The year 2026 isn’t just America’s 250th birthday — it’s also the 100th anniversary of Route 66, the most famous highway in the world.
Yep, the Mother Road is turning 100. And if ever there were a year to hit the road, this is it.
But let’s be real — 2,400 miles across eight states isn’t a casual “we’ll see where the day takes us” kind of trip. You want the magic, not the mayhem. So this is your 2026 Route 66 guide for doing it right: how to plan, what to bring, where to stop, and why your smartest move is skipping the hotels and bringing your own home on wheels — an RV.
Why an RV Is a Planner’s Best Friend on Route 66
When it comes to the Route 66 Centennial, an RV isn’t just nostalgic — it’s downright practical.
- You Control the Budget. Coffee in your own kitchen. Lunch at a picnic stop. More money left for neon-lit diners and world’s-largest-everythings.
- Unpack Once. No lugging bags in and out of motels. Your bed, your snacks, your life — all in one cozy space.
- Total Flexibility. Want to stop for that giant ball of twine? Do it. Want to linger at a canyon overlook? Easy. No check-in times, no stress.
- Your Own Bathroom. Enough said. (Every RVer knows this is the real selling point.)
How to Plan Your Route 66 Trip (Without Losing the Fun)
You’ve got the dream — now let’s make it doable. Here’s your step-by-step Route 66 Centennial RV trip planning guide.
Step 1: Decide on Your Timeline (and Be Realistic)
The biggest rookie mistake? Rushing. Route 66 isn’t the interstate — it’s meant to be savored.
- The Sampler (1–2 Weeks): Pick a region like Arizona → California or Illinois → Oklahoma. Great for a taste of the Mother Road.
- The Full Haul (3–4 Weeks): The sweet spot. Time to drive the entire route, take detours, and enjoy some zero-drive days.
- The Purist (5+ Weeks): For the history buffs and completists. You’ll see everything — and have the stories to prove it.
Step 2: Pick the Right Rig for the Road
The right RV = smooth sailing. Here’s the cheat sheet:
- Class B (Campervan): Easy to drive, easy to park. Perfect for couples or solo travelers chasing spontaneity.
- Class C (The Classic): The sweet spot for families. Real beds, a kitchen, and still maneuverable enough for roadside diners.
- Class A (The Rolling Home): Big, comfy, and built for long hauls. Great if you’re planning extended stays — just make sure you’re comfortable behind the wheel.
Step 3: Get the Right Navigation Tools
Pro tip: your GPS will betray you. It’ll try to throw you on the interstate instead of the original road.
- Get an App: Use a dedicated Route 66 navigation app.
- Buy the Book: Old-school still wins. A “Route 66 EZ-Guide” or paper atlas marks the original alignments, vintage diners, and photo ops.
Step 4: Book Your Camping Spots Now
Seriously — now. The 2026 Route 66 Centennial will be huge, and the best RV camping on Route 66 will book out fast.
- Vintage RV Parks: The full retro experience. They’re charming but tight, so double-check your rig’s length.
- State & National Parks: Think Petrified Forest National Park or Red Rock Canyon State Park — stunning and right off the route.
- Hub Strategy: Book 2–3 nights in “hub” towns (like Amarillo or Flagstaff) and use your RV as a basecamp to explore nearby attractions.
A Sample “Hub-Based” Route 66 RV Itinerary
Here’s a flexible, highlight-packed structure that keeps planning simple — and fun.
1. The Start (Illinois & Missouri)
Pick up your rig in Chicago. Snap your “Begin Route 66” photo, see the Gemini Giant, and head toward the St. Louis Arch.
2. The Plains (Oklahoma & Texas)
Hub: Amarillo, TX
Don’t miss: The Blue Whale of Catoosa, the Route 66 Museum in Clinton, the MidPoint Café in Adrian, and Cadillac Ranch — a spray-painting rite of passage.
3. The Southwest (New Mexico & Arizona)
Hub: Flagstaff, AZ
Don’t miss: The neon lights of Tucumcari, the plaza in Santa Fe (a famous detour), and yes — standing on the corner in Winslow, Arizona. Grand Canyon side trip? Absolutely.
4. The End of the Trail (California)
Drive through desert ghost towns like Oatman (watch for wild burros) before cruising into Santa Monica. Snap your “End of the Trail” photo at the pier — you earned it.
“Real Talk” for Route 66 RVers
- You Will Get Lost. And sometimes that’s where the good stuff hides.
- You Can’t Drive It All. Parts of the original road are gone — that’s okay.
- Check Your Rig Daily. A quick walk-around before rolling out saves a world of hassle.
- Slow Down. Route 66 isn’t about speed. It’s about stories.
This is the ultimate Mother Road RV adventure — part nostalgia, part national treasure, all unforgettable.
Find Your Route 66 RV
The Route 66 Centennial is more than a celebration — it’s a once-in-a-century excuse to hit the open road and find what moves you.
Whether you’re chasing sunsets, history, or the world’s best pie, Outdoorsy has the perfect rig waiting for you.
