The Best Route 66 Campgrounds: A State-by-State Guide for RVers

Traveling to a specific destination is fun, but sometimes you can find more joy in the journey. This is one of the main reasons why Route 66 is still so popular among RVers. Whether you’ve traveled it dozens of times or are preparing for your first voyage this fall, you’ll want to know about some of the best Route 66 campgrounds in each state.

Route 66, also known as “The Mother Road” or “The Main Street of America,” begins in Illinois and terminates in California, crossing five additional states along the way. The path has been broken and altered in places, but the majority of the route is still open for business. Along the way, you’ll find lot of unique attractions, museums, and restaurants.

But at the end of each day, you’ll need a place to set up camp. That’s why we’ve compiled the best RV parks in each state you’ll travel through. It’s always good to have a plan mapped out ahead of time, but don’t be afraid to take unexpected stops and have fun along the way! Now let’s get into it: Route 66 is waiting for you!

Illinois: Springfield KOA Journey

• Location: 4320 KOA Road, Rochester, Illinois 62563
• Number of sites: 61
• RV LIFE Campgrounds Reviews: 8.3/10

Depending on where you start, Springfield can be either the beginning or ending of your Route 66 journey. The town has several themed attractions and sites you can visit. But if you’re looking for a quiet campground on the outskirts of town, the local KOA Journey is the place to go.

This park is in a lovely wooded area, plus it comes with access to a pool, a rec room, a camp store, and more. It’s the perfect place to rest up while you prepare for the journey ahead. The average rates here are between $60–$80 per night. The park is open seasonally from April 1–November 1, so your fall trip may require a stay at a different campground.

Missouri: Big Red Barn RV Park

• Location: 5089 County Lane 138, Carthage, Missouri 64836
• Number of sites: 57
• RV LIFE Campgrounds Reviews: 8.5/10

The first chunk of the journey will take you through Illinois and into Missouri. These states are covered in lush foliage, so the fall months are the perfect time to hop on the road. Although you’ll pass through many towns along the way, Carthage has some of the best Route 66 campgrounds in the state.

Big Red Barn RV Park is cozy, surrounded by rolling hills and quiet farms. The whole campground is covered in trees, so you can enjoy a little extra privacy as well. Guests can enjoy access to full hookups, a dog park, a stocked stream, and lots of open space. The average rates here are between $40–$50 per night.

Oklahoma: Keystone Lake State Park

• Location: 1926 OK-151, Sand Springs, Oklahoma 74063
• Number of sites: 142
• RV LIFE Campgrounds: 8.3/10

A lot of Route 66 passes over large stretches of dry land. That’s why it’s great to camp by a river or lake when you can. And Keystone Lake State Park is the perfect place to do just that. Several campsites have a lakefront view, and you can easily walk along the shoreline after a long day of driving.

This park is also fairly large, so there’s a good chance you’ll be able to get a spot for the night. All the standard campground amenities are included, as well as scenic recreation trails, beach access, and an on-site snack bar. This is a budget-friendly campground, too, with most sites only costing about $30 per night.

Texas: Palo Duro Canyon State Park

• Location: 11450 Park Road 5, Canyon, Texas 79015
• Number of sites: 114
• RV LIFE Campgrounds Reviews: 9.2/10

Route 66 cuts across the panhandle of Texas. This is a great opportunity to explore the northern part of the state rather than the coast or the larger cities that are located further south. Your road trip will also take you close to Palo Duro Canyon State Park, which is surrounded by gorgeous mountain views.

Camping here is a little more rugged, making this perfectly suited to outdoorsy types who want to enjoy the miles of biking and hiking trails. There are also hookups for water and electricity here, but you’ll have to do without sewage hookups. However, the well-maintained restrooms, showers, and dump station more than make up the difference! The rates are between $25–$45 per night.

New Mexico: Route 66 RV Resort

• Location: 14500 Central Ave SW, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87121
• Number of sites: 100
• RV LIFE Campgrounds Reviews: 9.3/10

If you’re looking for the best Route 66 campgrounds, you can’t go wrong with an RV resort that’s literally named after the road. Route 66 RV Resort is an extremely popular resort that’s regarded as one of the best in the state. And after a few days of camping in remote areas, you might be looking for a change of pace. Luckily, Albuquerque has plenty to offer travelers.

This campground is connected to the Route 66 Motel and Casino, but the resort is nothing to sneeze at, either. There’s a pool, a fitness center, a game room, and modern bathroom and laundry facilities. So if you need to rest and refresh from your journey, this is the place to do it. And for a resort, it’s reasonably priced at $70–$80 per night.

Arizona: Meteor Crater RV Park

• Location: I-40 Exit 233, Winslow, Arizona 86047
• Number of sites: 71
• RV LIFE Campgrounds Reviews: 8.6/10

Looking for a camping destination that’s out of this world? Well, Meteor Crater RV Park is located near a meteor impact site, so you can’t get much closer than that. Many people go out of their way to visit this national landmark, but you can easily put it on your Route 66 itinerary.

In addition to the interesting attractions, this park also acts as a shady oasis in the middle of the desert. The sites are large and well-landscaped, with trees and brush to break up the monotony. Guests can also enjoy full hookups, clubhouse access, and a well-stocked camp store. A night here will cost you about $60–$70.

California: Malibu Beach RV Park

• Location: 25801 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, California 90265
• Number of sites: 177
• RV LIFE Campgrounds Reviews: 8.4/10

At the other end of Route 66 is sunny California. The official end point for the road is in Santa Monica, but there are plenty of great RV parks in the area you can visit to celebrate the end of your trip. One of the most highly rated ones is Malibu Beach RV Park.

This campground is located right next to the beach, so you can kick off your shoes and relax once you reach your destination. Thanks to the blue water, sandy shores, and swaying palms, it’s hard to beat the view here! The park also offers walking trails, a modern camp store, and shared green spaces.

Because it’s a beachside park, the rates are a bit steeper ($150–$200 per night). But you might feel like treating yourself after completing this road trip.

Get Ready to Hit the Road!

Now that you’ve got a roadmap of some of the best Route 66 campgrounds, it’s time to pack your bags. We’ve covered some potential pit stops, but that’s only part of the equation. If you’re looking for details about attractions, museums, restaurants along the path, check out our other exciting Route 66 posts.

But of course, don’t be afraid to pull off and check out anything that catches your eye. Those spontaneous decisions can lead to some of your best memories on Route 66.

Related Articles:

• Four Top Tips for Planning a Cross-Country RV Trip
• The Best Route 66 Diners, Drive-Ins, And Dives
• Florida’s Gulf Coast vs. Atlantic Coast: Which Is Better For Your Next Road Trip?

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