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Celebrating the Heritage of Route 66 with KOA

As Route 66 commemorates its 100th anniversary, the famed byway known as the “Mother Road” is experiencing a revival in American travel. With new data shared by Kampgrounds of America (KOA), it has become evident that this centennial celebration is reigniting interest in road trips that prioritize a deliberate and meaningful exploration of America’s historic landscape.

Kampgrounds of America has identified that approximately 43% of campers are looking to embark on road trips focused on cultural heritage and Americana. There’s a marked trend toward longer journeys that encompass multiple stops, embracing small towns, historic landmarks, and roadside attractions along the way. Diane Eichler, KOA's Senior Vice President of Marketing, emphasizes that this year represents a shift toward more thoughtful travel, encouraging tourists to pause, discover, and engage with the unique offerings of small towns along Route 66.

“Campers are not just traversing Route 66 this year; they are truly immersing themselves,” Eichler states. “Camping allows travelers to not only rest but also explore the off-the-beaten-path gems and vibrant local cultures of the regions they traverse.”

The significance of camping along this storied route was echoed by Bill Thomas, chairman of the Route 66 Centennial Commission. He noted, “The centennial celebration serves as an invitation to rediscover America’s Mother Road. Camping allows people to develop profound connections with the landscapes, stories, and communities that characterize this cherished highway.”

KOA's research indicates that 41% of those participating in the centennial festivities plan to camp, while 32% are interested in glamping options, highlighting the growing demand for adaptable and experience-focused ways to explore Route 66. The centennial inspires a strong enthusiasm for multi-day road trips, encouraging travelers to seek accommodations that offer comfort, accessibility, and service between adventures.

With nearly 30 KOA campgrounds located within an hour of Historic Route 66, campers can customize their journey, deciding when to stop and what to explore. The campgrounds offer a range of accommodation options whether in a tent, RV, or cabin, making it easier for everyone to experience the charm of this iconic route.

Where to Find KOA Campgrounds Along Route 66

Here are some of the key KOA locations for those venturing down Route 66:

• - Illinois: Chicago Northwest KOA Holiday (Kankakee), South KOA Holiday (Springfield), and St. Louis N.E/I-270/Granite City KOA Journey.
• - Missouri: Springfield/Route 66 KOA Holiday, St. Louis West/Historic Route 66 KOA Holiday, Lebanon/Bennett Spring KOA Holiday, and Joplin KOA Journey.
• - Oklahoma: Tulsa NE/Will Rogers Downs KOA Journey, Oklahoma City East KOA Holiday, and Elk City/Clinton KOA Journey.
• - Texas: Amarillo KOA Journey.
• - New Mexico: Tucumcari/Route 66 KOA Journey, Albuquerque KOA Journey, and others.
• - Arizona: Holbrook/Petrified Forest KOA Journey, Flagstaff KOA Holiday, and Grand Canyon South Rim KOA Journey.
• - California: Needles KOA Journey and Banning Stagecoach KOA Journey.

As the 2026 Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report approaches release on April 13, KOA promises to provide comprehensive insights into the state of outdoor hospitality and the latest camping trends.

About Kampgrounds of America, Inc.

Kampgrounds of America, Inc. has solidified its position as a leader in outdoor hospitality for over 60 years. Focused on connecting people with nature and with each other, KOA operates more than 500 campgrounds designed to cater to diverse camping needs. In addition to KOA, Terramor Outdoor Resorts provides an upscale glamping experience for those seeking a luxurious connection to the outdoors. For further information, visit KOA.com or TerramorOutdoorResort.com.