Route 66 Blog

Planning a Route 66 RV adventure means finding the right campgrounds to park your motorhome each night. From full-hookup KOA resorts to scenic state parks, the Mother Road offers diverse camping options that enhance your journey through America's heartland. This comprehensive guide covers the best RV-friendly campgrounds state by state, all verified from actual Route 66 travelers' experiences. 

An RV from El Monte RV gives you the freedom to explore Route 66 at your own pace, with comfortable accommodations traveling alongside you. These campgrounds provide essential amenities like full hookups, pull-through sites, and convenient locations near Route 66's most iconic attractions. 

The best Route 66 campgrounds offer: 

• Full hookups (water, electric, and sewer connections)
• Pull-through sites for easy parking without backing up
• Level concrete or gravel pads that accommodate large motorhomes
• 30-amp and 50-amp electrical service for all RV classes
• Dump stations for convenient waste disposal
• Propane refills to keep your RV systems running
• WiFi access for staying connected on the road
• Clean restroom and shower facilities
• Proximity to Route 66 attractions for easy day trips

Springfield KOA Holiday

Springfield KOA Holiday serves as an ideal first or second night stop on your Route 66 journey. Located just minutes from downtown Springfield's Route 66 attractions, this campground offers: 

• Full hookup sites with 30/50-amp service
• Pull-through sites accommodating large Class A motorhomes
• Clean facilities and laundry
• Walking distance to local restaurants
• Easy access to Lincoln historic sites and the Cozy Dog Drive In

The campground sits close enough to town for last-minute supply runs but far enough away for peaceful rest after your first day exploring Illinois' Route 66 heritage. 

Litchfield Skyview Drive-In & Campground

Litchfield Skyview Drive-In & Campground offers a unique combination of RV camping and vintage drive-in movie theater entertainment. This one-of-a-kind facility provides: 

• RV sites with full hookups
• Drive-in movie screenings visible from your campsite
• Classic Route 66 atmosphere
• Proximity to the Ariston Cafe
• Nostalgic 1950s experience

Watching movies under the stars from your RV creates memories that capture Route 66's golden age spirit. 

St. Louis Northeast KOA

St. Louis Northeast KOA provides convenient access to St. Louis attractions while maintaining a quieter suburban location. Features include: 

• Spacious pull-through sites
• Full hookups with 50-amp service
• Swimming pool and playground
• Short drive to Chain of Rocks Bridge
• Easy access to Ted Drewes Frozen Custard

This location works well for RV travelers wanting to explore St. Louis' Gateway Arch and Route 66 sites without navigating downtown traffic with a large motorhome. 

St. Louis West KOA

St. Louis West KOA offers another excellent option for exploring the St. Louis area from the western approach. This campground features: 

• Large pull-through sites
• Full hookups
• Camp store with supplies
• Pet-friendly facilities
• Convenient I-44 access

The western location makes it ideal for travelers continuing toward Cuba and Missouri's Route 66 corridor. 

Meramec Caverns Campground

Meramec Caverns Campground sits directly adjacent to one of Route 66's most spectacular natural attractions. Staying here provides: 

• Full hookup RV sites
• Immediate access to cave tours
• Scenic Meramec River views
• Level, well-maintained sites
• Unique opportunity to explore caves in the morning before crowds arrive

This campground makes visiting Meramec Caverns incredibly convenient, allowing you to take the first tour of the day and beat the afternoon rush. 

Meramec Valley Campground

Meramec Valley Campground near Cuba offers peaceful camping in Missouri's Ozark foothills. Features include: 

• Wooded sites with full hookups
• Clean facilities
• Proximity to Cuba's Route 66 murals
• Quiet atmosphere
• Fishing and hiking opportunities

This campground provides a relaxing base for exploring Cuba's famous Wagon Wheel Motel and Route 66 Mural City. 

Lebanon KOA Journey

Lebanon KOA Journey positions you perfectly for exploring central Missouri's Route 66 attractions. The campground offers: 

• Pull-through sites for easy parking
• Full hookups
• Swimming pool
• Close to Route 66 Museum
• Central location for day trips

Lebanon sits at a convenient midpoint in Missouri, making this an excellent overnight stop. 

Springfield Route 66 KOA Journey

Springfield Route 66 KOA Journey embraces its Route 66 location with themed amenities. Features include: 

• Route 66-themed decor
• Full hookup sites
• Modern facilities
• Close to Springfield's Route 66 Car Museum
• Convenient access to Fantastic Caverns

This KOA fully embraces Missouri's Route 66 identity, making it feel like part of your journey rather than just a place to sleep. 

Joplin KOA Journey

Joplin KOA Journey serves as Missouri's final stop before Oklahoma. The campground provides: 

• Spacious sites with full hookups
• Easy Interstate 44 access
• Clean, modern facilities
• Proximity to Joplin's Route 66 murals
• Quiet location despite highway access

After exploring Joplin's remarkable tornado recovery and Route 66 heritage, this campground offers comfortable rest before crossing into Oklahoma. 

Tulsa RV Ranch

Tulsa RV Ranch offers resort-style amenities in Oklahoma's most cosmopolitan city. Features include: 

• Extra-wide pull-through sites
• Full hookups with 50-amp service
• Swimming pool and hot tub
• Dog park
• Close to Buck Atom's Cosmic Curios and downtown Tulsa

This upscale RV park makes an excellent base for exploring Tulsa's Art Deco architecture, museums, and Route 66 attractions over multiple nights. 

Oklahoma City East KOA

Oklahoma City East KOA provides convenient access to Oklahoma's capital city. The campground offers: 

• Pull-through sites
• Full hookups
• Swimming pool
• Near I-40 for easy access
• Close to Oklahoma City National Memorial

The eastern location puts you within easy driving distance of POPS, the Round Barn, and downtown Oklahoma City's Route 66 corridor. 

Elk City KOA Journey

Elk City KOA Journey serves as an ideal stop in western Oklahoma before crossing into Texas. Features include: 

• Level, spacious sites
• Full hookups
• Clean facilities
• Close to National Route 66 & Transportation Museum
• Quiet atmosphere

This campground provides a peaceful night's rest after exploring Oklahoma's Route 66 museums and before tackling the Texas Panhandle. 

Amarillo KOA Journey

Amarillo KOA Journey sits west of town with easy access to Cadillac Ranch and other Panhandle attractions. The campground offers: 

• Large pull-through sites perfect for big rigs
• Full hookups with 50-amp service
• Clean facilities
• Short drive to Cadillac Ranch
• Convenient I-40 access

The western location makes morning departures toward New Mexico convenient while remaining close to Amarillo's attractions. 

Santa Fe Skies RV Park

Santa Fe Skies RV Park provides upscale camping near New Mexico's capital. Features include: 

• Paved, level sites with full hookups
• Mountain views
• Close to Santa Fe Plaza and Canyon Road galleries
• Modern facilities
• High elevation with cooler temperatures

This park serves as an excellent base for exploring Santa Fe's art scene, historic plaza, and world-class New Mexican cuisine. 

Enchanted Trails RV Park

Enchanted Trails RV Park near Albuquerque offers unique vintage accommodations alongside traditional RV sites. The park features: 

• Full hookup RV sites
• Vintage trailers available for rent
• Route 66-themed decor
• Close to Albuquerque Old Town
• Friendly, knowledgeable staff

This quirky park embraces Route 66 culture with vintage aesthetics and convenient access to Albuquerque's attractions. 

Albuquerque North KOA Journey

Albuquerque North KOA Journey provides comfortable camping with mountain views. Features include: 

• Full hookup sites
• Pull-through availability
• Swimming pool
• Mountain backdrop
• Easy access to Old Town and Route 66 corridor

The northern location offers quieter camping while remaining convenient to Albuquerque's main attractions. 

Grants KOA

Grants KOA serves as a base for exploring El Malpais National Monument. The campground offers: 

• Full hookups
• Clean facilities
• Close to El Malpais volcanic landscapes
• Convenient I-40 access
• Quiet desert setting

This stop provides a peaceful night between Albuquerque and Arizona's attractions. 

Tucumcari KOA Journey

Tucumcari KOA Journey puts you near New Mexico's "Neon Capital of Route 66." Features include: 

• Spacious sites with full hookups
• Close to Blue Swallow Motel and Route 66 neon
• Clean facilities
• Easy highway access
• Perfect for evening photography of vintage neon

Park your RV here and drive to photograph Tucumcari's legendary neon signs at sunset and after dark. 

Santa Rosa Campground

Santa Rosa Campground offers convenient camping near the Blue Hole and Route 66 Auto Museum. The campground provides: 

• Full hookup sites
• Basic amenities
• Walking distance to downtown
• Close to Blue Hole swimming
• Affordable rates

This no-frills campground covers the essentials while positioning you perfectly for Santa Rosa's attractions. 

OK RV Park (Holbrook)

OK RV Park in Holbrook provides convenient access to Petrified Forest National Park. Features include: 

• Full hookup sites
• Pull-through availability
• Close to Wigwam Motel
• Walking distance to downtown
• Easy access to Petrified Forest

This centrally located park makes exploring Holbrook's Route 66 attractions and nearby natural wonders convenient. 

Flagstaff KOA Journey

Flagstaff KOA Journey sits among ponderosa pines at 7,000 feet elevation. The campground offers: 

• Wooded sites with full hookups
• Cool mountain temperatures
• Close to Lowell Observatory
• Near downtown Flagstaff
• Gateway to Grand Canyon

The pine forest setting and cooler temperatures provide welcome relief after crossing Arizona's deserts. 

Williams/Circle Pines KOA

Williams/Circle Pines KOA serves as an excellent base for Grand Canyon visits. Features include: 

• Forest setting with full hookups
• Close to Grand Canyon Railway
• Historic downtown Williams nearby
• Clean facilities
• Peaceful mountain atmosphere

This campground positions you perfectly for exploring Williams' Route 66 heritage and taking day trips to the Grand Canyon. 

Grand Canyon Trailer Village

Grand Canyon Trailer Village offers the only in-park RV camping at the Grand Canyon's South Rim. The facility provides: 

• Full hookup sites inside the park
• Walking distance to canyon rim
• Proximity to visitor center
• Convenience stores nearby
• Book months in advance for summer

While not directly on Route 66, this detour allows you to camp inside one of America's most spectacular national parks. 

Black Meadow Landing

Black Meadow Landing near Lake Havasu provides desert camping after crossing from Arizona. Features include: 

• Full hookup sites
• Lake access
• Swimming and boating
• Desert scenery
• Cooler lakeside temperatures

This stop offers water recreation before crossing the Mojave Desert toward Los Angeles. 

Needles KOA

Needles KOA marks California's entry point along the Colorado River. The campground offers: 

• Full hookups
• Swimming pool (essential in summer heat)
• River proximity
• Last major stop before Mojave Desert
• Clean facilities

Needles can be extremely hot in summer, making the pool and air conditioning essential. 

Barstow Calico KOA

Barstow Calico KOA provides camping near Calico Ghost Town. Features include: 

• Full hookup sites
• Swimming pool
• Close to Calico Ghost Town
• Midpoint between Needles and Los Angeles
• Desert mountain views

This campground offers a good overnight stop while crossing the Mojave Desert. 

Walnut RV Park

Walnut RV Park provides convenient access to Los Angeles attractions. The park offers: 

• Full hookups
• Close to downtown Los Angeles
• Easy freeway access
• Clean facilities
• Good base for LA exploration

This location works well for exploring Pasadena and Los Angeles before your final push to Santa Monica. 

Dockweiler RV Park

Dockweiler RV Park offers the unique experience of camping right on the beach. Features include: 

• Beachfront RV sites
• Full hookups
• Walking distance to Pacific Ocean
• Close to Santa Monica Pier
• Spectacular sunset views

This park provides an unforgettable conclusion to your Route 66 journey, allowing you to camp beside the Pacific Ocean at journey's end. 

Booking Timeline

Summer Travel (June-August): Book campgrounds 2-3 months in advance, especially near popular cities like Chicago, St. Louis, Oklahoma City, Albuquerque, and Flagstaff. 

Spring and Fall (April-May, September-October): Book 4-6 weeks ahead for flexibility while securing spots at preferred locations. 

Winter (November-March): Most campgrounds accept last-minute bookings, though some reduce hours or close seasonally (particularly in Flagstaff and Williams). 

Daily Mileage Planning

Route 66 spans 2,448 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica. Plan your campground reservations based on comfortable daily driving distances: 

• Express Journey (7 days): Average 350 miles per day, booking campgrounds approximately 350 miles apart
• Classic Journey (10 days): Average 245 miles per day for more relaxed pacing
• Immersive Experience (14 days): Average 175 miles per day with time for exploration
• Complete Exploration (21 days): Average 120 miles per day for thorough discovery

RV Rental Considerations

All El Monte RV rentals include:

• Unlimited generator use for comfortable camping even without hookups
• 24/7 roadside assistance for peace of mind across remote sections
• Up to 1,500 miles included with monthly rentals

Additional miles available through Travel Extras. For extended Route 66 journeys, consider Long-Term Rental Deals that provide excellent value for multi-week adventures. 

Essential Campground Amenities

Look for campgrounds offering:

• Full hookups (especially important in hot desert sections for air conditioning)
• Pull-through sites to avoid backing up large motorhomes
• 50-amp service for Class A motorhomes with multiple appliances
• Level pads to prevent refrigerator and propane issues
• Dump stations for convenient waste disposal

Cost Considerations

Budget approximately:

• $40-60 per night for basic full-hookup sites
• $50-75 per night for KOA campgrounds with amenities
• $60-90 per night for premium locations like Santa Fe or near Grand Canyon
• $800-1,200 total for campground costs on a 14-day journey

Weather Planning

Consider seasonal temperature variations when booking campgrounds: 

• Spring (April-May): Mild temperatures throughout with occasional rain
• Summer (June-August): Extreme heat in desert sections (100°F+); book campgrounds with pools
• Fall (September-October): Ideal temperatures with comfortable camping
• Winter (November-March): Snow possible in Flagstaff; some campgrounds close seasonally

Major events affect campground availability: 

• Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (early October): Book Albuquerque campgrounds 6+ months ahead
• Burning Man (late August): Increases demand in Nevada/California
• Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (early August): Though not on Route 66, affects regional availability

Class A Motorhomes

Large Class A rigs (35+ feet) should prioritize:

• KOA campgrounds with extra-wide pull-through sites
• Campgrounds specifically advertising "big rig friendly"
• Avoiding tight turns in historic town centers
• Booking sites in advance to guarantee adequate space

Class C Motorhomes

Mid-sized Class C RVs (25-32 feet) have maximum flexibility:

• Can access all recommended campgrounds comfortably
• Easier parking at vintage diners and attractions
• Good balance of space and maneuverability
• Ideal for Route 66's varied road conditions

Class B Campervans

Compact Class B vans (under 25 feet) offer advantages:

• Can fit in smaller sites for lower costs
• Easy parking at all Route 66 attractions
• Better fuel economy
• Flexibility to use standard parking spaces

Planning your Route 66 campground strategy enhances your entire journey. These carefully selected campgrounds provide comfortable bases for exploring America's Mother Road while offering the amenities RV travelers need: full hookups, convenient locations, and friendly service. 

From ponderosa pine forests in Flagstaff to beachfront camping in Santa Monica, Route 66's diverse campgrounds reflect the highway's varied landscapes. Some embrace Route 66 nostalgia with vintage decor, while others provide modern resort amenities. All share one goal: making your Route 66 RV adventure comfortable and memorable. 

Rent your motorhome from El Monte RV, book these excellent campgrounds, and experience Route 66 the way it was meant to be traveled: with the freedom to explore at your own pace and comfortable accommodations waiting each evening. 

Check current promotions at Rental Deals and start planning your Route 66 campground adventure today. The Mother Road's best RV-friendly campgrounds are waiting to welcome you.