Route 66 is a perfect opportunity for campers to immerse themselves in Americana. Crossing the state lines of Illinois —all the way to California— the ‘most important road of America’ has been referenced by great (American) artists to be a place of inspiration. Jack Kerouac, a founding father of the Beat Movement, symbolises Route 66 as freedom in his 1957 novel, ‘On The Road’. You can ‘get your kicks on Route 66’, a place for adrenaline-boosts, as hailed by jazz musician Bobby Troup in a hit song he named after the road. Kids might even notice that the hit animation movie, Cars, was set there as well! With many locations marked as a scenic byway, there is no better place to have a campervan trip in. 

It’s 2,448 miles and straddles across many different settings: from the ranches of the Texas Panhandle to the ruins of Cool Springs in Arizona. There is simply so much to admire. Your camping experience is bound to be packed with adventure, so we’ve compiled a list of sites worth spending extra time on.

Mini Route 66 - RV Rental Chicago to Los Angeles

For many the full Route 66 would take too long and if you fall into this category a popular Route 66 alterative is picking at Chicago and return to Los Angeles, or Pick up at Los Angeles and return to Chicago.  The one way fee with Cruise America is USD $550.00.

Route 66 RV rental Agencies

Route 66 RV rental cost

The cost will vary based on three key factors, the length of the RV rental and the RV or motorhome size that you select. The larger motorhomes are more expensive than the smaller Berth campervans. Whilst long rentals will have a reduced daily rate, they still will work out more expensive than a short term rental. Most supplier impose a minimal rental of 10 days for one way RV. The third factor is any additional extras, kits and gear and the charge for miles covered in the RV Rental.  

All suppliers will charge a fee for mileage based, for example, Cruise America currently charge $0.38 per mile. This can work out expensive, and options exist to prebook mileage at a discounted rate. Cruise America also offer an unlimited mileage package plus package UNXM PLUS, which includes.

Illinois 

Often dubbed as the ‘start’ of Route 66, you’d find Grant Park opens Route 66’s main terminal. The iconic “End Historic Route” sign rests between the intersection of Jackson Boulevard and Michigan Avenue. This is a perfect opportunity to cruise around historical neighbourhoods such as Berwyn that goes right through the ‘Mother Road’. The city also has the oldest White Castle chain, which has been serving since 1939.

Approach Will County, into the city of Joliet, and witness more dazzling attractions for your Route 66 journey. Plan to stay a little longer here— it’s where you get access to the Lincoln Highway and the world-famous Route 66 Park. Studded with Route 66 memorabilia, expect this theme park to be full of public art and quaint little ice cream stands. It also features the Collins Street Prison, a set from the 1980’s film, The Blues Brothers!

If you’re looking for a quick bite of something, drive down to Cozy Dog Drive in Springfield, Illinois! As one of the oldest makers of Corn Dogs, they promise both quality and pleasure!

Missouri

Missouri is a pit stop with its own unique beauty. Known for being a ‘rural’ state, your drive will be engulfed in pastoralism and a greater sense of the Midwest. Drive into the heart of Missouri, in St. Louis, the home of blues music and icecream. Known for their warm hospitality, make sure to visit diners and get all the ‘soul-food’ the city has to offer! There are packaged tours that campers might want to purchase, such as a trip to the historical Anheuser-Busch brewery. Up north to the city is the Chain of Rocks Bridge, which stretches right across the Mississippi river. It’s been running since 1929 and perfect for campers looking for a scenic stroll / break from the road.

Oklahoma

You can’t experience Oklahoma’s essence without trying out their food. Enjoy hearty meals at a local diner, such as the Pops 66 Local Soda Ranch: a landmark diner known for their midwestern hospitality and parking-friendly space. While there, take a touristy photo by their 66 ft. tall Soda outside!  Foodies can try dishes ranging from okra, cornbread, all the way to Saigon Baguettes. Digest and relax by Lake Hefner, where you can partake in recreational activities such as fishing or simply cloud watching.

Oklahoma may be a ‘tamer’ stop in your travel log, but it is by no means dull. There are many amusement parks like Frontier City that you can visit for a harmless blood-rush. There’s a wide range of museums to pick in Oklahoma City to pique all your interests. For those interested in Midwestern heritage, there’s a National Cowboy Museum. For fans of animal remains, there’s a Museum of Osteology where you can marvel at skeletons. And of course, a Route 66 Museum! 

Texas

Down south, where canyons meet aged Art Deco buildings, holds so many scenic views worth admiring. Pay extra extra attention to Amarillo: the only city in Texas where Route 66 goes right through. Interesting sites such as the Cadillac Ranch rests here, a public art installation created by curators of the Ant Farm movement. Roaming the streets of Amarillo, you’d notice interesting homes influenced by the Spanish Revival and Art Moderne: making it an architecturally interesting place.

Arizona

Through the Will Rogers highway, take yourself to Arizona: a breathtaking place full of natural attractions. There are thousand-year-old redwoods, (large) lakes with crystal-clear waters, beaches and of course: the Grand Canyon. If you’re looking for humbling sights— or kitschy gift shops— Arizona is the place for you.

California

As the final destination of Route 66, California is a vibrant and fun place to mark the end of your journey. The road ends at Santa Monica, an artistic city with piers overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It holds an array of moods, depending on how you’d like to absorb the city. For romantic campers, viewing the sunset by Muscle Beach might just make your trip. For art connoisseurs, there’s a lot of galleries in Bergamot Station to satisfy your needs. For campers travelling in a family unit, a scavenger hunt game in the Heal the Bay Aquarium might be the perfect activity!

Campervan life in America

Lucky for you, RV laws in the United States allow you to park overnight in (residential) streets. Even in national parks, most places allow campers to park overnight without fees. This also applies to forests and grasslands. However, if you’re looking for campsites to find a community of similar travellers, we suggest you look here for recommended places. 

Happy camping!