Route 66 road trip: Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon (and beyond!)

 
 

Route 66 itinerary overview

Key stops: Las Vegas, NV – Kingman, AZ – Grand Canyon – Petrified Forest National Park – Gallup, NM – Albuquerque – Santa Fe – Monument Valley – Las Vegas

  • Suggested Itinerary Length: 8 days

  • Total Estimated Driving Time: 27 hours 

  • Total Distance: 1,694 miles

Embark on the ultimate American road trip along Route 66, a historic highway winding through charming Southwest towns and captivating landscapes. Experience breathtaking natural wonders, quirky attractions, and vibrant cities on the iconic Route 66.

Rent a brand new RV campervan in Las Vegas from Blacksford for a flexible and immersive seven-day adventure. Create your own itinerary, uncover hidden gems, and forge unforgettable memories with friends and family. 

Follow our itinerary below to discover the freedom of the open road and make Route 66 an extraordinary bucket list adventure.

Table of contents

Day 1: Las Vegas to Kingman, AZ

Begin your epic Route 66 journey in the vibrant city of Las Vegas. After a hearty breakfast at your hotel or after arriving in Las Vegas, pick up your RV, get a complete orientation at Blacksford, then hit the road towards Kingman, AZ.

(Remember: we’re happy to stock your RV with Instacart groceries – it’s all part of our white-glove service.) 

The drive to your first stop — Kingman, Arizona — takes approximately one hour and 45 minutes, covering only 100 miles. In Kingman, visit the Route 66 Museum to learn about the highway's history and significance. 

Grab lunch at Mr. D'z Route 66 Diner for a taste of classic Americana. And settle in for your first night in your Blacksford RV and sleep well!

RV camping in Kingman, AZ

  1. Blake Ranch RV Park: This full-service RV park offers spacious sites with full hookups, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and a dog park. Located just 12 miles east of Kingman, it provides easy access to the Route 66 Museum and other attractions.

  2. Fort Beale RV Park: A quiet and peaceful campground located in the heart of Kingman, featuring large pull-through sites, full hookups, Wi-Fi, and laundry facilities. Conveniently situated near shopping centers, dining options, and the historic downtown area.

  3. Zuni Village RV Park: Located within Kingman city limits, this RV park offers full hookups, Wi-Fi, cable TV, a heated swimming pool, and laundry facilities. Close to the Route 66 Museum, local restaurants, and other attractions.

Learn more about the best things to see and do in Kingman, AZ.

Day 2: Kingman, AZ, to the Grand Canyon

From Kingman, continue your adventure to the breathtaking Grand Canyon’s South Rim, an iconic symbol of America’s beauty and pride. The drive takes approximately three hours, covering 180 miles. Spend the day exploring the [South Rim], with its stunning vistas and numerous hiking trails. Take a guided tour or simply wander at your leisure. Stay overnight at a nearby campground or lodge.

See the National Park Service’s Guide to the Grand Canyon for more info.

RV camping at the Grand Canyon’s South Rim

  1. Trailer Village RV Park: Located inside Grand Canyon National Park, this RV park offers full hookups, a general store, laundry facilities, and shuttle service to various viewpoints along the South Rim.

  2. Grand Canyon Railway RV Park: Situated in Williams, AZ, this pet-friendly RV park features full hookups, Wi-Fi, cable TV, a playground, and a basketball court. Enjoy easy access to the Grand Canyon Railway, which takes you directly into the heart of the national park.

  3. Ten-X Campground: Located just 4 miles south of the Grand Canyon's South Rim entrance, this campground offers spacious sites, potable water, and restrooms. While there are no hookups, it is an excellent option for those seeking a more rustic camping experience.

 
 

Day 3: Grand Canyon to Petrified Forest National Park

Embark on a four-hour drive, covering 260 miles, from the Grand Canyon to Petrified Forest National Park. Marvel at the colorful badlands, petrified wood deposits, and ancient petroglyphs. Don't miss the Painted Desert Inn, a historic landmark offering spectacular views.

Spend the night at a nearby one of the nearby campgrounds listed below – unfortunately Petrified Forest does not offer RV camping.

Check out the National Park Service’s Petrified Forest Guide for more info.

Camping near Petrified Forest National Park

  1. Sun Valley RV Resort: Just 20 minutes from Petrified Forest National Park, this RV resort offers full hookups, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, a swimming pool, and a recreation room. A great base for exploring the park and nearby attractions.

  2. OK RV Park: Located in Holbrook, AZ, this RV park features full hookups, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and a dog park. Conveniently situated near Petrified Forest National Park, the Painted Desert, and other local attractions.

  3. Holbrook / Petrified Forest KOA Journey: This campground offers pull-through sites with full hookups, Wi-Fi, cable TV, a playground, and a seasonal pool. Explore Petrified Forest

 
 

Day 4: Petrified Forest National Park, AZ to Gallup, NM

Drive two hours and cover 140 miles as you make your way to Gallup, NM. Explore the vibrant downtown area, rich in Native American culture and history. Visit the Rex Museum for exhibits on Gallup's past, and shop for authentic souvenirs at Richardson's Trading Company.

Enjoy dinner at Jerry's Café, a local favorite serving delicious New Mexican cuisine.

Camping near Gallup, NM

  1. USA RV Park: This highly-rated RV park provides full hookups, Wi-Fi, cable TV, a heated swimming pool, and a pet area. Located close to downtown Gallup, it offers easy access to local attractions, shops, and restaurants.

  2. Red Rock Park Campground: Set amidst stunning red rock formations, this campground offers electric and water hookups, restrooms, and picnic areas. Enjoy hiking trails, horseback riding, and spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.

  3. Gallup KOA Journey: This well-maintained campground features pull-through sites with full hookups, Wi-Fi, cable TV, a seasonal pool, and a playground. Conveniently located near downtown Gallup, local attractions, and shopping centers.

Find more things to see and do in Gallup, NM.

Day 5: Gallup, NM to Albuquerque

Set off on a two-hour drive, covering 140 miles to Albuquerque, NM. Visit the historic Old Town, featuring adobe buildings, art galleries, and charming shops. Stop by the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center to learn about Native American history and culture. 

Sample local flavors at Church Street Café or another local eatery.

Explore more things to see and do in Albuquerque.

RV camping near Albuquerque

  1. Enchanted Trails RV Park & Trading Post: This charming RV park offers full hookups, Wi-Fi, cable TV, a heated swimming pool, and a hot tub. The unique on-site trading post sells vintage Americana and Native American crafts.

  2. American RV Resort: Featuring full hookups, Wi-Fi, cable TV, a heated pool, hot tub, and dog park, this RV resort is conveniently located near Albuquerque's top attractions, including Old Town and the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.

  3. Albuquerque Central KOA: This centrally located campground offers pull-through sites with full hookups, Wi-Fi, cable TV, a heated pool, and a hot tub. Explore Albuquerque's historic Old Town, museums, and other attractions with ease.

 
 

Day 6: Albuquerque to Santa Fe, NM

Head north to Santa Fe, NM, a one-hour drive covering 64 miles, and prepare to be charmed by this hip, artsy town. 

Wander the city's historic plaza, visit the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, and explore the unique Loretto Chapel. Savor an authentic meal at The Shed or another local restaurant before spending the night in Santa Fe.

Discover more things to do in Santa Fe.

RV camping near Santa Fe, NM

  1. Santa Fe Skies RV Park: This scenic RV park offers pull-through sites with full hookups, Wi-Fi, a clubhouse, and a dog park. Located just minutes from downtown Santa Fe, it provides easy access to top attractions like the Plaza and Loretto Chapel.

  2. Los Suenos de Santa Fe RV Park & Campground: This picturesque campground features full hookups, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and a dog park. Enjoy its convenient location close to Santa Fe's historic Plaza, art galleries, and museums.

  3. Rancheros de Santa Fe Campground: Set amidst pinon trees, this rustic campground offers full hookups, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and a heated swimming pool. Experience the charm of Santa Fe while enjoying a peaceful retreat.

 
 

Day 7: Santa Fe, NM to Monument Valley, UT

Embark on a 6-hour drive, covering 390 miles, from Santa Fe to stunning Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. 

Take in the awe-inspiring views of the iconic sandstone formations and immerse yourself in Navajo culture. Join a guided tour or hike to explore the valley further. Stay overnight at a nearby campground.

See more about what to see and do in Monument Valley, UT.

Monument Valley RV camping

  1. Goulding's Lodge & Campground: Offering stunning views of Monument Valley, this campground features full hookups, Wi-Fi, a grocery store, and an indoor pool. Join guided tours or hike the nearby Wildcat Trail to explore the valley further.

  2. The View Campground: Boasting spectacular panoramas of Monument Valley, this campground offers RV sites with dry camping (no hookups). Enjoy an unforgettable stay amidst the iconic red sandstone formations.

  3. Kayenta Monument Valley Inn: Although not a dedicated RV campground, this inn offers limited RV parking with no hookups in their parking lot. It serves as a convenient base for exploring Monument Valley and the surrounding area.

Day 8: Monument Valley, UT to Las Vegas

Complete your Route 66 journey by driving six hours and 30 minutes, covering 420 miles back to Las Vegas. 

Enjoy one last meal on the road, and reminisce about your unforgettable Route 66 RV adventure. Don’t worry about returning your RV early because Blacksford reservations allow you a full day of RV use on each end.

If you prefer to keep the RV for one last night in Las Vegas, choose from one of the wonderful campgrounds nearby.

RV camping near Las Vegas

  1. Oasis Las Vegas RV Resort: With its lush landscaping and impressive amenities, Oasis Las Vegas RV Resort offers a serene escape from the bustling city. The resort features full hookups, Wi-Fi, cable TV, a swimming pool, hot tub, fitness center, and an 18-hole golf course. Located just south of the famous Las Vegas Strip, it provides easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

  2. Circus Circus RV Park: As part of the iconic Circus Circus Hotel and Casino, this RV park offers a unique Las Vegas experience. Guests can enjoy full hookups, Wi-Fi, cable TV, a swimming pool, and laundry facilities. Plus, with its prime location on the Las Vegas Strip, you're just steps away from world-class casinos, restaurants, and shows.

  3. Las Vegas KOA at Sam's Town: Situated within the Sam's Town Hotel & Gambling Hall property, this RV park offers full hookups, Wi-Fi, cable TV, two swimming pools, and a hot tub. With complimentary shuttle services to the Las Vegas Strip and downtown area, guests can easily explore the city's famous attractions while enjoying the amenities and gaming options available at Sam's Town.

 
 

Tips & Information:

  • Always check road conditions and weather forecasts before embarking on your journey.

  • Carry extra water, snacks, and necessities for emergencies.

  • Book accommodations in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.

  • Allow for flexibility in your itinerary to account for unexpected stops or detours.

  • For a detailed guide to Route 66, download the free Route 66 Ultimate Guide phone app.

Start your Route 66 road trip now!

Rent an RV campervan from Blacksford and explore the history, natural beauty, and classic Americana of Route 66. Plan your personalized itinerary, discover iconic landmarks, and make lasting memories.


Reserve your RV in LAS VEGAS today!