With the 250th Independence Day fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to hit the open road. Unsurprisingly, many Americans are traversing the famed Route 66 to celebrate the US’s big day.
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The road trip route is dotted with kitschy roadside attractions, surprisingly delicious restaurants, and scenic lookouts that will make you fall back in love with the great outdoors. Route 66, which starts in Chicago and ends in Santa Monica, is also home to more than a few retro motels that date back to the route’s heyday.
But I have another suggestion for any road-trippers heading west on Route 66: Don’t forget about classic campgrounds. KOA, or Kampgrounds of America, is one of the most storied and well-known campground franchises. Properties are affordable, clean, and full of unique amenities, from jumping pillows to outdoor pools to dog parks.
Many also include cabins, in case you aren’t RVing Route 66, along with tent sites, in case you want to go more old-school. Those amenities I mentioned above will also come in handy in case you need a day (or three) off from those long drives.
In fact, a recent Trend Report from KOA found that factors like nostalgia, wellness, and even ‘biohacking’ are driving new interest in camping. According to the report, 50% of campers are looking to recreate childhood trips; 77% are seeking wellness in nature via unstructured time; and 81% have reported improved sleep in nature.
In short, a night or two at a campground could do a world of good for your mind and body, road trip themes aside. Here are the KOA campgrounds on Route 66 to keep in mind as you plan out your cross-country road trip.
KOA campgrounds on Route 66: from East to West
St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA Holiday
This St. Louis County campground has a range of accommodations available, from RV hookups to deluxe cabins to tent sites. The cabins are a coup, as they come with bathrooms and hot water.
The campground has plenty of amenities and programming to enjoy, from basketball courts to gem mining to a large pool. Its offers are especially kid-friendly. Staff organizes activities like scavenger hunts, ice-cream parties, rocket launches, and even rainy day activities.
I grew up close to this KOA campground and have two recommendations for activities. First, check out Lone Elk Park. It’s a small nature reserve that you can drive through in your car. It’s home to elk and bison that are often standing a few feet from your car.
Second, check out Meramec Caverns. They’re a little farther from the campground, but are a gorgeous sight. There are also some fun stories about the caverns’ use, including their status as a maybe-former-hideout of the infamous Jesse James.
Oklahoma City East KOA Holiday
Like the St. Louis West KOA campground (above), the Oklahoma City East property has plenty of accommodations, in case you’re doing Route 66 without a tent or an RV. You can rent a cabin or a lodge, which come with bathroom and patio options.
The campground comes with plenty of amenities that the whole family will enjoy. There’s a playground and a barrel train for the kids, along with an outdoor pool, campfires, and even crepe-making activities for the adults.
If you’re interested in Route 66 and Americana-style recommendations, you can find the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum nearby, along with Stockyards City. Both are great side quests for your cross-country journey.
Albuquerque KOA Journey
This Albuquerque KOA Journey campground is great for RVers, but you can also find cabins and tent sites available for affordable prices. This site has a long list of unique amenities that make it stand out, giving you the chance to access some spa-like features. For example, there’s a sauna and an indoor hot tub.
Aside from the sauna and hot tub, this KOA campground also offers closed-off RV sites that make it easier to care for your pets. Additionally, there’s a separate Kamp K9 dog park for your little furry friend. IN addition to these pet-friendly features, there’s also a jump zone, mini golf area, a playground, cornhole, and ladder golf.
If you’re looking for a place to hole up for a few days and take a rest from the road, the Albuquerque KOA Journey has plenty to keep you busy.
Flagstaff KOA Holiday
The Flagstaff KOA Holiday campground showcases the area’s best natural wonders. You get to enjoy cool mountain air amid ponderosa pines at this campground, which is located close to downtown Flagstaff. Once again, you can find cabins, glamping tents, and lodges that suit your needs. Some come with bathrooms, but most don’t.
At the Flagstaff KOA campground, you can enjoy unique amenities, like a Kamp K9 dog park, a fully stocked camp store, banana bike and e-bike rentals, and a playground for the family. Similar to the Saint Louis West KOA campground, the Flagstaff KOA also offers plenty of on-site programming. For example, they offer ceramic painting weekly throughout the summer.
Lastly, this KOA is located next to popular national parks, making it a great jumping-off point for adventures in nature. Nearby, you can access Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon, Petrified Forest National Park, Wupatki National Monument, and Walnut Canyon National Monument.
Needles KOA Journey (Needles, California)
Located near Nevada and Arizona, the Needles KOA Journey is a campground located in the desert. If you like starry night skies and space for introspection, it’s a fantastic stop along Route 66. There’s even a historic downtown area to explore.
This campground is also an important part of the local community. It’s where people gather for events like bingo, potlucks, and card games hosted by the KOA. The only catch is that lodging is a bit more limited. Along with tent sites and RV hookups, there are rustic camping cabins that don’t come with a bathroom.
You can also find unique sites around the area, including the Oatman Historic Arizona Western Ghost Town, which is on historic Route 66. The Hoover Dam isn’t too far away, either.
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