Camping Along Historic and Scenic Highways of the US and Canada

[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 The route has mostly been superseded by I-55, I-44, and I-40, but there are a number of sections that still exist under other numbers, “State-66”, or have signs that indicate “Historic Route 66.”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!