Nearly three-quarters of travelers planning a Route 66 journey in 2026 say they intend to sleep under the stars — either in a tent or a glamping setup — as America’s most legendary highway marks a century on the map. That figure, drawn from new data released by Kampgrounds of America, tells you something important about how people want to experience this road today. It’s not just about the miles. It’s about slowing down.
Route 66 officially turns 100 in 2026, and the anniversary is doing something unexpected: it’s pulling travelers back toward a style of exploration that modern tourism had largely left behind. Long drives. Small towns. Roadside diners. Campfires. The centennial is less a nostalgia trip and more a full-on revival of what road travel used to feel like before everyone started racing to the destination.
Kampgrounds of America — better known as KOA — is positioning itself squarely at the center of that revival, with nearly 30 campgrounds spread across the route from Illinois to California.
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Why Route 66 at 100 Feels Different From Past Anniversaries
The “Mother Road” has always carried symbolic weight in American culture. Stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica, it was the lifeline of westward migration, the backdrop of classic literature, and the subject of songs that defined a generation. But the centennial landing in 2026 is arriving at a moment when travelers are genuinely rethinking what a vacation should feel like.
There’s a broader shift happening in travel — away from packed itineraries and toward what’s being called “slow travel.” Route 66 fits that mood almost perfectly. The highway rewards patience. The best parts of it are the parts you’d miss if you were in a hurry: a hand-painted mural in a forgotten town, a diner that hasn’t updated its menu since 1978, a stretch of original pavement that predates the interstate system entirely.
The centennial gives travelers a reason — or maybe just permission — to finally make the trip they’ve been putting off. And the data suggests that when they go, they want to stay close to the road, not sealed inside a hotel room.
What the Numbers Actually Show About Route 66 Travel in 2026
KOA’s data offers a clear window into how people are planning their Route 66 centennial trips. The breakdown between camping and glamping is particularly telling — it reflects a traveler base that spans generations and comfort levels, all drawn to the same highway for similar reasons.
| Accommodation Type | Share of Route 66 Travelers | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|
| Camping (tent or RV) | 41% | Traditional outdoor experience seekers |
| Glamping | 32% | Comfort-focused travelers wanting outdoor immersion |
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KOA operates nearly 30 campgrounds along the Route 66 corridor, giving travelers a consistent network of options whether they’re rolling through in an RV, pitching a tent, or booking a cabin. The campgrounds are positioned near well-known landmarks and communities along the route, making them practical bases for day exploration rather than just overnight stops.
- RV sites for travelers who want to bring their home on the road
- Tent camping for those who want the most direct outdoor experience
- Cabins for travelers who want shelter without sacrificing the campground atmosphere
- Glamping setups for those who want comfort and nature in the same package
What This Means for Anyone Planning a Route 66 Trip This Year
If you’re considering a Route 66 road trip in 2026, the centennial timing matters more than it might seem. Destinations along the route are actively celebrating the anniversary, which means more events, more programming, and more community engagement than you’d typically find in an off-year visit.
Choosing to camp or glamp rather than book hotels also changes the experience in a practical way. Campgrounds along the route tend to be closer to the highway itself — and to the communities that give Route 66 its character. Staying in a KOA cabin outside a small Illinois or Oklahoma town puts you in a different relationship with the place than staying in a chain hotel near the interstate exit.
The flexibility matters too. Road trips are inherently unpredictable. A campground reservation is easier to adjust than a hotel booking when you decide to spend an extra day somewhere unexpected — which, on Route 66, happens constantly.
What Happens Next Along the Mother Road
The centennial celebrations are expected to unfold throughout 2026, with communities from Chicago to Santa Monica marking the milestone in their own ways. For KOA, the anniversary represents an opportunity to connect travelers with the kind of immersive, experience-driven journey that the company’s campground network is built to support.
The trend toward outdoor accommodation on road trips also appears durable beyond the anniversary year. Glamping in particular has grown steadily as an option for travelers who want nature without roughing it — and Route 66’s mix of landscapes, from the flat plains of the Midwest to the desert Southwest to the California coast, makes it one of the more compelling routes in the country for that kind of travel.
For anyone who has always said “someday” about Route 66, 2026 is the year the highway is actively asking you to show up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Route 66 celebrating in 2026?
Route 66 is marking its 100th anniversary in 2026, making it a centennial year for the historic highway known as the “Mother Road.”
How many KOA campgrounds are located along Route 66?
KOA operates nearly 30 campgrounds along the Route 66 corridor, spanning from Illinois to California.
What percentage of Route 66 travelers plan to camp in 2026?
According to KOA data, 41% of travelers plan to camp and 32% plan to glamp during their Route 66 journey.
What types of accommodations does KOA offer along Route 66?
KOA campgrounds along the route offer RV sites, tent camping, cabins, and glamping options to suit a range of traveler preferences.
Does Route 66 run through multiple states?
Yes — the highway stretches from Illinois to California, passing through multiple states and a wide variety of landscapes and communities.
Is glamping considered a growing trend on road trips?
KOA’s data suggests strong demand for glamping as part of Route 66 travel, with 32% of surveyed travelers planning to glamp during their trip.
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