Stretching from the shores of Lake Michigan to the sands of the Pacific, a ribbon of asphalt weaves through the United States, linking small town to small town. For 100 years, Route 66 has been the ultimate example of the open road, with the promise of adventure around every curve.
As the "Mother Road" celebrates her 100th birthday, there's no better time to pay tribute to this iconic piece of history. The best way to enjoy the Route 66 centennial celebration is from the comfort of your own RV, letting you linger in Old West-inspired towns and sleep under the desert stars.
If you're answering the call of the highway on this 100th anniversary, here's everything you need to know for the ultimate Route 66 RV road trip.
Spanning over 2,400 miles and eight states, the Mother Road is less of a single highway and more a collection of historic roads, small-town streets, and the wide-open spaces of the American West. Whether you're mapping out a full Route 66 RV itinerary or just planning a few key stops, an RV is your key to unlocking it all.
Here's your guide to the must-see stops on Route 66, with RV-friendly navigation in mind.
The journey starts in the heart of Chicago. Before you hit the road, snap a photo at the "Begin Route 66" sign at East Adams Street and Michigan Avenue.
As you head southwest, you can't miss the legendary Gemini Giant in Wilmington. This 30-foot-tall fiberglass "muffler man" statue holding a rocket is a quintessential piece of roadside magic.
RV Logistics: The city of Chicago prohibits self-contained motorhomes from parking on most streets, so your best bet is to utilize campgrounds just outside the city. Stay in the Indiana Dunes State Park in nearby Indiana, and take a train into the city for sightseeing.
Crossing into Missouri, you'll first hit St. Louis before entering the rolling, wooded hills of the Ozarks. The gleaming Gateway Arch in St. Louis is a must-see. Take a tram to the top for panoramic views.
Further down the road near Stanton, you'll find the stunning limestone formations of the Meramec Caverns, a historic hideout for outlaw Jesse James and a classic Route 66 stop.
RV Logistics: The suburbs around St. Louis offer excellent, RV-friendly bases. The St. Louis West-Historic Route 66 KOA in Eurkea places you right on the Mother Road with full hookups and easy access. For a unique overnight stop, the RV Self-Park in Sullivan is a fully automated park with easy pull-through sites.
Oklahoma prides itself on its Route 66 heritage. In Catoosa, you'll find the whimsical Blue Whale statue, a beloved roadside attraction that's perfect for a photo op. In Tulsa, check out the art deco architecture and pop into Buck Atom's Cosmic Curios for a unique shopping experience.
As you cross into Texas, the sky opens up. In Amarillo, the iconic Cadillac Ranch is a must-visit. This quirky art installation features 10 Cadillacs buried nose-first in the ground, decorated with graffiti. Bring a can of spray paint to add your mark and become a part of this time-honored tradition.
Nearby, you can test your appetite at the Big Texan Steak Ranch, home of the famous 72-ounce steak challenge.
RV Logistics: The Tulsa RV Ranch offers resort-style amenities for a comfortable stay. In Amarillo, the Big Texan RV Ranch is a convenient stop right next to the steakhouse, providing full hookups and a pool.
As you enter New Mexico, you're greeted by the beauty of the high desert — wide open skies, red rocks, and miles of scrubland. Stop at the MidPoint Cafe in Adrian, Texas, just before the state line, to mark the exact halfway point of your Route 66 road trip.
Then, head into Tucumcari, the "Neon Capital" of Route 66. If you time your arrival for sunset, you'll get a stunning look at the historic glowing motel signs.
Further west, take a dip in the intensely blue Santa Rosa Blue Hole, a natural artesian spring perfect for a refreshing swim in the heat of the sun. In Albuquerque, the retro 66 Diner serves up burgers and milkshakes in a classic chrome-and-neon setting.
RV Logistics: The Enchanted Trails RV Park near Albuquerque offers a fun retro vibe with vintage trailers on site. The Tucumcari KOA Journey is a spacious base for exploring the local scenery.
Arizona is home to some of the most dramatic landscapes on the route. The beautiful and otherworldly Petrified Forest National Park is a must-stop, where you can walk among ancient trees turned to solid quartz. Don't forget to swing by the Painted Desert Diner for an authentic Native American staple, frybread tacos.
Right nearby, you can explore the massive Meteor Crater, the best-preserved impact site on Earth. This is also your gateway to more of the country's greatest natural wonders. If you want to take a short side trip north, you can hit the South Rim of the Grand Canyon — a detour well worth your time.
One of the most charming, but challenging, stops is the old mining town of Oatman. Wild burros roam the streets, and the town retains all of its Old West charm. However, the approach to Oatman from the north features tight switchbacks and steep grades that may be inaccessible for larger rigs.
RV Logistics: This is where route planning becomes crucial. Avoid Sitgreaves Pass (the path to Oatman) if your rig is over 40 feet. Instead, use I-40 as your main highway. To experience Oatman, you'll have to unhitch your tow vehicle in Kingman or Laughlin and drive the scenic, winding road as a day trip.
The final push through California's desert leads you toward the Pacific. Before the urban sprawl of LA, stop at Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch near Oro Grande, a folk art forest of towering metal trees adorned with glass bottles.
Finally, you'll arrive at the symbolic end of the road: The Santa Monica Pier. Park your rig, walk out onto the pier, and enjoy the breeze off the Pacific Ocean. At long last, you've made it.
RV Logistics: Parking a large RV near the pier isn't possible. The city directs vehicles over 22 feet to specific oversized parking areas, such as Lot 1 North.
For a celebratory overnight stay, the beachfront Dockweiler RV Park in Playa Del Rey or the Malibu Beach RV Park offers stunning oceanfront spots a short drive from the pier.
Here's the challenging thing about driving Route 66 in a motorhome — it wasn't exactly built for 40-foot RVs or oversized trailers. Much of the original road features narrow lanes, sharp turns, rough asphalt, and low underpasses, nothing like the smooth, straight lines of modern-day highways.
But with some smart planning, you can navigate it like a pro.
Before you even think about RVing Route 66, you need to know all of your rig's measurements. That means length, width, height, and weight. It's important to stay aware and within these limits.
Standard navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze aren't built for RVers. Instead, invest in a dedicated RV GPS or use an app like RV LIFE Trip Wizard, which allows you to input your route and account for your rig's exact restrictions. You get a safe route every time, steering you clear of low clearances and weight-restricted roads.
Treat all posted length and clearance signs as hard limits. This isn't the time to take risks with your rig, as that's a quick way to get stuck or cause damage.
In every city, look for any posted restrictions on vehicle weight or length. For example, the K Street underpass in Needles, California, has a posted 8-foot clearance, which is a disaster waiting to happen for any standard RV.
Finding a great place to park each night is half the fun of a road trip on Route 66. Here's a curated list of some of the top Route 66 RV parks and campgrounds that cater to motorhome travelers, from the start to the finish line:
A successful Mother Road RV travel adventure is built on preparation. A breakdown in the middle of the more remote stretches of Route 66 can put your trip on hold and your wallet at risk.
Here are the key steps to take before setting out:
The 100th anniversary of Route 66 isn't a single-year event. It's the beginning of a new era for this historic road, celebrating the spirit of adventure, freedom, and discovery that the Mother Road has inspired for generations. It's about the stories you'll tell, the photos you'll take, and the slice of pie you'll share at a small-town diner.
By taking your time, preparing your rig, and planning your route with your RV in mind, you're setting yourself up for a beautiful chapter in this 100-year-old story.
Make sure you're covered with America's RV Warranty. Then it's time to fire up the engine and hit this historic highway. The open road is calling.
The best times for a Route 66 road trip are late spring (April to May) and early fall (September to October). You'll avoid the intense summer heat of the desert in the Southwest and the potential freezing conditions in the higher elevations and the Midwest.
While you could technically drive all of Route 66 in two weeks, it isn't always so simple for RVs, trailers, and motorhomes. You'll likely need more time to navigate, set up, and explore your destinations to the fullest.
The sweet spot for a full Route 66 road trip in an RV is three to four weeks. This allows you to take your time, soak in the historic Route 66 attractions, and maybe squeeze in a detour or two like the Grand Canyon.
The short answer is no. Some sections of Route 66, like the original road through Oatman, Arizona, and certain city streets, are not safe or advisable for large RVs. The best approach is to drive the wider, easier sections in your RV and switch to the adjacent highway during less accessible stretches. If you want to experience the full Route 66, you can always use a towed car to explore tighter spots.
For safety and peace of mind, be sure to invest in an RV extended warranty with a trusted company like America's RV Warranty. No matter the size of your rig, you'll have the confidence to take on whatever the road throws your way.
Yes. A standard GPS may push your route back onto faster interstates, rather than the slower but more charming patchwork of roads that make up Route 66. It's highly recommended to purchase a dedicated Route 66 guidebook and use RV-specific GPS apps. This will help you avoid low clearances, rough roads, and weight restrictions.
