Are there enough campsites for Van along Route 66?
es, there are numerous RV-friendly campgrounds along Route 66, making it an excellent choice for RV travelers. From Illinois to California, you'll find a variety of RV parks offering full hookups, amenities, and a welcoming atmosphere.
🛣️ Notable RV Campgrounds Along Route 66
Route 66 RV Resort - Located 14 miles west of Albuquerque, New Mexico, this upscale resort offers high-end amenities next to the Route 66 Casino Hotel.
Route 66 RV Resort
Route 66 RV Ranch - Situated in Amarillo, Texas, this quiet and cozy park provides daily, weekly, and monthly RV sites, with amenities like internet access and spacious sites up to 90ft.
Route 66 RV Ranch, LLC
Route 66 RV Park - Located in Edgewood, New Mexico, this campground offers monthly sites, propane services, free WiFi, cable TV, two dog parks, and laundry facilities.
Route 66 RV Park
RV Express 66, found in Marshfield, Missouri, this park features 16 concrete sites with 30A/50A electricity, water, dump, trash, small yard areas, picnic tables, and grills.
RV Express 66 open all year
Territory Route 66 RV Park & Campground - Located in Bridgeport, Oklahoma, this family-run campground offers full hookups, restrooms, laundry, WiFi, and a communal fire pit.
territoryroute66.com
These are just a few examples; there are many more RV parks along the historic route. Whether you're looking for luxury amenities or a rustic experience, Route 66 has options to suit every RV traveler.
It's advisable to plan your stops in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure availability and secure reservations.
Does the entire Route 66 still exist?
Not entirely. Route 66 was officially decommissioned in 1985, meaning it is no longer part of the U.S. Highway System. However, many original segments still exist and have been preserved as historic roads, scenic byways, and local streets.
Here’s what travelers should know:
Historic Route 66 Signs: Many states mark the remaining stretches as “Historic Route 66,” making it easy to follow the classic route.
Bypassed Sections: Some original parts of the highway were replaced by modern interstates. These sections may require brief detours or driving on parallel roads.
Maintained Attractions: Towns, diners, motels, neon signs, and roadside attractions along the old route are still active and welcoming travelers.
Tip for Van travelers: Use a detailed Route 66 map or GPS-based Van route planner to navigate both original and preserved stretches. This ensures you experience the full nostalgia, culture, and scenery of the Mother Road.
How long is it recommended to travel on Route 66 in a Van?
The ideal duration for a Route 66 trip in a Van depends on how much of the highway you want to experience and your pace:
Full Route (Chicago → Los Angeles): 3-5 weeks is recommended to fully enjoy the sights, small towns, and attractions without rushing. This allows for a relaxed pace of 100-150 miles per day, with plenty of time for stops, meals, and sightseeing.
Partial Routes / Highlights:
Chicago → San Francisco via Route 66 & Route 20: ~20 days
Los Angeles → Albuquerque (Southwest experience): 12-14 days
Albuquerque → Chicago (Reverse journey): 15-18 days
Shorter Sampler Trips: Even a week-long journey between Las Vegas and Los Angeles or a few key stops can give you a taste of the historic road.
Tip: Allow extra time for spontaneous stops in quirky towns, iconic diners, neon signs, museums, and natural landmarks. Route 66 isn’t just about driving - it’s about experiencing the culture, history, and nostalgia along the way.
Is Route 66 suitable for a Van trip for families with children?
Absolutely! Route 66 is perfect for family Van adventures. The highway offers a mix of history, culture, quirky roadside attractions, and scenic landscapes that can keep kids engaged throughout the journey.
Here’s why it works well for families:
Short, Manageable Driving Days: Travel 100-150 miles per day, leaving plenty of time for stops and activities.
Family-Friendly Attractions: Route 66 is packed with interactive museums, neon signs, unique diners, and roadside oddities that children love to explore.
RV-Friendly Campgrounds: There are hundreds of RV parks and campgrounds along the route, many with playgrounds, picnic areas, and full hookups.
Hands-On Learning: Kids can learn American history, folklore, and geography firsthand, from classic cars to the Old West heritage.
Flexible Itineraries: Families can tailor their trip to focus on kid-friendly stops or mix in cultural and natural highlights.
Tip: Pack games, snacks, and activities for downtime in the Van, and plan extra time for spontaneous stops - many of the most memorable moments happen in the small towns along the Mother Road.
What is Route 66 and why is it so famous?
Route 66, also known as the "Mother Road," is one of the most iconic highways in the United States. Established in 1926, it originally ran from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, covering about 2,500 miles (4,000 km).
It became famous for several reasons:
Cultural Icon: Route 66 symbolized freedom, adventure, and the American Dream, especially during the Great Depression and post-WWII era.
Historic Towns and Landmarks: Along the way, travelers encounter small towns, vintage diners, classic motels, neon signs, and quirky roadside attractions.
Pop Culture Influence: The highway inspired songs, movies, TV shows, and countless stories of road trips, cementing its place in American folklore.
Road Trips and Tourism: Today, Route 66 offers travelers a unique mix of nostalgia, history, and scenic drives, making it a must-see for families, adventurers, and Van travelers.
Driving along Route 66 is not just a trip - it’s an experience of American history, culture, and adventure all rolled into one.
