Route 66, known as the Mother Road, is arguably the most iconic American road trip of all time. Stretching roughly 2,448 miles from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California, this historic highway takes RV travelers through eight states, endless small towns, and some of the most unique roadside attractions in the country.
If you’re planning to RV Route 66, this guide is for you. We’ll break the journey into manageable driving days (~300–400 miles/day), recommend where to stop, where to stay, and what you shouldn’t miss. We’ll also include helpful links to campgrounds, gas stations, and must-see attractions.
🔰 Starting Point: Chicago, Illinois
Official Start: Corner of Adams Street and Michigan Avenue
📍 Route 66 Begin Sign Location
Must-See in Chicago:
- Millennium Park
- Willis Tower Skydeck
- Lou Mitchell’s Restaurant – a Route 66 tradition
Overnight RV Stay Near Chicago:
🛏️ Hollywood Casino RV Park – Joliet, IL
🚐 Day 1: Chicago, IL ➡️ Springfield, IL (200 miles)
- Gemini Giant in Wilmington
- Route 66 Hall of Fame in Pontiac
- Cozy Dog Drive In – birthplace of the corn dog
⛽ Love’s Travel Stop in Dwight, IL
🛏️ Double J Campground – Chatham, IL
🚐 Day 2: Springfield, IL ➡️ St. Louis, MO (100 miles)
- Chain of Rocks Bridge
- Ted Drewes Frozen Custard
🛏️ St. Louis RV Park – Close to downtown
🚐 Day 3: St. Louis, MO ➡️ Tulsa, OK (395 miles)
- Meramec Caverns (near Stanton, MO)
- Route 66 Museum in Lebanon, MO
- Blue Whale of Catoosa
⛽ TA Travel Center – Mount Vernon, MO
🛏️ Tulsa RV Ranch – Beggs, OK
🚐 Day 4: Tulsa, OK ➡️ Amarillo, TX (370 miles)
- Totem Pole Park
- Lucille’s Gas Station
- Cadillac Ranch
🛏️ Amarillo KOA
🚐 Day 5: Amarillo, TX ➡️ Albuquerque, NM (290 miles)
- Midpoint Café – Adrian, TX
- Tucumcari Murals
- Route 66 Diner
🛏️ American RV Resort – Albuquerque
🚐 Day 6: Albuquerque, NM ➡️ Flagstaff, AZ (325 miles)
- Petrified Forest National Park
- Wigwam Motel
- Meteor Crater
🚐 Day 7: Flagstaff, AZ ➡️ Kingman, AZ (150 miles)
- Seligman – birthplace of Route 66 revival
- Hackberry General Store
- Arizona Route 66 Museum
🛏️ Fort Beale RV Park – Kingman, AZ
🚐 Day 8: Kingman, AZ ➡️ Santa Monica, CA (330 miles)
- Oatman – wild burros
- Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch
- Santa Monica Pier – official end of Route 66
🛏️ Dockweiler RV Park – oceanfront camping
📌 Final Thoughts
RVing Route 66 is more than just a drive—it’s a journey through the heart of American history, nostalgia, and charm. Stick to around 300–400 miles a day, stop often, and take in the magic of roadside attractions and Americana along the way.
Useful Resources:
- National Park Service Route 66 Guide
- Route 66 Road Trip Planning Map
- Good Sam Club Campground Directory
Looking for more RV adventures? Check out our other campground reviews and RV travel guides at RVTravelNetwork.com.
