Camping Historic Route 66
"Get your kicks on Route 66" has been the theme song of millions over the last 70+ years and it is as fun today as it was in the 1930's, 40's and 50's. We've traveled this old highway when it was the only way to California before there were interstates. We have stayed in the Tourist Courts, had water bags hanging off the hood ornaments and bumpers and traveled the two lane from Kansas to California.
Old Route 66 still holds a certain mystique not only in American culture but European as well. Living in a town that straddles Route 66, we see travelers on motorcycles from around the world going from Chicago to Santa Monica. There are still Tourist Courts but there are also some excellent campgrounds both private and public in every state along the route.
Route 66 is the ultimate ROAD TRIP. You will discover a mix of history, romance, nostalgia and pop culture. As you ride this complex road you will come to understand what people mean when they talk about the "Freedom" of the Mother Road. On this page, we will share highlights, tips, and enough information to get you started down "America's Main Street". Route 66 is one of the top ten road trips in the world according to travel guide publisher Lonely Planet. For other great products and Route 66 ideas, click on our sponsors below.
ILLINOISIllinois has 436 miles of the "Mother Road" from Chicago to Mitchell before you enter the suburbs of St. Louis, Missouri. It was originally the Old Pontiac Trail. Due to all of the realignments over the years in the Chicago area, most of the old route is difficult if not impossible to find. Route 66 through Illinois roughly follows Interstate 55. There are many places where the state of Illinois points out the old route but often these are difficult to travel on. We would suggest that you stay on I-55 until you reach Missouri unless you plan to camp in Illinois. There are some excellent State Parks in Illinois for camping just a few miles off the highway. State Parks near Route 66 in IllinoisFor the best and most up to date info on Route 66 through Illinois, it is best to consult the professionals. These people have all the latest information for you. For more info, visit the Illinois Route 66 Association MISSOURIMissouri probably has some of the most scenic stretches of the Mother Road and has lots of vintage stores, bridges, tourist courts and restaurants which you can visit still today. Route 66 closely follows a pre-Civil War stage line across Missouri and runs along I-44. You can still drive on many portions of the old road but if you stay on the Interstate, at virtually every exit, you will be on Route 66. Along the 300 miles of Route 66 in Missouri you will see some great tourist attractions and find great camping spots. There are some excellent State Parks in Missouri for camping just a few miles off the highway.State Parks near Route 66 in Missouri. For more info, visit the Missouri Route 66 Association KANSASRoute 66 just barely let Kansas in on the fun. Just 13 miles of the road runs through the corner of the state. One of the towns it goes through is Galena, the birthplace of my father. The old road was never bypassed by the Interstates and can easily be driven today. Though it zig zags along county section lines, it is well marked and easy to follow.For more info, visit the Kansas Route 66 Association OKLAHOMAOklahoma has about 400 miles of Route 66. We also have more miles of original roadway left than any other Route 66 state. In other states, the interstates have obliterated entire sections. In addition, nice stretches of the original cement paving laid down in 1932-1933 in Oklahoma still remain.Over time, the route of 66 has changed. This was done to do away with sharp turns, bypass smaller towns, and to shift routings to accommodate major metropolitan areas to avoid traffic congestion. Of the original 2400 miles that made up Route 66, it is estimated that about 80-85% is still driveable. In Oklahoma, virtually all of the Route remains intact. There are a couple of great State Parks in Oklahoma for camping just a few miles off the highway. State Parks near Route 66 in Oklahoma For more info, visit the Oklahoma Route 66 Association
Great Campgounds near Oklahoma Route 66About 70 miles after you cross the Kansas - Oklahoma State line you will enter Claremore, Oklahoma, home of Will Rogers, the J.M.Davis Gun Museum and Historic Main Street. There is a great campground in Claremore owned by the city at the Claremore Expo TEXASOf the 178 miles of Old Route 66 across Texas, approximately 150 miles remain. From Texola to Amarillo, Old 66 lies on the south side of I-40 except at McLean. From Amarillo west to Glenrio, Old 66 lies on the north side of I-40. This guide starts at the Texas - Oklahoma border at Texola. State Parks near Route 66 in TexasFor more info, visit the Texas Route 66 Association NEW MEXICONew Mexico hosts many miles of unbroken stretches of Route 66 that can be driven even today and give the road wanderer a real glimpse into what it was like along Route 66 during its hey-day. Today New Mexico has some of the best examples of highway kitsch left along the old Mother Road. Towns like Gallup, Albuquerque and Tucumcari proudly preserve their vintage neon signs with the help of the Route 66 Corridor Act monies and the support of the New Mexico Route 66 Association. Vintage trading posts and authentic roadside cafes and diners still entice the traveler to stop. New Mexico is truly the "Land of Enchantment." State parks near Route 66 in New Mexico For more info, visit the New Mexico Route 66 Association ARIZONARoute 66 in Arizona is as colorful a stretch of the old Mother Road as can be found anywhere. It is a land of volcanoes, meteor craters, petrified forests and cool pine forests. Route 66 was the gateway to the Grand Canyon State and adventure. There are sections of Route 66 that go through the old Arizona mining towns. A must see. Arizona even offers the Southwest's own version of the Badlands.State Parks Near Route 66 in Arizona For more info, visit the Arizona Route 66 Association CALIFORNIAIt has been estimated that 65 percent of America’s westbound traffic, and 50 percent of eastbound traffic followed Route 66 during the 1930s. Travelers during this period were largely dependent on camping for their overnight lodging, particularly across the California desert. There were only a few small auto camps and even fewer hotels along this portion of the route. Those businesses along Route 66 always had a steady stream of customers. The highway actually kept many small towns alive during the Great Depression. The highway continued to represent opportunity in the minds of countless people. It was many mid-westerners chance to sleep on the beach. There has always been an age old rivalry between California beaches and Florida beaches.For more info, visit the California Route 66 Association
 Custom Search
|
