Route 66 turns 100 in 2026, making this a memorable year to explore America’s famous Mother Road. The historic route runs about 2,400 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, crossing Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. An RV gives you room to bring your essentials, take breaks when you need them, and stay near the towns and attractions along the way.
How long should you plan for a Route 66 RV road trip? Allow at least two weeks for a fast-paced drive, or closer to three weeks if you want time for diners, museums, scenic detours, and slower travel days.
One important planning note: historic Route 66 is not one continuous, signed highway today. Sections were replaced by interstates and newer roads, and historic alignments can vary. Use a current Route 66 map or state tourism guide, then check your route for RV height, weight, and road restrictions before driving. The National Park Service’s Route 66 overview explains how the highway was replaced and preserved in sections.
Why Plan a Route 66 Centennial RV Road Trip?
RVshare’s 2026 Travel Trend Report names Route 66’s 100th anniversary among the events inspiring RV travel. In a survey of 1,000 U.S. adults who had taken a vacation in the previous two years, 43% said they planned to travel off-season to save money. The report also features a western road trip that starts in Flagstaff along Route 66 before heading toward the Grand Canyon’s North Rim.
The survey was conducted in November 2025, so treat these figures as travelers’ stated plans for 2026—not confirmed bookings or a guarantee of savings. Since some centennial events have already passed, check the Route 66 Centennial event calendar for current listings before you travel.
Route 66 stops worth adding to your itinerary
Illinois: Start in Chicago and explore Pontiac
Begin in Chicago, where the route’s eastern end is associated with the Grant Park area. As you head southwest, consider stopping at the Cozy Dog Drive In in Springfield, known for its corn dogs, and in Pontiac for its Route 66 murals and Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum.
Missouri: See the river and Ozark landscapes
Route 66 passes through the St. Louis region and the Ozarks. The Chain of Rocks Bridge is a memorable historic crossing near St. Louis; check current visitor access and parking before going. Farther west, Meramec Caverns near Stanton makes a popular roadside detour. Give yourself extra time here: the Ozarks’ hills and curves can make driving slower than the map suggests. Your Route 66 RV road trip passes through the St. Louis region and the Ozarks.
Kansas: Make a short but worthwhile stop
Kansas has a short stretch of Route 66, but it still offers a taste of the road’s small-town history. Galena, Riverton, and Baxter Springs are common stops. Look for the historic Rainbow Bridge near Riverton, and check local signs for safe RV parking before walking around. Include Kansas’s short historic stretch in your Route 66 RV road trip, with time to explore its small towns.
Oklahoma: Add roadside landmarks and local history
Oklahoma has many Route 66 communities and attractions. The Blue Whale of Catoosa is a well-known roadside photo stop. You can also explore Tulsa’s Route 66 attractions and the Round Barn in Arcadia. Check current hours and parking details before making a special trip. Make room on your Route 66 RV road trip for Oklahoma’s roadside landmarks and local history.
Texas: Stop in Shamrock, Amarillo, and Adrian
The Texas Panhandle brings wide-open roads and classic roadside architecture. In Shamrock, the U-Drop Inn is a restored Art Deco landmark. Near Amarillo, Cadillac Ranch is a recognizable outdoor art stop. Adrian’s Midpoint Café marks the halfway point between Chicago and Santa Monica.
New Mexico: Look for neon and historic motels
Tucumcari is known for Route 66 signs, motels, and vintage storefronts. The Blue Swallow Motel is one of its best-known historic properties. Albuquerque’s Central Avenue follows a historic Route 66 corridor, with restaurants, shops, and architecture along the way. Confirm business hours before planning a meal around a particular stop.
Arizona: Add a national park detour
Arizona has several famous Route 66 towns, including Winslow, Flagstaff, Williams, and Seligman. Consider a detour through Petrified Forest National Park, where portions of historic Route 66 cross the park. Check the park’s current rules and RV information before entering. Plan fuel and water stops carefully in remote stretches. Plan fuel stops and campground stays carefully for the Arizona portion of your Route 66 RV road trip.
California: Finish near the Pacific
As you travel west, explore Route 66 landmarks in the Mojave Desert communities before reaching the Los Angeles area. Historic Route 66 in California does not form one simple road all the way to the coast, so use a current map for your final approach. Many travelers finish at Santa Monica Pier for a photo by the Pacific.
Where to camp during a Route 66 RV trip
Choose campgrounds based on your planned stops instead of expecting to camp directly beside every attraction. Areas near Springfield, Missouri; Oklahoma City or Tulsa; Amarillo; Albuquerque or Tucumcari; and Flagstaff or Williams can work as overnight bases, depending on your route and daily driving distance.
Before booking, confirm your RV’s full length fits the site, check which hookups are included, and ask about late arrival. Also check how far the campground is from your planned attractions and whether nearby roads or bridges have restrictions.
For more campground-planning help, see our guide to RV campgrounds near you
Can you rent an RV and have it delivered?
Yes. Some RV owners offer delivery to campgrounds, but it depends on the individual listing, delivery distance, campground rules, and extra fees. The owner may set up the RV at the campsite. This usually works best for a stationary stay, not for traveling the full Route 66 route, because the RV does not move with you from town to town.
For a Route 66 RV road trip based at one campground, consider an RV rental with delivery and explore nearby attractions by car. Check the delivery charge, setup details, pickup time, site requirements, and cancellation terms before booking. You can search RV rentals through RVshare.
Affiliate disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you book through a link, Where Is Mark may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We include links that may help readers plan their trips.
Plan for the road, not just the photo stops
Route 66 is a collection of historic road segments, small towns, attractions, and newer highways. Pick a few must-see stops in each state, leave room for unexpected discoveries, and check road and campground details before you arrive. The centennial makes 2026 a special time to go, but the Mother Road’s diners, museums, and roadside landmarks can make an RV trip memorable in any year.
Frequently asked questions
How many states does Route 66 cross?
The historic route crosses eight states: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.
How many miles is Route 66?
Route 66 is commonly described as about 2,400 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica. The exact distance can vary with historic alignments and the route you follow today.
How many days do you need for an RV road trip on Route 66?
Two weeks is a reasonable minimum for a fast-paced trip. Three weeks gives you more time for attractions, meals, and rest days.
Can I follow the original Route 66 the whole way?
Not as one uninterrupted, signed highway. The historic route was decommissioned and replaced in sections, so travelers use preserved alignments, local roads, and interstates.
Can an RV rental be delivered to a Route 66 campground?
Some RV owners offer campground delivery. Availability, setup, delivery range, and fees vary by listing, and the campground must allow the RV. Delivery is usually for staying in one location, rather than touring the entire route.
Is Route 66 good for first-time RV travelers?
It can be, if you plan shorter driving days, verify campground site sizes, and use current navigation for historic road segments. Some sections are remote or follow older roads, so plan fuel and overnight stops ahead.
Plan your Route 66 RV road trip with manageable driving days and time to enjoy the stops along the way.
Keep your first Route 66 RV road trip manageable by choosing a shorter section and allowing extra travel time.