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Detail Level: 🟢 Quick Overview 🟡 Standard Guide 🔴 Full Expert
🛣️ Quick Facts
📍FROM LALoop route 📅DURATION5 days 🛣️DISTANCE~850 miles 🌡️BEST TIMEMar–May, Sep–Nov ⭐DIFFICULTYEasy
Route 66 Revival: RV Road Trip Guide
The Mother Road — diners, ghost towns, and desert freedom. A 5-day loop from LA through the Mojave, into Arizona, and back on I-40, hitting vintage Americana the entire way.
Route 66 — "The Main Street of America" — ran from Chicago to Los Angeles from 1926 to 1985. Today, the historic segments through California, Arizona, and the Mojave are a time capsule of mid-century road culture: neon signs, abandoned motels, chrome diners, and ghost towns that feel frozen in time. This loop takes you east on the old Route 66 corridor through the Mojave, into Arizona, and loops back — hitting every worthwhile stop along the way.
📷 Photography Tip: The best neon and Americana light is at golden hour. Plan your drive to hit Amboy, Roy's Café, or Oatman in late afternoon — the warm desert light turns these roadside relics into cinematic gold.
📅 5-Day Itinerary Overview
Day 1 — LA to Barstow via Historic Route 66 (150 miles, ~2.5 hrs)
Depart LA on I-15 North, then cut to historic Route 66 at Rancho Cucamonga (Foothill Blvd). Drive through Fontana, Rialto, and Victorville on the historic alignment. Stop at Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch (Oro Grande) — a free, surreal outsider-art forest of 200+ bottle trees. Grab a milkshake at the classic Summit Inn at Cajon Pass (since 1952). Arrive Barstow for the night.
Day 2 — Barstow to Needles (160 miles)
Morning visit to Calico Ghost Town — an 1880s silver mining town just east of Barstow ($8 entry). Back on Route 66 through the Mojave: Amboy Crater (extinct cinder cone, free walk to the rim), and the iconic Roy's Motel & Café neon sign in Amboy. Continue to Needles on the Colorado River.
Day 3 — Needles to Kingman, AZ (100 miles)
Cross into Arizona on the old National Trails Highway. Stop at the restored Cool Springs Station and the legendary Hackberry General Store (photography gold — vintage cars outside). Arrive Kingman: visit the Route 66 Museum ($4) and dinner at Mr. D'z Route 66 Diner — neon signs, green chili burgers, root beer floats.
Day 4 — Kingman to Oatman & the Return Loop (150 miles)
Drive to Oatman — a 1906 gold rush ghost town where wild burros roam the streets. Watch mock gunfights on Main Street at noon and 3:30pm. Return to Kingman, then head west on I-40 toward California. Stop at Amboy again for a sunset shot at Roy's Café sign.
Day 5 — Return to LA (150 miles, ~2.5 hrs)
Relaxed departure from Barstow. Option A: straight shot on I-15 South (2 hrs). Option B: meander back on historic Route 66 through the San Bernardino Valley, with a stop at the Wigwam Motel (San Bernardino) — giant concrete teepee cabins, a true Route 66 icon.
🏕️ Campground Guide
💰 Price per night All Free Under $25 $25–$40 $40+ ⭐ Rating All 4.0+ 4.5+ 🏷️ Amenities (must have all selected) 💧 Water 🔌 Electric 🚿 Showers 🚽 Dump Station 🔥 Fire Pit 🪑 Picnic Table
📍 Near Barstow, CA💰 $30–50/night⚡ Some electric San Bernardino County park campground right at the edge of Calico Ghost Town. Fun location — you can walk into the historic site in the evenings after crowds clear. Great atmosphere for the Route 66 vibe.
💧 Water 🔌 Electric 🚿 No Showers 🚽 No Dump Station 🔥 Fire Pit 🪑 Picnic Table
📍 Barstow, CA💰 $60–80/night🔌 Full hookups Convenient, clean, with a pool. Perfect base for Day 1 and potentially Day 4/5. Full services including laundry and Wi-Fi. Easy highway access for the Mojave stretch ahead.
💧 Water 🔌 Electric 🚿 Showers 🚽 Dump Station 🔥 Fire Pit 🪑 Picnic Table
📍 Needles, CA💰 $50–70/night🔌 Full hookups Colorado River access and a pool — welcome after a hot Mojave day. The KOA is your best bet in Needles. Stock up at the local market before pushing on to Kingman.
💧 Water 🔌 Electric 🚿 Showers 🚽 Dump Station 🔥 Fire Pit 🪑 Picnic Table
📍 Kingman, AZ💰 $40–55/night🔌 Full hookups Quiet and clean, great base for exploring Kingman and the surrounding Route 66 sites. Easy access to downtown and the Route 66 Museum. Friendly staff who know the road well.
💧 Water 🔌 Electric 🚿 Showers 🚽 Dump Station 🔥 Fire Pit 🪑 Picnic Table
📍 Kingman, AZ💰 $60–75/night🔌 Full hookups Reliable KOA with full amenities. A solid alternative to Blake Ranch. Good pool and laundry facilities, convenient for stocking up before the Oatman run or the return trip west.
💧 Water 🔌 Electric 🚿 Showers 🚽 Dump Station 🔥 Fire Pit 🪑 Picnic Table
📊 Campground Comparison
CampgroundLocationPrice/NightHookupsBest For Calico Ghost TownBarstow, CA$30–50Some electricAtmosphere, proximity to ghost town Barstow KOABarstow, CA$60–80Full hookupsFull services, pool Needles KOANeedles, CA$50–70Full hookupsColorado River, pool Blake Ranch RVKingman, AZ$40–55Full hookupsQuiet, near downtown Kingman KOAKingman, AZ$60–75Full hookupsFull amenities, reliable
🎯 Top Attractions
California Mojave Stops
- Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch (Oro Grande): Free outsider-art installation — 200+ metal poles covered in colorful bottles of all shapes. Eerie, whimsical, absolutely unique. A hidden gem that true Route 66 pilgrims seek out.
- Summit Inn at Cajon Pass: Classic diner since 1952 — ostrich burgers, milkshakes, and Route 66 memorabilia covering every wall. A genuine piece of American road history.
- Route 66 Mother Road Museum (Barstow): Free admission inside the 1911 Harvey House train depot. Excellent exhibits on the history of the highway, the Dust Bowl migration, and life on the old road.
- Calico Ghost Town: 1880s silver mining boomtown restored to its heyday. Quirky and touristy but genuinely fun — old mine tours, a narrow-gauge railroad, and costumed characters. $8/person.
- Amboy Crater: A perfectly formed extinct cinder cone volcano rising from the black lava flats of the Mojave. Free, BLM land. A 20-minute walk to the rim gives you surreal views. One of the most otherworldly spots on the route.
- Roy's Motel & Café (Amboy): The iconic neon sign (no longer operating) is one of the most photographed objects on all of Route 66. The abandoned mid-century motel behind it adds to the time-capsule feeling.
Arizona Route 66 Highlights
- Cool Springs Station: A 1920s gas station and trading post restored to its original glory at the top of a dramatic desert pass. Great photo stop and small museum inside.
- Hackberry General Store: The quintessential Route 66 roadside store. Vintage gas pumps, old cars, Coca-Cola signs, and walls covered in license plates from every state. Free to browse and photograph.
- Route 66 Museum (Kingman): One of the best Route 66 museums on the entire road. $4 admission. Covers the history of the Mother Road from its 1926 construction through its decommissioning in 1985 and the nostalgia revival since.
- Mr. D'z Route 66 Diner (Kingman): Neon-lit classic diner with car-hop history. Order the green chili burger and a root beer float. The real deal — not a reproduction.
- Oatman: A 1906 gold rush ghost town in the Black Mountains. The highlight: wild burros roam freely through the streets, descendants of pack animals from the mining days. Buy feed bags from the shops and hand-feed them. Daily gunfights at noon and 3:30pm on Main Street.
🌡️ When to Visit
Best Seasons (March–May, September–November): Spring and fall are ideal. Wildflowers can bloom in the Mojave in March–April. Temperatures are comfortable for hiking and outdoor stops. These are the peak Route 66 travel seasons.
Winter (December–February): Cold nights in the Mojave (can drop below freezing), but days are pleasant. Far fewer crowds — you may have ghost towns and photo spots entirely to yourself. Watch for occasional road closures.
Summer (June–August): Needles regularly hits 115°F+ and is one of the hottest places in the country. This route is not recommended in summer. Your RV's AC will work overtime and fuel consumption increases dramatically in heat.
⛽ Fuel Strategy: Fill your tank in Barstow before heading east. The next reliable fuel is in Ludlow (~60 miles east) and then Needles. Do not count on finding gas in Amboy — the station there is intermittent. In Arizona, Kingman has multiple stations with competitive prices.
🚐 RV Size Limits — Critical Info
- Most of Route 66: The old alignment handles RVs up to 40ft comfortably. Main stops like Calico, Needles, and Kingman have full-size RV parking.
- Oatman — the critical exception: The original Route 66 into Oatman (Sitgreaves Pass) is steep, narrow, and has tight mountain switchbacks. RVs over 25ft and any vehicles with trailers should NOT attempt this road. Park in Goldroad (the flat area below the pass) and take a car, taxi, or Uber from Kingman into Oatman.
- Geology Tour Road (Amboy area): The short access road to Amboy Crater is passable in standard RVs under 25ft on dry pavement. Larger rigs should park on the main road and walk in.
- Best RV types for Route 66: Class A or Class C up to 38ft works great on the main alignments. If you want to do Oatman, go with Class C under 25ft or plan to hire transport from Kingman.
🌵 Mojave Desert Safety
- Heat in spring/fall: Even in March and October, Mojave temperatures can reach 95°F midday. Keep extra water — 5 gallons minimum beyond your tank.
- Check tire pressure daily: Desert heat expands tire air and can cause blowouts. Check in the morning when tires are cool.
- Speed limits on old alignments: Historic Route 66 segments often have 55mph speed limits and may have unmarked cattle guards. Slow down through small towns.
- Cell service: Spotty between Barstow and Needles. Download offline maps (Google Maps offline, or Maps.me) before departing. The Mojave stretches can be 50+ miles with no signal.
🏪 Resupply Points
- Rancho Cucamonga / Ontario (LA outskirts): Costco, Walmart — final big-box shopping before the desert
- Barstow: Stater Bros, Dollar General — stock up here before heading east
- Needles: Basic grocery options, convenience stores. Not great selection but available.
- Kingman, AZ: Walmart Supercenter on the north end of town — full grocery resupply, propane, and supplies
- Ludlow: Only a small Mobil station — fuel only, minimal snacks
🚰 Water & Dump Stations
- Barstow KOA: Full services — fill up before heading east
- Needles KOA: Full services including dump station
- Needles Municipal Park: Dump station available
- Kingman KOA / Blake Ranch: Both have dump stations and water fill
- Between Barstow and Needles: Essentially no services for 160 miles — plan accordingly
💡 Pro Tips from the Road
- Oatman logistics: The safest way to see Oatman in a large RV is to camp in Kingman and hire a Navajo or local taxi/rideshare for the day. Alternatively, drive the newer I-40 approach and park in the flats below — it's a short walk up into town.
- Calico evening access: If you camp at the Calico Ghost Town campground, you can explore the streets after hours when the day crowds are gone. The empty town at dusk is genuinely atmospheric.
- Bottle Tree Ranch hours: Open dawn to dusk, free. Arrive early for best light — the bottles glow in morning sun. Creator Leonard Knight's ranch is often visited before Calico.
- Hackberry to Cool Springs timing: This stretch of Arizona Route 66 is most beautiful in morning light. Plan Day 3 to drive this section heading east in the morning, arriving Kingman by noon.
- Mr. D'z reservations: This diner is small and fills up — arrive before 6pm or expect a wait. No reservations taken.
- Amboy Crater walk: Bring a hat and 2L of water per person. The lava rock radiates heat. The 20-minute walk to the crater rim is easy but exposed. Do it in the morning, not midday.
- Burro feed bags in Oatman: Buy them from the shops lining Main Street ($3–5 each). The burros are surprisingly gentle and photogenic. Watch your fingers — they have hard mouths.
📅 Book Your Campgrounds
Route 66 campgrounds are generally easier to get than national park sites, but book ahead for weekends and holiday periods:
Barstow KOA → Needles KOA → Kingman KOA →
📍 Getting There from LA
Route Out: I-15 North → Foothill Blvd (historic Route 66) at Rancho Cucamonga → Victorville → Barstow → I-40 East through Mojave → Needles → Kingman, AZ
Route Back: Kingman west on I-40 → Barstow → I-15 South to LA (or historic Route 66 alignment through San Bernardino)
Drive Time: About 2.5 hours LA to Barstow; 2.5 more hours to Needles; 1.5 hours to Kingman
Fuel Cost: Approximately $340 for the full 5-day loop (850 total miles at avg 10 mpg)
Best Starting Day: Tuesday or Wednesday to avoid weekend crowds at Calico and Oatman. The Mother Road is best savored slowly — no need to rush.
📱 Cell Service & Connectivity on Route 66
Cell coverage is generally good in cities but spotty in remote desert stretches:
- Verizon: Best overall coverage. Good service in all major towns and along I-40 corridor.
- AT&T: Reliable in cities, can be weak in remote sections between Barstow and Needles.
- T-Mobile: Good in LA area and larger cities, limited in Mojave Desert stretches.
- Dead zones: Old Route 66 alignments between small towns, particularly in the Mojave.
💡 Navigation Tip: Download offline maps for the entire route. GPS can struggle with multiple Route 66 alignments (old vs. current I-40). Bring a paper Route 66 map for the authentic experience and backup navigation.
🐕 Pet Policy for Route 66 RV Camping
Pet-friendly Route 66 camping is widely available with great walkable historic areas:
#### Campgrounds & RV Parks:
- All major Route 66 campgrounds welcome pets with standard leash rules
- Pet fees: $3-5 per night at private campgrounds, varies by location
- Many campgrounds have dog walking areas and pet waste stations
#### Historic Town Rules:
- Williams: Pets welcome on sidewalks and historic district
- Oatman: Dogs allowed but be cautious around wild burros — they can be unpredictable
- Calico Ghost Town: Pets allowed on grounds but not in buildings
- Desert safety: Hot pavement can burn paws — bring booties for summer travel
⚠️ Desert Heat Warning: Mojave Desert temperatures can exceed 110°F in summer. Never leave pets in RV without AC running. Carry extra water and paw protection. Ground temperatures can reach 150°F on asphalt.
🚐 Detailed RV Size Guide for Route 66
Location Max RV Length Pull-Through? Road Type Notes Main I-40 corridor45 ft+YesInterstateNo restrictions on modern highway Williams area campgrounds40 ftYesPavedStandard RV park accommodations Historic Route 66 sections35 ftNo2-lane historicNarrower roads, more scenic Oatman approach (old road)25 ftNoMountain curvesWinding, narrow — not for big rigs Calico Ghost Town40 ftSomePaved accessModern access road, adequate parking All RV We Go Class C rentals (25-30 feet) can handle every Route 66 section including the old mountain road to Oatman.
🔋 Dry Camping & Generator Tips for Historic Route
Route 66 offers mix of full hookup campgrounds and rustic historic sites:
#### Generator Rules by Location:
- KOA campgrounds: Usually 8 AM-10 AM and 5 PM-10 PM
- State/county parks: Typically 6 AM-8 AM and 4 PM-8 PM
- Calico Ghost Town: Dry camping available, check current generator hours
- Dispersed desert camping: No restrictions but be courteous to others
#### Desert Power Management:
- Solar panels very effective in desert sunshine — consider portable units
- Hot days mean AC will run heavily — conserve power for cooling vs. entertainment
- LED lights essential for long desert evenings
- Charge cameras/phones during driving — lots of photo opportunities
📷 Photography Power: Route 66 is incredibly photogenic. Bring extra camera batteries and portable chargers. Desert light is harsh midday but spectacular during golden hour — plan power usage accordingly.
⛽ Supplies, Gas & Services — Historic Route Strategy
#### Major Stock-Up Points:
- Rancho Cucamonga (LA area): Costco, Walmart — last big-box shopping before desert
- Barstow: Walmart, Stater Bros — essential stop before long desert stretch
- Needles: Limited grocery, basic supplies — don't rely on full shopping here
- Kingman, AZ: Walmart Supercenter — full resupply before heading home
#### Critical Fuel Stops:
- Barstow: Multiple stations, fill up for desert crossing
- Ludlow: Small station, expensive but necessary midway point
- Needles: Several stations, competitive pricing
- Kingman: Fill up before return journey — long stretches ahead
#### Historic Route Services:
- Propane: Available at major stops — Barstow, Needles, Kingman U-Haul locations
- Water: Carry extra in desert sections — 5+ gallons recommended
- Emergency supplies: Basic auto parts available in Barstow and Kingman
🏥 Emergency Info & Desert Safety
- Emergency: 911 (coverage good on I-40, spotty on old Route 66)
- Barstow: Barstow Community Hospital — full emergency services
- Needles: Colorado River Medical Center — basic emergency care
- Kingman: Kingman Regional Medical Center — full-service hospital
- Roadside assistance: RV We Go provides 24/7 emergency support
#### Desert-Specific Hazards:
- Extreme heat: Summer temperatures exceed 115°F in Mojave Desert
- Flash floods: Rare but dangerous during summer storms
- Wildlife: Rattlesnakes, coyotes, wild burros in Oatman area
- Vehicle breakdown: Extreme heat hard on engines and tires — check fluid levels daily
🌧️ Weather Scenarios & Seasonal Considerations
#### Spring (March-May):
- Perfect weather — mild temperatures, wildflowers if winter was wet
- Possible dust storms during windy periods
- Best time for photography with clear air and comfortable temperatures
#### Summer (June-August):
- Extreme heat 100-120°F — plan early morning and evening activities only
- Monsoon storms possible in Arizona section (July-August)
- RV AC will work hard — ensure good maintenance before trip
#### Fall (September-November):
- Excellent temperatures, clear skies, great visibility for desert scenery
- Peak tourism season for comfortable weather
- Ideal for ghost town exploration and outdoor photography
#### Winter (December-February):
- Cool but pleasant days (60-70°F), cold nights (30-40°F)
- Possible snow in higher elevations around Williams/Flagstaff
- Fewer tourists — ghost towns feel more authentic
📅 Sample 4-Day Route 66 Adventure Itinerary
#### Day 1 — LA to Barstow via Historic Route 66
- Morning: Pick up RV in Los Angeles, drive historic Foothill Blvd through San Bernardino
- Stops: Bottle Tree Ranch, Roy's Motel & Café (closed but iconic photo op)
- Evening: Barstow KOA, dinner at Idle Spurs Steakhouse (Route 66 institution)
#### Day 2 — Calico Ghost Town + Mojave Desert
- Morning: Calico Ghost Town exploration (3-4 hours)
- Afternoon: Drive to Needles via Ludlow (gas stop), check historic 66 Motel
- Evening: Needles KOA, dinner at River City Pizza
#### Day 3 — Arizona Route 66 + Oatman Wild Burros
- Morning: Drive to Kingman, stop at Historic Route 66 Museum
- Afternoon: Day trip to Oatman — wild burros, Clark Gable honeymoon hotel
- Evening: Kingman Blake Ranch RV Park, explore historic downtown
#### Day 4 — Williams + Return to LA
- Morning: Williams — Route 66 historic district, Grand Canyon Railway depot
- Afternoon: Return via I-40 West to I-5 South (5-6 hours total)
- Optional stop: Seligman, AZ — inspiration for Cars movie town
💰 Complete Cost Breakdown — Route 66 RV Adventure
Expense Category3 Days4 DaysNotes RV Rental (Class C)$540$720$180/night from RV We Go Campgrounds$90-120$120-160$30-40/night at KOAs and historic parks Gas (round trip)$80-100$100-130400-500 miles total, mostly flat desert Attractions$30-60$50-100Calico ($8), Route 66 museums ($5-10 each) Food & dining$75-125$100-150Mix of RV cooking + historic diners Souvenirs$30-75$50-100Route 66 memorabilia, Native American crafts TOTAL$845-1,080$1,140-1,360$211-285/person for 4 people Is Route 66 RV camping cheaper than hotels? Much cheaper for families. Historic Route 66 motels charge $120-200/night and you'd need restaurant meals. Plus the RV gives you flexibility to stop at roadside attractions.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can you drive an RV on the original Route 66 road?
Yes, but carefully choose your sections. The main historic alignments work fine for Class C RVs, but some older mountain sections (like old Oatman road) are very narrow and winding. Stick to well-marked historic routes. Is it worth camping at Calico Ghost Town?
Absolutely! Staying overnight lets you explore after day crowds leave. The empty ghost town at sunset and sunrise is incredibly atmospheric. Full hookup sites available with desert views. Are the wild burros in Oatman safe around RVs?
They're generally harmless but can be pushy looking for food. Never feed them (it's illegal and dangerous). They may approach your RV — just wait patiently and they'll move on. Don't honk or rush them. What's the most authentic Route 66 experience for RVers?
Stay in vintage motor courts when possible (many are now RV parks), eat at original diners from the 1940s-50s, and drive the original alignments vs. Interstate. Williams and Seligman offer the most authentic preserved experience. Do I need special maps for Route 66?
Yes! GPS often defaults to fastest route (I-40). Buy an official Route 66 map showing historic alignments, or download the Route 66 Navigation app. Paper maps are essential backup — cell service can be spotty. What if my RV breaks down in the Mojave Desert?
Stay with your RV, run AC if possible, and call for help. RV We Go provides 24/7 roadside assistance. Keep extra water and shade available. Traffic is frequent on I-40 section — help will come quickly.
Ready to hit The Mother Road? Book your RV →
Route 66 is pure American freedom — and it starts right here in Los Angeles. RV We Go will set you up with the perfect rig for this iconic drive, fueled and ready when you arrive.
⚠️ Disclaimer: All information on this page is provided for general reference only. Prices, amenities, availability, phone numbers, and policies may change without notice. For the most current and accurate information, please contact the campground, park, or service provider directly. RV We Go is not responsible for any inaccuracies or changes to third-party information. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.