RV Park (Carthage)
• Oklahoma: Water’s Edge RV Resort (Vinita)
• Texas: Big Texan RV Ranch (Amarillo)
• New Mexico: Santa Fe Skies RV Park (Santa Fe)
• Arizona: Grand Canyon Railway RV Park (Williams)
• California: Malibu Beach RV Park (Malibu)

Many campgrounds sit right on historic Route 66, letting you walk to vintage attractions, diners, and photo spots. The convenience factor makes these worth the slightly higher rates.

WHAT ARE THE MUST-SEE STOPS ON ROUTE 66?

Photo via Unsplash 

Your Route 66 journey must include Cadillac Ranch in Texas, the Blue Whale of Catoosa in Oklahoma, Gateway Arch in Missouri, a Grand Canyon side trip in Arizona, and end at Santa Monica Pier in California. These five represent the best mix of quirky Americana, natural wonders, and historic landmarks. It’s no wonder Route 66 consistently ranks among America’s top RV road trips.

ILLINOIS (CHICAGO TO THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER)

Start at the “Begin Route 66” sign in downtown Chicago. Visit Lou Mitchell’s diner for breakfast—it’s been feeding Route 66 travelers since 1923. Don’t miss the Gemini Giant in Wilmington and the Route 66 Museum in Pontiac. These early stops set the nostalgic tone perfectly.

MISSOURI (GATEWAY TO THE WEST)

The Gateway Arch dominates the St. Louis skyline at 630 feet. Take the tram to the top for views across the Mississippi. Also, stop at Meramec Caverns for an underground wonder, then cruise through small towns like Cuba (Route 66 Mural City) and Springfield, birthplace of Route 66.

OKLAHOMA (MOST DRIVABLE HISTORIC ROUTE)

The Blue Whale of Catoosa might be the most photographed attraction on Route 66. Kids love climbing on this giant concrete whale by a pond. You can explore Tulsa’s Route 66 neon, grab fried onion burgers in El Reno, and visit the Route 66 Museum in Clinton. Oklahoma preserved more of the original Route 66 than any other state.

TEXAS (PANHANDLE STRETCH)

The Cadillac Ranch outside Amarillo lets you spray paint vintage Cadillacs half-buried in the ground. You can bring spray paint cans and add your mark to this evolving art installation. Remember to stop at the Midpoint Cafe in Adrian—you’re exactly halfway between Chicago and Los Angeles here. The Big Texan Steak Ranch challenges you to eat a 72-ounce steak (we don’t recommend trying in an RV). If you’re renting an RV in Austin, consider driving up to join Route 66 at Amarillo.

NEW MEXICO (LAND OF ENCHANTMENT)

Tucumcari’s neon motel signs glow like the 1950s never ended. Santa Fe offers a worthwhile detour for art galleries and adobe architecture. Don’t miss the Blue Swallow Motel—one of Route 66’s most photographed vintage motor courts, still operating and welcoming guests.

ARIZONA (DESERT BEAUTY)

Winslow’s “Standin’ on a Corner” park references the Eagles song. The Petrified Forest National Park showcases ancient fossilized trees in stunning colors. Historic Seligman feels frozen in the 1960s with vintage storefronts. Take the Grand Canyon detour—you’re this close, missing it would haunt you. Oatman’s wild burros roam the streets freely (descendants of mining pack animals). The Grand Canyon side trip is even more convenient if you’re picking up an RV in Phoenix.

CALIFORNIA (THE HOME STRETCH)

Route 66 ends at Santa Monica Pier, where the Will Rogers Highway marker stands steps from the Pacific Ocean. Ride the Ferris wheel, grab fish tacos, and celebrate finishing an American icon. Before reaching the coast, drive through the Mojave Desert and consider a Joshua Tree National Park side trip. Many travelers rent their RV in Los Angeles and drive the route in reverse—equally spectacular.

Here are some hidden gems worth seeking:

• Devil’s Rope Museum (McLean, Texas) – quirky barbed wire history
• Pontiac Route 66 Museum (Illinois) – packed with memorabilia
• Wigwam Village Motel (Holbrook, Arizona) – sleep in concrete teepees
• Lucille’s Roadhouse (Weatherford, Oklahoma) – roadside legend
• Bottle Tree Ranch (Oro Grande, California) – desert art installation

IS ROUTE 66 RV-FRIENDLY?

Yes, Route 66 is extremely RV-friendly, with good infrastructure for motorhomes and travel trailers. You’ll want an RV under 35 feet for easier navigation through historic downtown areas and tighter campground spaces. The route was built for cross-country travelers and still welcomes them today.

WHAT MAKES ROUTE 66 WORK FOR RVS 

Route 66 was built for cross-country travelers, and it still rolls out the welcome mat for RVs nearly 100 years later.

Campgrounds pop up every 50-100 miles with full hookups, dump stations, and level sites. Even tiny towns get RV tourism because it’s been part of the Mother Road’s DNA since the beginning. You’ll find truck stops and RV-friendly fuel stations with pull-through layouts every 30 miles or so.

When historic sections get tight, parallel interstates (I-40 and I-44) give you an easy out. You can hop over for stress-free driving, then jump back to the vintage route when it widens. Most narrow stretches only last a few miles anyway.

Parking works itself out. Sure, some downtown areas need creative solutions (street parking a block away, no biggie), but almost every Route 66 attraction accommodates RVs in some way. This road wants you here.

Best practices for RVing Route 66:

• Drive historic sections in the morning when the light is better
• Use RV GPS apps to avoid low clearances and weight limits
• Keep your rig stocked because rural stretches lack grocery stores
• Join online Route 66 RV groups for real-time road condition updates
• Don’t rush. If a section looks tricky, take the parallel interstate 

TURN YOUR ROUTE 66 DREAM INTO REALITY 

Ready to hit the Mother Road? Find an RV near you and start planning your Route 66 adventure today. From compact campervans for couples to spacious motorhomes for families, we have the perfect rig waiting for your journey. Get instant quotes, compare vehicles, and book the RV that matches your Route 66 vision.

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