Camping Along Historic and Scenic Highways of the US and Canada

[DonnaR57]

In this thread, we will cover the campgrounds that are along the historical highways of the US and Canada. Among those that will be included here will be the old "Route 66" (former US-66), the National Highway, and also the Lincoln Highway. Later in the thread, scenic highways such as the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Beartooth Highway will be included.

The requirements to be included is that the campgrounds must be run by a public entity, such as a city, county, state, or even the national governments. It also is usually within a 20 mile drive of the major highway that is included. It also must either have its own website or be mentioned on more than one trustworthy website. If there is no website for the campground itself, there will be an annotation to "inquire locally". Sometimes that's the way to find an out of the way camping spot that is totally legal -- ask the locals.

Highways found in this thread:
The list below generally tracks east to west, but there are some exceptions

US Highways:

US Highway 6

US Highway 12

US Highway 20

US Highway 40 -- also known as The National Road

The Lincoln Highway -- Parts of this are now US-Highway 50, I-80 and others

US Highway 63

US Highway 66 -- also known Route 66

US Highway 83 (Laredo, Texas to Canadian Border)

US Highway 212 -- Beartooth Scenic Byway

US Regional, State and Scenic Highways:

Amish Country Scenic Byway

The Blue Ridge Parkway

CA State Highway 1 -- California Pacific Coast Highway

Connecticut River Scenic Byway

Great Circle Tour -- Great Lakes: Ontario, Erie, Huron, Michigan & Superior

Great River Road, MN to LA

Lakes to Locks Passage (Upstate New York)

Lewis and Clark National Trail

Montana's Scenic Loop (MT-83, MT-35, MT-206, US-2, US-89, US-298, and back to MT-83)

Natchez Trace Parkway

Nevada Scenic Loop (I-15, US-93, US-6 and US-50, NV-375)

Ohio River Scenic Byway

Oregon Trail, MO to OR.

Outer Banks Scenic Byway

San Juan Skyway (Colorado)

The Santa Fe Trail (MO to NM)


Selkirk Loop (Washington)


Selma to Montgomery March Byway


Shasta-Trinity Scenic Drive

Utah State Highway 12 -- Panguitch to Torrey

Utah State Highway 95 -- The US Bicentennial Highway

Complete list of Alaskan Scenic Highways found here.
The Inside Passage (Alaska)

Copper River Highway (Alaska)

Elliott Highway (Alaska)


Canadian Scenic Highways:
More detail on the Canadian Highways found here.
Canada's Icefield Parkway (Banff NP to Jasper NP)

The Canol Road

Scenic Cariboo Road (British Columbia)

Sea to Sea Scenic Highway (British Columbia)

Campbell Highway and Klondike Highway

[DonnaR57]

This post will travel along the route that used to be known as “US-66”, or just “Route 66”. For many years, this road was the prime route for folks heading from the Midwest out to sunny California. The route has mostly been superseded by I-55, I-44, and I-40, but there are a number of sections that still exist under other numbers, “State-66”, or have signs that indicate “Historic Route 66.” Someone wishing to travel this road should get one of the many traveler's guides to old 66, such as the Moon Route 66 by Candacy Taylor, or Travel Route 66 by Jim Hinckley. Both will guide you through the old historic paths that can still be accessed, from the Chicago downtown area, out to Los Angeles.

The purpose of THIS post, however, is to assist anyone that may be wishing to camp or RV along this old route, either with a tent, towable, or motorhome. All listed campsites are within 20 miles of the highway, unless otherwise noted. Some campsites may not be listed; inquire locally.


IL:

See also I-55, as it rides on top of, or parallel to, the pavement formerly known as Route 66.

Forked Creek Forest Preserve, Ballou Road Access, Wilmington
Note: Illinois' forest preserves have the habit of tacking on a major extra fee if you're not a county resident. You may find commercial parks to be a better deal, but this one is listed anyway.
Scottish Rite Recreation Area, Hudson
Note: You must be a member of the Scottish Rite community to use this campground.
Riverside Campground, Springfield Park District, Springfield
Sangchris Lake State Park, Rochester


MO:

See also I-44, which rides on top of, or parallel to, the pavement formerly known as Route 66.

OK:

See also I-44, which rides on top of, or parallel to, the pavement formerly known as Route 66.

Spencer Creek Campground, Oologah Lake, Claremore
Blue Creek Campground, Oologah Lake, Claremore
Heyburn Park at Heyburn Lake, USACE, Heyburn
Bell Cow Lake, City Park, Chandler
Scissortail City Campground, Edmond

See also I-40, which rides on top of, or parallel to, the pavement formerly known as "66".

TX:

See also I-40, which rides on top of, or parallel to, the pavement formerly known as "66".


NM:

See also I-40, except for a portion that goes from Santa Rosa to Albuquerque.

Villanueva State Park, Villanueva

See also I-25, for the section between Santa Fe and Albuquerque.

Cibola National Forest, north of Albuquerque
Note: This link will take you to the links for both campgrounds and dispersed camping.

See also I-40, which rides on top of, or parallel to, the pavement formerly known as "66".


AZ:

See also I-40, except for two sections. One section, between Seligman and Kingman, takes AZ-66 up to Peach Springs. The other section is now known as the Oatman Highway.

Peach Springs Section:

AZ-66: There are a few commercial RV parks and campgrounds, but no publicly owned and easily reached car campgrounds along the way. People interested in dispersed camping on Hualapai lands should contact the Hualapai Reservation for suggestions.

The Oatman Section:

Boondocking (dispersed camping) in the Oatman area is available in many areas. This is the BLM Website for the area, but does not specifically mention camping area. Inquire locally.


CA:

See also I-40, except for the Essex section.

Essex Section

Campground for Marble Mountain T634, Essex
Note: Not sure of who runs this place. But it's pretty well just a spot to park your vehicle. Bring your own water and pack out your own trash.

Now, see listings for I-40, I-15, and I-10.

Enjoy your travels!

[DonnaR57]

Public campgrounds along US-40, which runs from near Park City, UT to its eastern terminus in Atlantic City, are available. US-40 was known as “The National Road”, a historic highway when it went from coast to coast. Now, US-40 parallels or runs concurrently with various interstates, as will be noted below. Campgrounds are within 20 miles of the highway, one way, unless otherwise noted. Not all campgrounds may be listed; inquire locally for other options.

UT:

Jordanelle State Park, Heber City
Wasatch Mountain State Park, Heber Valley
Starvation Reservoir State Park, Duchesne
Rockport State Park, Peoa
Dinosaur National Monument Campgrounds, UT
Note: There are two campgrounds in the park's Utah area: Split Mountain, and Green River. These are best accessed from Jensen, UT.


CO:

Yampa River State Park, Hayden
Teal Lake Campground, Lincoln NF, Walden
Dumont Campground, Routt NF, Steamboat Springs
Dry Lake Campground, Routt NF, Steamboat Springs
Meadows Campground, Routt NF, Steamboat Springs
Black Tail Creek Campground, Lincoln NF, Kremmling
Note: About 13 miles down CO-134. No water at times.
Pioneer City Park, Hot Sulphur Springs
Note: Small city park with a few campsites.
Idlewild Campground, Arapaho NF, Winter Park
Robbers Roost Campground, Arapaho NF, Idaho Springs

US-40 now parallels or runs concurrently with I-70 from Idaho Springs to Limon.


KS:

US-40 now parallels or runs concurrently with I-70 from Oakley to Independence, MO


MO:

US-40 now parallels or runs concurrently with I-70, except to go through some towns along the way, such as Boonville.


IL:

US-40 now parallels or runs concurrently with I-70 throughout the state, not splitting off until Terre Haute, IN.


IN:

Hawthorn Park, Vigo County, Terre Haute
Note: Inquire locally.
Westwood Park, New Castle


OH:

US-40 now parallels or runs concurrently with I-70.

Dayton Metro Parks, Dayton
John Bryan State Park, Yellow Springs
Dillon State Park, Nashton
Buck Creek State Park, near Harmony, OH
Barkcamp State Park, near Belmont, OH
Seneca Lake Park, Muskingum Watershed., Senecaville


PA:

Ohiopyle State Park, Ohiopyle

US-40 leaves I-70 and heads southeast into Maryland.


MD:

US-40 runs concurrently or parallel to I-68.

New Germany State Park, Grantsville, MD
Rocky Gap State Park
Greenbrier State Park, Boonsboro
Gambrill State Park, Frederick

US-40 now rides concurrently or parallel to I-70.

Patapsco Valley State Park, Ellicott City

US-40 then run concurrently or parallel to I-95 through Baltimore, ME to Newark DE.


NJ:

Parvin State Park, Pittsgrove



Next up will be the Lincoln Highway, another historical coast-to-coast road.

[DonnaR57]

Public campgrounds along the Lincoln Highway are available if you keep your options open. The Lincoln Highway is one of the oldest highways in the United States. In most places, it is designated by a number rather than its name, though localities may call it “the Lincoln Highway,” “Lincoln Street”, “Lincoln Way,” and so forth. A good guidebook is extremely helpful to be able to follow it from one coast to another, as it literally goes from Edison NJ on the East Coast to Berkeley, CA on the West Coast. Campers will be referred to some numbered highways with a link to the campground guide for that highway, such as US-30, US-50, and I-80, that now have taken over the pavement that was once known as the Lincoln Highway. As usual, campgrounds will be within 20 miles one way of the highway, unless indicated otherwise.

NJ:

Allaire State Park, Farmingdale
Note: Non-residents should note the slightly higher fee for camping.

Cheesequake State Park, Matawan

See US-1 NJ for further listings


PA:

See US-30 for most listings from PA to Granger, WY


WY:

See I-80 listings from Granger, WY to West Wendover, NV


NV:

Lincoln Highway is now following US-93 to Ely, NV.

East Creek Campground, Humboldt-Toiyabe NF, east of McGill
Note: About 5 miles from US-93 on NV-486.

Bird Creek Campground, Humboldt-Toiyable NF, east of McGill
Note: About 7.5 miles from US-93 on NV-486.

Timber Creek Campground, Humboldt-Toiyabe NF, east of McGill
Note: About 12.5 miles from US-93 on NV-486.

Gap Mountain Campground, BLM, Ely

Ward Mountain Campground, Humboldt-Toiyabe NF, Ely
Note: About 6 miles south of Ely on US-6.

See US-50 from Ely to Fallon, NV

At Fallon, you have two choices: US-50A to Wadsworth then I-80 and US-40 through Reno, over Donner Pass to Sacramento. OR, US-50 Fall to Carson City, around Lake Tahoe and over Johnson Pass (Echo Summit) to Sacramento


"The Northern Route"

See I-80 listings to San Francisco for the Lincoln Highway 50A


"The Southern Route"

See US-50 listings for the Lincoln Highway


And you are in the western US ... next up, we'll start on some scenic highways!

[DonnaR57]

Some previously posted highways are also historic, scenic, or both. Some are in the US, and others in Canada. Some are shared by the two countries. Here's a link to those highways listed under another thread:


Alaska Highway – Historical and Scenic
Note: This highway begins/ends in Dawson Creek, BC, and ends in Delta Junction, AK. It was built by the military to help the military, and has been improved, little by little. There are few places along the highway that are not scenic!

Alaska Gold Rush – Skagway to Whitehorse - The Klondike Hwy South
Note: This is another gorgeous highway, especially going over the White Pass.

Alaska Gold Rush – Whitehorse to Dawson City - Klondike Hwy North connecting to the Top of the World Hwy

US-1: Historical and Often Scenic

US-2: Western portion - Scenic!

US-2: Eastern portion

Great River Road
Note: For many years, rivers were a "road" system. This one follows the Mississippi River, with some very scenic spots.

North Shore Scenic Byway, AKA MN-61 – posted with US-61

US-89 and US-89A

US-191: scenic and historic!


The next will be some scenic byways that we have not already listed, starting with the Beartooth Highway.

[DonnaR57]

Public campgrounds along the Beartooth Scenic Highway, AKA US-212 from Red Lodge, MT into the northeast section of Yellowstone National Park, are plentiful. Though this byway is less than 70 miles long, it's considered one of the most beautiful scenic highways in the US. Bear in mind that because of the elevation, this highway is normally open only from about mid-May to mid-October, and can close quickly in the event of an early snowstorm. All but one of the listed campgrounds are in the Custer-Gallatin and Shoshone National Forests. There may be opportunities for dispersed camping; inquire at a ranger station for information.

A general website for information about camping along the Beartooth Highway

Another informative website about the Beartooth.

Cooney State Park, Roberts

Greenough Lake CG, Custer NF, Red Lodge

M-K CG, Custer NF
Note: This one is listed as FREE. But they don't take reservations, and it's very popular, so arrive early in the day.

Limber Pine CG, Custer NF

Parkside CG, Custer NF

Sheridan CG, Custer NF

Rattin CG, Custer NF

Island Lake Campground, Shoshone NF

Beartooth Lake Campground, Shoshone NF

Crazy Creek Campground, Shoshone NF

Fox Creek Campground, Shoshone NF
Note: This campground was closed during the 2019, 2020 and 2021 season due to construction along the Beartooth Highway.

Colter Campground, Gallatin NF
Note: Hard-sided unit camping only, due to bear activity.

Soda Butte Campground, Gallatin NF
Note: Hard-sided unit camping only, due to bear activity.

[DonnaR57]

Public campgrounds along the Blue Ridge Parkway are there, but you have to look for them. Some are easier to find than others! The BRP goes from Rockfish Gap, near Waynesboro VA, south to Great Smoky Mountain National Park (GSMNP), a distance of about 470 miles. To the north of the Blue Ridge Parkway is Shenandoah National Park, whose Skyline Drive extends the BRP from Front Royal to Waynesboro, another 103 miles. For the purposes of this scenic drive listing, we will include Shenandoah National Park's campgrounds.

Note: MP=Milepost, as indicated from Mile 0 at Rockfish Gap, VA.

VA:

Shenandoah National Park Campgrounds
Note: There are four campgrounds: Mathews Arm, Big Mountain, Lewis Mountain, and Loft Mountain. There is a large group campground as well, Dondo.

Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Campground, George Washington NF, Lyndhurst
Note: Located at MP 16, southbound from Rockfish Gap.

Otter Creek Campground, Jefferson NF
Note: Located at MP 58, southbound from Rockfish Gap.

Cave Mountain Lake Recreation Area, George Washington & Jefferson NF, Natural Bridge Station

Peaks of Otter Campground, Jefferson NF
Note: Located at MP 85.6, southbound from Rockfish Gap

Rocky Knob Campground, Blue Ridge Parkway NPS, Floyd
Note: Located at MP 167.1.

New River State Park, Max Meadows


NC:

Doughton Park Campground, Blue Ridge Parkway NPS, Laurel Springs
Note: Located at MP 239.2. This is about the halfway point between Rockfish Gap and GSMNP.

Julian Price Campground, Blue Ridge Parkway NPS, Blowing Rock
Note: Located at MP 297, southbound from Rockfish Gap, VA.

Linville Falls Campground, Blue Ridge Parkway NPS, Linville Falls
Note: Located at MP 316, southbound from Rockfish Gap, VA.

Mortimer Campground, Pisgah NF, Edgemont/Lenoir
Note: Located 13 miles from the BRP at Linville, but takes a good 35 minutes to make the trip.

Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area, Pisgah NF, Burnsville

Black Mountain Campground, Pisgah NF, Burnsville

Crabtree Falls Campground, Blue Ridge Parkway NPS
Note: Located at MP 339.5

Mount Pisgah Campground, Blue Ridge Parkway NPS
Note: Located at MP 408.8.

Sunburst Campground, Pisgah NF, Canton

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Campgrounds near the BRP
Note: The two closest to the BRP are Balsam Mountain and Smokemont, but there are plenty of others in the National Park.

[DonnaR57]

The Icefields Parkway in Alberta, Canada, is one of the most scenic and visited highways in Canada. Located almost completely in Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, there are many campgrounds along the stretch of road. It should be noted that some are first-come, first-served, while others accept reservations. Though this road could feasibly be driven in one day, most people spend some time along the way, taking their rig/gear from one campground to the next one. Due to the northern latitude, not all campgrounds are open year-round. For the purposes of this post, we will travel northward from Banff into Jasper, stopping just past the point where the Icefields Parkway crosses the Yellowknife Highway.


Two Jack Main CG, Banff National Park, Banff
Note: Reservations accepted. Located out of town, not on the Icefields Parkway though.

Two Jack Lakeside Campground, Banff National Park, Banff
Note: Reservations accepted.

Tunnel Mountain Village I Campground, Banff National Park, Banff
Note: Reservations accepted.

Tunnel Mountain Village II Campground, Banff National Park, Banff
Note: Some sites with hookups for RV's. Reservations accepted.

Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court, Banff National Park, Banff
Note: All for motorhomes and trailers, as the name suggests. Reservations accepted. Personal experience with this campground: Get reservations! It fills quickly!

Johnston Canyon Campground, Banff National Park
Note: No hookups, no reservations.

Protection Mountain Campground, Banff National Park
Note: No hookups, no reservations. Tents have to be on gravel.

Lake Louise Tent Campground, Banff National Park, Lake Louise
Note: Tents and tent trailers/pop-ups only (no hookups). Reservations accepted. Some loops have a fire ring at each site, others do not.

Lake Louise Trailer Campground, Banff National Park, Lake Louise
Note: Hard-sided units only. (Tent trailer/pop ups use the Tent Campground, which has no hookups.) Reservations accepted. Personal experience with this park reminds others that it is almost a parking lot for trailers with only Electrical hookups. You need to pick up a load of water before you pull into your site, and use the dump station before/after if needed.

Jasper National Park Campgrounds, south to north
Columbia Icefields – tent only, no reservations
Columbia Icefields RV – trailers and RV's only, no water on site
Wilcox – suitable for motorhomes and trailers under 27' – no reservations
Jonas – suitable for tents, plus motorhomes and trailers under 25' – no reservations
Honeymoon Lake – suitable for tents, plus motorhomes and trailers under 25' – no reservations
Kerkeslin – suitable for tents, plus motorhomes and trailers under 25' – no reservations
Wabasco – suitable for tents, plus motorhomes and trailers under 27' – no reservations
Wapiti, at Jasper Townsite – tenting and electrical hookups for Rvs – reservations accepted summers
Wapiti, at Jasper Townsite – winter for RV's only – no reservations in Winter
Whistlers Campground - suitable for all - was closed during the 2019 season for upgrades - when reopened, it will have 30 amp and 50 amp sites available, plus reservations accepted
Snaring, north of Jasper Townsite – suitable for tents, plus motorhomes and trailers under 27' – No reservations

[DonnaR57]

Public campgrounds along the Lakes to Locks Passage, in upstate New York, are mostly located within the Adirondack Park. At times, this Passage runs parallel to I-87. The Passage goes from Waterford, NY (near Albany) to the border of Quebec, Canada. As usual, all campgrounds are within 20 miles of the highway unless otherwise noted, and there may be camping areas that aren't listed. Inquire locally! Also, as of this writing, Adirondack and New York State Parks charge an out-of-state fee of $5, in addition to the resident camping fee.


Peebles Island State Park, confluence of Hudson and Mohawk Rivers

Lake George Battleground Campground, Adirondack Parks, Lake George

Hearthstone Point Campground, Adirondack Parks, Lake George

Rogers Rock Campground, Adirondack Parks, Hague

Putnam Pond Campground, Adirondack Parks, Ticonderoga

Crown Point Campground, Adirondack Parks, Crown Point

Frontier Town Campground

Paradox Lake Campground

Sharp Bridge Campground

Lincoln Pond Campground

Ausable Point Campground, Adirondack Parks, Peru

Cumberland Bay State Park Campground, Plattsburgh

[BillyGr]

Frontier Town Campground

This one is new so it may not show up on all sources. Located near the Northway (Exit 29), which still appears to be within 20 miles, and on the property of a former Western attraction (some buildings of which are still standing in various states of decay). This one also has sites for equestrians in case anyone should be in that group while travelling.

Additionally Paradox Lake, Sharp Bridge and Lincoln Pond (also all state run) are between the Lakes to Locks and I-87 between Exits 28 & 31 as well.