Route 66 is one of America’s most iconic road trips, stretching from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California. Packed with quirky roadside attractions, historic towns, and classic diners, it’s a road that mixes nostalgia with unique and fun stops you won’t find anywhere else.
With Route 66 turning 100 in 2026, now’s the perfect time to plan your next epic road trip along this iconic American highway. As this route stretches over 2,400 miles, it can be overwhelming to know what sites to hit, what to eat, and where to stay. That’s why we’ve broken the road down into 6 sections, detailing our favorite stops and KOA campgrounds to stay at along the way:
Section 1: Chicago to St. Louis
Section 2: St. Louis to Tulsa
Section 3: Tulsa to Amarillo
Section 4: Amarillo to Albuquerque
Section 5: Albuquerque to Kingman
Section 6: Kingman to Santa Monica
Why Camp While Exploring Route 66?
Camping your way along Route 66 is truly the best way to fully experience the charm, freedom, and nostalgia of this legendary American highway. For generations, travelers have pitched tents and parked RVs along the route, and for good reason.
It’s Budget Friendly
It’s no secret that travel can strain your wallet. Make your money stretch further by camping on your road trip! You can help control your costs while you camp by choosing the accommodations that fit your personal budget. Campers can find a range of accommodations for all budgets, from cute and comfy tent sites to luxurious KOA Patio® sites. Plus, you’ll often find that campgrounds offer more amenities and value than traditional hotels, from dog parks and swimming pools to planned events that are fun for the whole family.
It’s Flexible
One of the greatest joys about road tripping is the freedom to roam. Camping fits right into that spirit of spontaneity. With KOA campgrounds conveniently located all along Route 66, we make it easy for campers to rest and recharge along the way. Whether you’re simply pulling in for a quick stopover or want a longer, more relaxed stay, camping provides road trippers with a more leisurely and flexible travel option than hotels.
It’s Fun!
We may be a little biased, but few things beat the classic combo of road tripping and camping. After a day on the road, there’s simply no better feeling than pulling into your campsite, roasting a hot dog, and swapping stories under the stars. Road tripping and camping both provide the spirit of adventure, spontaneity, and freedom that pair the two together perfectly – like campfires and marshmallows.
Additional Resources for Your Next Epic Road Trip
Whether you’re planning your epic Route 66 trip or plotting another route, KOA has plenty of resources to make your next road trip a success:
Check out our favorite RV route planning apps
Save money with our full list of KOA discounts
Discover our full list of cross-country road trip tips
Eat well on the road with 15 of our favorite camping recipes
So, this is your sign to get planning – from the Windy City to the Santa Monica Pier, Route 66 and KOA are the perfect pairing for a road trip you’ll never forget.
About the Author: Kampgrounds of America
Kampgrounds of America is the largest system of open-to-the-public campgrounds in the world, with over 500 locations across the United States and Canada. Founded in Billings, MT in 1962, KOA’s family of campground brands – KOA Journey, KOA Holiday and KOA Resort – today serve more than a million camping families each year. KOA is dedicated to “connecting people to the outdoors and each other” by providing people with a variety of camping experiences and the information they need to make the most of their camping trip. Read more of their camping and travel resources by visiting KOA.com/blog.
