Route 66 by camper – what you should know before your trip

Route 66 – the Mother Road, a legend of American travel and a symbol of freedom. It’s not just the road, but a whole culture that draws you in and absorbs you. We have long dreamed of traversing this famous route, but we wanted to do it differently – by camper. You can read about why we chose an RV, what our trip was like and what you absolutely need to know before such a trip in today’s post.

As we wrote in an earlier post about Route 66, it all started with a winning ticket at the Wave in Arizona. Originally it was going to be a trip to Chicago and the surrounding area, but since we had already won the lottery ticket and had to get to Arizona somehow, we decided to fulfill our huge travel dream of Route 66 in the process.

This wasn’t our first trip to the US – so far we’ve spent a few months exploring the east and west coasts, and now it’s time to cross almost the entire US.

We knew where and when, the only thing left to decide was how: by car or by campervan? Until now, we have relied on car rental. There are five of us so we have always opted for a larger SUV so we can travel in comfort and safety. This time, however, we were facing a lot of moving around, changing accommodations almost every day, and that’s when we started to consider an RV, though…. In fact, we did not think long :) As soon as the idea came up we started checking availability, prices and…. we booked an RV!

A camper on Route 66 (and beyond) gives you freedom, independence and the opportunity to experience a true road trip in the full sense of the word. It allows you not only to travel at your own pace, but also to stop at the places that will delight you the most. We can make a stop at any time, prepare lunch, or pull ice cream from the freezer. We are completely independent and self-sufficient, and on top of that, such a vehicle really accommodates a lot.

Ready-to-use interactive map with more than 700 points in the Western US. You can find it in our store in the category of travel planners »

Our RV trip was not only an adventure, but also a challenge that will always remain in our memories. We decided on an RV because we wanted to feel the true freedom of traveling – without rigid hours, hotel reservations or having to pack our suitcases every morning. The camper gave us space to rest, cook and spend the night in the most beautiful places along the route. It will be difficult to fully describe the atmosphere of this trip, but we will try to share our impressions, practical tips and tell you how to prepare for such a trip.

Planning an RV trip on Route 66

Planning an RV trip on Route 66 is one of the most important steps in preparing for this unforgettable trip. The route offers plenty of attractions, but the key to success is to plan the route well, choose the right camper and accommodations. Also, before we go any further, it’s worth deciphering the abbreviation RV, because that’s how RVs are referred to in the US. Recreational Vehicle is the full name, and it’s worth getting used to, since few people refer to American RVs as camper.

Below we share our experiences and practical travel tips to help you make the most of this time.

What license to drive an RV in the U.S.?

This is a question we’ve been asked a lot on Instagram: do you need additional licenses to drive such large vehicles in the US?

In the United States, most RVs can be driven with a standard category B driver’s license, which in Poland entitles you to drive vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tons, but in the US you can safely drive even the largest RV with this document.

Contrary to some information on the Internet, it is NOT required to have an international driver’s license.

During our trip, we drove an RV, which did not require any additional licenses. With an automatic transmission and wide roads in the US, the ride was comfortable, although it took a moment to get used to the vehicle’s dimensions.

Choosing and renting an RV

The decision to rent an RV was one of the first challenges we encountered. Should we bet on a large model with comforts, or a smaller, more mobile one? We decided on the largest camper with a length of more than 9 meters (30 ft.), which combined spaciousness with easy driving. We were traveling with three children, so we wanted a larger vehicle in which everyone would not only ride comfortably, but also relax.

We rented it from the largest RV rental company, Cruise America, and chose to pick it up in Chicago, since that’s where the Route 66 route begins. It is worth mentioning, however, that the rental company itself is located near Chicago, more precisely in Franklin Park, and it is a rather small outpost of the Cruise America network (compared to, for example, Los Angeles) and to get there it is best to order an Uber. Exact location: link.

The process of renting and picking up the vehicle wasn’t difficult, but it’s a good idea to check the insurance terms and any additional costs beforehand, such as mileage fees, one-way travel, insurance or additional equipment (e.g., bedding, kitchen equipment)

Don’t forget to pay attention to the camper’s equipment: a refrigerator, gas burner, air conditioning or additional outlets can significantly affect the comfort of your trip. You’ll learn about how to operate such an RV and how to drive it during a short instructional session during pickup, but you can also check out all the videos beforehand, and they’re available on the Cruise America website.

We decided to rent an RV just from Cruise America, but from a Polish broker usakamperem.pl, who helped us choose the perfect model and took care of all the paperwork for the rental. This was a big help, because we could focus on planning the route instead of logistics.

And here we have a special discount for you. You can gain $100 discount on RV rental from usakamperem.co.uk by purchasing our USA itineraries: check out our USA itinerary offer »

Differences between American and European camper vans

Traveling around the United States in an RV, we quickly noticed several important differences between American and European models. Actually, the biggest differences are visible at a glance :)

First of all, American RVs are definitely larger, which translates into more spaciousness inside. The kitchen, bathroom and bedroom are often better equipped (large refrigerator, microwave, separate shower), but this comes with more difficult driving and higher fuel burn.

Another difference is the infrastructure – in the U.S., campgrounds are designed to accommodate large vehicles, offering wide parking spaces, power, water and sewer connections, making the trip more comfortable. Standing on the site at the campsite, all the connections are there right away, including those for connecting water and toilet.

Europe is more likely to use compact campers, which perform better on narrow roads and in tight towns. It was worth experiencing the differences and learning new skills for driving a larger vehicle.

Route and duration of travel

Route 66 is almost 4,000 kilometers long and we planned more than 4 weeks to cover it, so we could stop at the most interesting places. We left the route a lot, but this allowed us to see many places off the beaten track.

We divided the route into sections, spending several days in each state (except Kansas, through which a very short section of Route 66 runs). This gave us time to explore, photograph and discover hidden gems. Every day was different – from bustling Chicago or Los Angeles, to the wilderness of Arizona, to the beaches of California.

Planning each day is the key to success. Although Route 66 is well marked, there is no shortage of places where one can get lost or off the main road. It’s also not easy to drive on this road all the time, because sometimes it splits, ends, or some sections are closed. In many places it is easier to take the faster road, which is designated parallel to Route 66.

It’s always a good idea to have offline maps and apps for finding places to stay overnight such as maps.com, park4night or The Dyrt.

Accommodations along the route

When looking for accommodations along the route, it’s a good idea to check campground locations in advance and book ahead, especially in popular locations. Apps such as Campendium, KOA and iOverlander are invaluable aids in finding the perfect place to stop. It is also important to check whether a particular campground offers electricity connection, water and sanitary facilities.

In some places you can spend the night in the wilderness – this not only saves money, but also gives you the unforgettable experience of sleeping under the stars in the middle of nowhere. However, always check local (state) regulations, as wild camping is prohibited in some places.

On this trip, we slept at both KOA chain campsites (with full facilities, often with a playground and swimming pool), small family campsites, as well as wilderness campsites. Each of these options has its pluses and minuses, and their choice depends on individual preferences.

If we could change anything on this trip we would bet on more overnight stays in national parks. Unfortunately, by the time we booked our accommodations there were usually no more available for us. It is best to book them simply at the beginning of the year , when the pool of reservation space is released.

Budget and costs for an RV trip on Route 66

Traveling in an RV can be expensive, but it offers many savings, such as on lodging and food. We cooked in the RV, which was not only economical and healthier, but also a cool part of the trip. Planning purchases was a challenge, but thanks to the capacious refrigerator, we were able to make larger supplies each time.

Fuel is a considerable expense, but by planning the route to avoid long stretches without stops, we were able to optimize costs (add that fuel is relatively cheaper than in Poland).

How much do you have to count for such a trip? We paid about 13,000 zlotys for the RV rental alone, spent about 6,000 zlotys on fuel, and camping accommodations cost us another 6,000 zlotys. Other expenses plus food are 10,000 zlotys (including entrances to attractions, child seats, restaurants, souvenirs, partial camper equipment, etc.). On top of that, of course, you have to add flights, car commuting, first and last hotel nights, etc. If this seems like a large amount to you, we will remind you that we are traveling in five and it was more than a month-long trip ;)

Prices for renting an RV from Cruise America can vary significantly. A lot depends on when and from where you are getting the vehicle – we recommend contacting the aforementioned Polish broker, and they will suggest when and where is the best time to rent your RV.

Ready-made itinerary

For those who do not want to waste time planning and additionally want to get a $100 discount on an RV, we have good news – in our store you will find a ready-made Route 66 itinerary, developed on the basis of our experience. It includes a day-by-day breakdown of the route, recommendations of places to see and proven campsites. This is the ideal solution for you to fully enjoy your trip, without stress and additional preparations.

More information about the plan can be found here.

Ready-to-use interactive map with more than 700 points in the Western US. You can find it in our store in the category of travel planners »

Our experience of traveling Route 66 by camper van

The RV trip was full of excitement, adventure and unique landscapes. Each of the 8 states offers something different, and by driving several thousand kilometers we have the opportunity to see how diverse the country is.

The most beautiful attractions and places along the route

Below we’ve compiled a list of places we particularly liked along the route (there’s also a list of places to depart Route 66 below). We’ve listed them as specific places or points, but this trip is more about getting a sense of the atmosphere, seeing old hotels, motels, restaurants that were important points for people who traveled this way.

We were most impressed by:

1. Petrified Forest National Park – an amazing place in Arizona, where you can see fossilized trees from millions of years ago and the scenic Painted Desert.
2. Oatman, Arizona – a charming town known for its wild walking donkeys and western atmosphere. It’s a place full of character that is reminiscent of the old days of the Wild West.
3. Chicago, Illinois – the beginning of Route 66. It’s worth spending at least one day here to discover places like Willis Tower and Millennium Park with its iconic beans and eat deep-dish pizza.
4. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – fantastic museums (such as the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum) and the City Memorial commemorating the terrorist attack in that city.
5. Kingman and Seligman, Arizona – charming towns where you can feel the authentic Route 66 atmosphere.
6. Holbrook, Amboy, Adrian, Winslow, Joplin, Tucumcari, Gallup – atmospheric and picturesque places and towns along the road, with old motels, restaurants and neon signs.
7. Flagstaff, Arizona – many people treat this city only as a base for a trip to the Grand Canyon or Sedona, but it’s worth spending half a day here to see the brick buildings and street art.
8. Meteor Crater, Arizona – the best preserved crater after a meteorite impact. A great lesson in geology and an amazing view.

Places far from Route 66, but worth a visit

Although Route 66 offers many amazing sites, it’s worth pulling off the main road to visit:

1. Grand Canyon – an American national park that doesn’t need to be introduced to anyone Although it doesn’t lie directly on the road, it’s worth driving off the road. The view is breathtaking, and the sunset over the canyon is a moment we will remember forever.
2. Horseshoe Bend – a spectacular horseshoe-shaped bend in the Colorado River, perfect for a short walk and memorable photos.
3. Las Vegas – the city of lights and entertainment, which, although far from the Route 66 atmosphere, offers countless attractions and shows the contrast between the wilderness and the metropolis.
4. Joshua Tree National Park – a magnificent national park known for its unique rock formations and distinctive Joshua trees, perfect for hiking and sunset viewing.
5. Branson – a city in Missouri, famous for its country music, entertaining shows and family attractions, ideal for a few days’ stopover.
6. Roswell – a place known for its UFO stories, offering unique museums and attractions related to aliens. Highly recommended especially for those who love this subject matter.

Challenges when traveling around the U.S. in an RV

It was also not without its difficult moments. After all, we traveled for so many days and so many kilometers that it would be strange if everything went smoothly and seamlessly.

The biggest challenge was the weather – we happened to hit tornadoes and sandstorms, which could make driving much more difficult and even ground us for a whole day. These extreme conditions required quick response and flexibility in route planning to avoid dangers. Several times we got tornado alerts (mostly in Oklahoma City and Tulsa), twice we hid in shelters, but fortunately they always passed a few kilometers from us. Route 66 runs through the so-called avenue of tornadoes so if you are traveling during the period of their occurrence be sure to check all announcements and forecasts.

When traveling in an RV, it is especially important to leave it when a tornado is approaching and go immediately to ashelter. If it’s dangerous you’ll definitely know about it: sirens will be howling, you’ll get loud warning signals on your phone. Don’t underestimate them!

Sandstorms also made travel difficult – such a large vehicle should not be driven during very strong winds. When we were around Monument Valley or Joshua Tree National Park there were winds reaching speeds as high as 40 miles per hour (or about 60-70 km/h).

We also had smaller technical problems – a flat tire or a broken smoke detector, but this was a piñata compared to the tornadoes and managed to repair on the fly with Cruise America’s support.

Practical travel tips before an RV trip in the USA

When planning an RV trip along Route 66, there are a few key points to keep in mind that can significantly affect the comfort and safety of your trip. Below you will find practical tips to help you prepare for this extraordinary adventure.

ESTA/visa: you don’t need a visa to enter the US in most cases, but you still need an ESTA. Remember to apply for it before you leave, and it is still possible to apply for a visa if ESTA is rejected.

Prepare the camper: during pickup and before moving, check all installations (electricity, water, heating) and appliances thoroughly. Better to report something right away, on the spot, than to have a problem on the road.

Planning accommodation: Use apps such as patj4night or The Dyrt to find the best places to stay. It’s a good idea to book campsites in popular areas in advance, especially in national parks.

Safety: When driving an RV, remember that not every road is suitable for such vehicles – it’s a good idea to verify the route beforehand.

Travel insurance: to the US, be sure to buy travel insurance to cover any medical expenses. Remember that health care in the U.S. is private so you pay for everything, and not a small amount of money.

Additional equipment: during such a camper trip, socket adapters, flashlights and powerbanks will be useful.

Internet: traveling thousands of kilometers, many of which are wilderness, there’s a good chance you won’t have a mobile network or Internet for a long time, even if you buy a local SIM or eSIM card. Besides, you will easily connect to the Internet for free in any hotel, campground, store, restaurant.

Weather: check the weather forecast and plan your trip according to the conditions. If there are any tornado warnings follow the advisories.

National parks: if your trip involves visiting U.S. national parks, it’s a good idea to purchase an annual America the Beautiful-theNational Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. It costs $80 USD, and you can find more info on purchasing it here.

Our review – a journey on Route 66

An RV trip on Route 66 is an unforgettable adventure that combines freedom, nature and history. It’s a great way to experience the United States at its most authentic. If you also dream of such a trip, we encourage you to use our ready-made itinerary and plan an unforgettable camper trip!

Remember, Route 66 is not just a route – it’s an incredible adventure, an experience that is one of a kind.