Camping Along Historic Route 66 Offers Unique Experiences

From remote desert sites to amenity-filled KOA campgrounds, these 10 spots showcase the diversity of Route 66 camping.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 8:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A bold, geometric illustration in the Art Deco style, featuring sweeping gradients of orange, red, and purple hues that evoke the dramatic landscapes of the American Southwest. The composition features towering, streamlined forms that suggest the grand scale and romance of travel along historic Route 66.The open roads and dramatic desert vistas of Route 66 inspire a sense of adventure and freedom for travelers seeking a unique camping experience.Holbrook Today

Driving along historic Route 66 offers more than just the classic roadside attractions. Many of the original Route 66 roads now see fewer cars, creating fantastic opportunities for dispersed, vintage, and remote camping. From the Ozark forests of Missouri to the high desert of New Mexico, these 10 camping spots along Route 66 provide a range of experiences, from rugged backcountry to amenity-filled KOA resorts.

Why it matters

As modern highways have replaced much of the original Route 66, the classic road trip now offers a chance to escape the crowds and experience the route's natural landscapes. Camping along Route 66 allows travelers to trade parking lots for open spaces and sleep under the stars rather than neon lights, providing a different and more immersive version of the classic American road trip.

The details

The 10 camping spots highlighted span the length of Route 66, from the Meramec River in Missouri to the Petrified Forest in Arizona. They range from amenity-heavy KOA campgrounds with pools, mini-golf, and glamping options to remote, dispersed camping sites in places like the El Malpais National Conservation Area. No matter the location or level of comfort, each site offers a unique way to experience the natural beauty and history along the iconic Route 66.

  • Route 66 was established in 1926.
  • Many of the original Route 66 roads now see fewer cars, creating new camping opportunities.

The players

Route 66

The historic U.S. Route 66 highway that connected Chicago to Los Angeles, passing through eight states and the heart of America.

Meramec State Park

A 6,896-acre Missouri state park along the Meramec River, known for its more than 40 caves.

Flagstaff KOA Holiday

A popular KOA campground in Flagstaff, Arizona, situated in a forested setting at the base of the San Francisco Peaks.

Two Guns Ghost Town

An abandoned roadside attraction and ghost town in Arizona that offers free, dispersed camping with no amenities.

Petrified Forest National Park

A national park in Arizona known for its fossilized trees and the colorful Painted Desert landscape.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Camping along Route 66 offers a different version of the road trip, trading parking lots for open spaces and letting travelers sleep under the stars rather than under neon lights.”

— Suzie Dundas, Author

The takeaway

From remote desert campsites to amenity-filled KOA resorts, the diverse camping options along historic Route 66 provide travelers with a unique way to experience the natural landscapes and history of this iconic American road trip.