Route 66 – A Journey Full of Memories

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Route 66 – A Journey Full of Memories

When Route 66 opened in 1926, it marked one of the first times in the U.S. that the drive itself became a highlight, rather than just a means to reach a destination. The journey along Route 66 isn’t just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about discovering the beautiful sights along the way. Many families and road trip enthusiasts have paused at vintage motels adorned with neon lights or themed lodgings, hoping to capture the essence of the open road.

Today, as many drivers have shifted to modern highways, Route 66 has become a haven for camping enthusiasts. Most of the original Route 66 routes are now less traveled, offering a fantastic opportunity to find vintage, wild, and secluded camping spots. You can easily find a campsite on the same day, or even without a reservation.

Meramec State Park (Sullivan, Missouri)

Located just 2 miles off Route 66, this park spans 6,896 acres and boasts over 40 caves, the most of any state park in Missouri. The Meramec River winds through the cliffs, providing excellent opportunities for swimming and floating. A must-see here is Fisher Cave, where you can view ancient bear claw marks on the walls (tours are required for access).

The camping options here are diverse, ranging from standard tent sites to RV spots and fully-equipped cabins. Riverfront campsites are located from numbers 6 to 20 in Area 2 and from 114 to 125 in Area 1. While Campground 1 has fewer amenities, it is the closest to the accessible caves.

Flagstaff KOA Holiday (Flagstaff, Arizona)

At KOA Flagstaff, you won’t encounter desert dust or vast views like in other areas. This campground sits at an elevation of about 7,000 feet, nestled among tall pines and cool mountain air. Surrounded by lush forest scenery, it feels like you're somewhere far from Arizona.

Although the campground can get crowded during peak season, that’s part of its charm, offering many comfortable amenities such as tent and RV sites, cabins, clean restrooms, hot showers, and beautiful trails to explore. Don’t forget to bring a jacket, as mornings and evenings can be quite chilly. This campground, while not overly isolated, provides a pleasant and close-to-nature experience, with the Grand Canyon and Sunset Crater just a few miles away.

Bennett Spring State Park (Lebanon, Missouri)

At Bennett Spring, you’ll experience some of the best Ozark camping. This park features 12 miles of hiking trails, including a 7-mile path leading to a natural tunnel that stands 296 feet tall due to a cave collapse. The structures here were mainly built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, including a rustic dining hall with iron chandeliers.

The campgrounds offer nearly 200 sites, and you can also rent cabins if you prefer not to haul all your gear. Fishing is very popular here, and the spring’s turquoise waters are irresistible, even for those who aren’t anglers.

Two Guns Ghost Town (Two Guns, Arizona)

This location isn’t for everyone, but that’s part of its intrigue. Two Guns was once a unique roadside stop featuring a zoo with leopards, mountain lions, snakes, and other curiosities, but it closed after a gas station fire in 1971.

Now, all that remains is a ghost town where you can camp for free. However, there are no amenities, so you’ll need to bring everything, including water. Be cautious of snakes and pay attention to signs to camp in designated areas.

Santa Rosa Lake State Park (Santa Rosa, New Mexico)

The best part about Santa Rosa Lake is its stunning contrast to the surrounding arid landscape. You’ll drive through dry desert for hours, only to suddenly spot a vibrant blue lake. Situated on the Pecos River, near Santa Rosa—a town known as the ‘City of Natural Lakes’ with its bizarre blue sinkholes—this is a fantastic camping spot for wildlife enthusiasts, as it offers public wildlife viewing areas. The campsites at the park's end provide tranquility and beautiful views of the lake at sunrise.

Williams/Circle Pines KOA Holiday (Williams, Arizona)

Surrounded by pine trees and situated at a convenient elevation, this campground offers ample amenities for a multi-day stay. Here, you’ll find an indoor pool, a go-kart track, and plenty of recreational activities.

Guests can rent teepee tents, glamping tents, or Conestoga-style wagons, with prices ranging from $100 to $200 per night. Whatever camping style you choose, be sure to stop by the campground’s pizza place, which offers delicious food and has received rave reviews.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park (Canyon, Texas)

When passing through Amarillo, few stop to explore Palo Duro Canyon, the second-largest canyon in the U.S., just 25 miles away. With a depth of 800 feet and a length of 120 miles, it features stunning red, orange, and purple rock walls that change with the light. This campground is the perfect place for an amazing camping experience while you explore the enchanting landscapes of Texas.

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