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Venturing on U.S. Highway 50 from one end to the other will lead you through the United States, spanning from one coastal state to another.
Now, where are the start and end points of U.S. Highway 50? It commences in Sacramento, California, and concludes 3,019 miles east in Ocean City, Maryland. Parts of the route trace the paths once frequented by gold prospectors and the Pony Express. Other segments were previously used by soldiers during the Civil War. Passing through Nevada, a section of it is famously known as The Loneliest Road in America.
U.S. Highway 50 traverses twelve different states and four state capitals, in addition to the nation’s capital. The journey takes you through various terrains such as the Sierras, Rocky Mountains, Great Plains, and the Nevada desert. Indeed, upon reaching the lush landscapes of Ohio and West Virginia, it may be challenging to believe you are still within the same nation.
This manual will present you with some of the premium locations to halt along the way, encompassing numerous national parks, state capitals, and other intriguing urban areas.
States Highway 50 Cuts Across + The Greatest Spots to Pause
U.S. Highway 50 cuts through 12 states during its interstate journey. It also threads through or close to various national parks and four state capital cities, along with the nation’s capital. You can click on any of the states listed below to discover the best stopovers along U.S. Highway 50 in that state.
Halts Along Highway 50 in California
Initially, U.S. Highway 50 ran from San Francisco, California to Ocean City, Maryland. Legislative actions in the 1970s shortened the path, and it now commences in Sacramento – the capital city of California. While Sacramento is merely a two-hour drive from Lake Tahoe, there are ample activities to indulge in at both locations, making it worthwhile to spend several days in each.
Sacramento
Aim to allocate a few days in Sacramento before starting your voyage. Explore the state capitol structure and visit one of the city’s 32 museums to delve into subjects ranging from the Gold Rush to railroad history to art. Enjoy a rafting adventure on the American River. Embark on visits to Sutter’s Mill or take a day trip to explore the Columbia State Historic Park and the ghost town that emerged during the California Gold Rush.
Motorhome Leases in Vicinity
Navigation in Sacramento is relatively straightforward, allowing you to rent any type of motorhome or trailer of your choice. Navigating the streets with a sizable Class A motorhome or lengthier trailer should not pose a challenge. For ease of parking, consider using a tow vehicle if your destination is near the Capitol Building and its surroundings.
Rental services for RVs in Sacramento
Close-by Camping Sites
You have a multitude of campground choices in Sacramento.
Cal Expo RV Park
1600 Exposition Blvd
Sacramento, CA 95815
(916) 263-3000
This park neighbors Cal Expo and hosts numerous festivals and trade exhibitions. Additionally, it serves as the venue for the state fair. The amenities include free WiFi, full hookups, pull-through sites, a laundry facility, private bathrooms and showers, round-the-clock security, and a designated dog park.
SacWest RV Park & Campground
3951 Lake Road
West Sacramento, CA 95691
916-371-6771
Situated directly off I-80, this site provides full hookups and pull-through sites. Visitors can enjoy a heated pool, a recreational room, a dog park, fishing opportunities, candy train rides, bike rentals, laundry amenities, and complimentary WiFi.
Stillman Mobile Home & RV Park
3880 Stillman Park Circle
Sacramento, CA 95824
916-392-2820
This site boasts full hookups, a pool, free WiFi, and a clubhouse offering planned activities. Adequate bathroom and shower facilities are also available for guest use.
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is within easy reach from Sacramento in terms of road travels, though dedicating several days to this location is highly recommended. In reality, a week in this area may not suffice. U.S. Highway 50 traverses South Lake Tahoe, which features an array of dining venues, shops, and nearby campgrounds.
RV Rentals Nearby
Lake Tahoe is nestled amidst the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and some mountainous driving may be included in your itinerary. Most roads in the vicinity are accessible to any RV or travel trailer, with ample rigs frequenting the area. During spring or fall trips to Tahoe, monitoring the weather is advisable, as these seasons may encounter snowfall.
Moreover, certain state parks close to South Lake Tahoe restrict entry to shorter RVs at their campgrounds. Prior to reserving a spot, verify their size criteria.
Rental services for RVs in Lake Tahoe
Adjacent Camping Sites
This exquisite locale offers an abundance of campground options!
Camp Richardson Resort
1900 Jameson Beach Road
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
(530) 494-2228
Nestled on the lakefront, Camp Richardson is a historic retreat. It features full hookups, a marina, a restaurant, a general store, and an ice cream parlor. Note that Camp Richardson permits the presence of service animals exclusively.
Tahoe Valley Campground
1175 Melba Dr
South Lake Tahoe, CA
(877) 570-2267
Operated as a Thousand Trails Resort, this campground provides full hookups, laundry amenities, restroom facilities with showers, and a camp store. Visitors have access to nature trails, hiking opportunities, alongside picnic and barbecue locales. The area offers a dog park, playground, volleyball and basketball courts, and horseshoes, along with WiFi connectivity.
Zephyr Cove RV Park & Campground
760 U.S. Hwy 50
Zephyr Cove, NV 89448
(775) 589-4906
This campground at Zephyr Cove provides full hookups, bathing facilities, laundry services, and WiFi availability within the resort’s lobby and dining establishment. The site is conveniently situated near a restaurant, the beachfront, the marina, and a general store.
Halts Along Highway 50 in Nevada
The stretch of U.S. Highway 50 across the heart of Nevada is renowned as The Loneliest Road in America. While there are sporadic small towns along this route to rest or refuel, it is advisable to monitor your mileage and the distances between these towns.
Carson City
Carson City is situated near Lake Tahoe, approximately an hour or less away. The historic town merits a visit, offering attractions such as the Nevada State Railroad Museum, Nevada State Museum, and the State Capitol Building. Nearby, engaging hiking trails await, and a day trip to Virginia City is a possibility. Carson City serves as a convenient hub for exploring Reno as well.
RV Rentals Nearby
Discover numerous rental options in Carson City or the neighboring Reno. As you traverse Highway 50 in Nevada, you’ll encounter lengthy stretches of straight road along with sections featuring 8% grades and sharp turns. While navigating your RV through here is feasible, proceed with caution.
Camping Nearby
There are several RV parks close to Carson City that serve as fantastic spots for camping. Here are a couple of recommendations:
Gold Dust West Carson City
2171 E. William St.
Carson City, NV 89701
(775) 885-9000
This RV park, affiliated with the Gold Dust West Casino, offers full hookups and can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet in length. Outdoor enthusiasts can indulge in activities like fishing, skiing, hiking, and more in the vicinity.
Carson RV Resort
5400 S Carson St.
Carson City, Nevada 89701
(775) 882-2445
This campground boasts full hookups, trash service, outdoor kitchen amenities, pet areas, security cameras, and controlled access for added safety. Guests can enjoy complimentary WiFi and cable services, as well as access to laundry, bathrooms, and showers.
Great Basin National Park
Located just a short distance from U.S. Route 50, Great Basin National Park is a must-visit destination. Explore attractions like Lehman Caves, Pictograph Cave, Island Forest trail, and Wheeler Peak, as well as the Baker Archeological Site featuring the Fremont Indian Village.
RV Rentals Nearby
If you need RV rentals, Baker, Nevada, the nearest town, has you covered. Rent any type of RV or trailer to explore the region surrounding Great Basin.
Camping Nearby
Access campgrounds near each of your planned stops.
Great Basin National Park
100 Great Basin National Park
Baker, NV 89311
(775) 234-7331
Great Basin National Park offers five developed campgrounds with basic facilities like vault toilets, picnic tables, tent pads, and campfire grills but no hookups.
BLM Camping
Dispersed camping is permitted near Great Basin National Park, where you need to follow leave-no-trace principles. Find additional tips on dispersed camping in the provided link.
Stops Along Route 50 in Utah
Utah is home to five national parks, with two of them situated close enough to U.S. Route 50 for a feasible detour. Take a 30-minute excursion off the route to the picturesque town of Moab.
Moab
Moab, located near Arches National Park, serves as an ideal base camp. Explore its shops for supplies, charming downtown area, and various outdoor activities, including hiking, rafting, rock climbing, and mountain biking. Don’t miss the nearby Canyonlands National Park for a convenient day trip.
RV Rentals Nearby
Moab offers a plethora of RV rental choices, with roads conducive to most RV sizes. Opt for a vehicle that provides easy maneuverability, especially for the available BLM camping options.
Camping Nearby
Given Moab’s outdoor-oriented ambiance, numerous RV campgrounds await your visit.
Portal RV Resort
1261 N Hwy 191 A
Moab, UT 84532
(435) 259-6108
Enjoy water and electric hookups, dump station, WiFi, cable TV, well-landscaped RV lots, two dog parks, and scenic mountain views at this resort.
Spanish Trail RV Park
2980 S Hwy 191
Moab, UT 84532
(435) 259-2411
This park boasts full hookups, pull-through sites, free WiFi, cable TV, pool, spa, laundry facilities, showers, bathrooms, exercise park, and pet area.
Stops Along Route 50 in Colorado
Consider the season as you traverse U.S. Route 50 through Colorado. Late spring, summer, and early fall present favorable times for your journey. Traveling outside these seasons may expose you to snowy conditions, necessitating caution on the roads.
Grand Junction
Add a stop in Grand Junction after Moab to explore attractions on Colorado’s Western Slope, including Dinosaur National Monument, Colorado National Monument, wineries, and peach farms.
RV Rentals Nearby
Grand Junction offers abundant RV rental services. Though there’s mountain driving in the area, most RV sizes are manageable for these routes.
Camping Nearby
Grand Junction features numerous campgrounds to enhance your travel experience.
Canyon View RV Resort
46 23 1/2 Road
Grand Junction, Colorado 81505
(970) 730-2600
This resort offers full hookups, a concrete patio, lawn area, fire ring, picnic table, swimming pool, spa, splash pad, playground, dog parks, pavilions with barbecues, pickleball courts, and optional fiber optic internet services.
Grand Junction KOA Holiday
2819 Highway 50
Grand Junction, CO 81503
(800) 562-1510
This KOA campground provides full hookups, WiFi, dog park, laundry room, mini golf course, pool, and various planned activities for guests.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Discover yet another national park, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado, which is one of the less frequented national parks due to its location and limited amenities. Nevertheless, the park’s rich history spanning two million years, along with its awe-inspiring cliffs and ancient rock formations, make it a noteworthy stop on your journey.
RV Rentals Nearby
Closest to the national park is the town of Montrose, where numerous RV rental options are available. The roads near Black Canyon are winding but manageable for RVs or trailers.
Camping Nearby
You’ll find campgrounds within the park as well as in the vicinity of Montrose.
South Rim Campground
Address: 9800 Highway 347
Located in Gunnison, CO 81230
Contact: (970) 641-2337
South Rim Campground is situated in the most populated area of the park and offers vault toilets. During warmer months, drinking water is available, but there are no showers, dish cleaning stations, or RV tank water.
Black Canyon RV Park & Campground
Address: 348 US-50
Located in Cimarron, CO 81220
Contact: (970) 249.1147
This campground features pull-through RV sites with charcoal grills and picnic tables. Free WiFi is available throughout the park, along with laundry and shower facilities, a campfire pit, horseshoe area, and children’s playhouses.
Salida
Explore Salida, offering a range of activities including river rafting, hiking, biking, and local events. It’s a picturesque place to camp for a day or two during your journey.
RV Rentals Nearby
Salida and its surroundings offer abundant RV rental options, making it a preferred destination for camping and outdoor enthusiasts!
Camping Nearby
Several campgrounds in Salida provide accommodation for visitors.
Salida RV Resort
Address: 6507 County Rd. 102
Located in Salida, CO 81201
Contact: (719) 882-1569
Enjoy full hookups, a dog park, playground, proximity to the river, and water activities at Salida RV Resort. Amenities include laundry facilities, private bathhouses, pickleball courts, walking paths, and a clubhouse for guests.
La Junta
Continue your eastward journey with a visit to La Junta in southeastern Colorado. Explore Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site and engage in hiking and fishing activities in the area.
RV Rentals Nearby
While RVshare rentals in La Junta are limited, you can expand your search to other parts of Colorado. Rest assured, the roads in this area are straight and easy to navigate for all types of vehicles.
Camping Nearby
Opt for staying at KOA in La Junta, the best camping option in town.
La Junta KOA Journey
Address: 26680 U.S. Highway 50, La Junta, CO 81050-9717
Contact: (719) 384-9580
Enjoy the amenities offered by KOA, including full hookups, WiFi, pool, mini-golf course, playground, dog park, pickleball courts, walking paths, and a clubhouse.
Highlights Along Route 50 in Kansas
From La Junta, head to the renowned Dodge City, Kansas, and then continue northeast into Kansas City, Missouri.
Dodge City
Consider extending your stay in this historic frontier town once known as “the Wickedest Little City in America.” Summer activities include gunfight reenactments, can-can dance lessons, and the Long Branch Saloon Variety Show.
RV Rentals Nearby
While there are limited RVshare rentals in Dodge City, consider renting in advance or from a larger city. U.S. Route 50 to Missouri offers straightforward and easily navigable roads for all vehicle types.
Camping Nearby
Several campgrounds in Dodge City offer accommodation for travelers crossing the country.
Gunsmoke RV Park
Address: 11070 108 Rd, Dodge City, KS 67801
Contact: (620) 227-8247
Gunsmoke RV Park provides full hookups, close proximity to Dodge City attractions, a pool, dog walking areas, playground, camp store, laundry facilities, and shower-equipped bathrooms for guests’ convenience and security.
Dodge City KOA Journey
Address: 701 Park Street, Dodge City, KS 67801
Contact: (620) 371-7177
Dodge City KOA Journey offers full hookups, WiFi, cable, snack bar, dog park, pavilion, playground, laundry facilities, and bathrooms with showers.
Highlights Along Route 50 in Missouri
Explore various stops along U.S. Route 50 in Missouri, including another national park to delve into crucial U.S. history.
Kansas City
Kansas City, situated just across the Kansas state border, is renowned for its barbecue, vibrant jazz scene, and over 200 fountains.
RV Rentals Nearby
Kansas City and its environs offer numerous RVshare rental choices. The straight roads along U.S. Route 50 through Kansas and the Midwest allow easy navigation for all vehicle types.
Nearby Camping Options
There are numerous campgrounds in the vicinity of Kansas City. You should easily locate a suitable spot to pitch your tent and discover the city. Here are some of the finest camping grounds in Kansas City.
Walnut Grove RV Park
10218 Johnson Drive
Merriam KS 66203
(913) 262-3023
This RV park offers complete hookups, a dump station, and complimentary WiFi. Amenities include laundry facilities, bathrooms, showers, a dog park, and a camp store.
Basswood Resort
15880 Interurban Rd.
Platte City, Missouri
(816) 858-5556
At this campground, you’ll find full hookups, cable TV, and WiFi. There are 13 sites by the lakeside. Additionally, there is a seasonal pool, fishing area, playground, GaGa and pickleball courts, a pizza place, and laundry services.
Exploring St. Louis
St. Louis is another fantastic spot to visit on a Route 50 road journey. Discover downtown St. Louis and make your way to Gateway Arch National Park to delve into the westward expansion of the United States.
Nearby RV Rentals
There are plenty of RV rental services in St. Louis, and you can drive just about any type of vehicle on U.S. Route 50 starting from here towards the east. If you have a larger RV or trailer, you might consider leaving it at the campground and opting for a tow vehicle or public transportation to navigate the bustling downtown area.
Campgrounds in the Vicinity
You can discover several camping grounds in the St. Louis region where you can establish your camp for a few days.
Cahokia RV Parque
4060 Mississippi Ave.
Cahokia, IL 62206
(618) 332-7700
This campground provides complete hookups, WiFi, as well as a propane station. Facilities include laundry services, a pool, a playground, and bathrooms with shower facilities. The campground is just a five-minute drive from the Arch.
St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA Holiday
18475 Old US Hwy 66
Eureka, MO 63025
(636) 257-3018
This campground offers complete hookups, both back-in and pull-through sites, along with WiFi. Guests can enjoy a pool, a dog park, and organized activities.
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park
5300 Fox Creek Road
Eureka, Missouri 63025
(636) 938-5925
With complete hookups and pull-through sites, this campground offers a pool, a pavilion, Yogi Bear Express Train Rides, mini golf, and a camp store.
Points of Interest Along Route 50 in Illinois
Route 50 cuts across southern Illinois, spanning 166 miles. It traverses the Mississippi via the Jefferson Barracks Bridge and reaches the Indiana border close to Lawrenceville. While there are no significant landmarks or major cities along the way, there are several smaller towns where you can make a stop.
Salem
Salem, Illinois, is a quaint town featuring a history museum and numerous antique stores.
RV Rental Options Nearby
There are various RV rental services close to Salem, allowing you to drive any size of trailer or vehicle along this stretch of U.S. Route 50.
Campgrounds in Close Proximity
You’ll find multiple campgrounds near Salem where you can spend the night, providing a great opportunity to take a break from your journey.
UCamP Express RV Park
130 N Missouri Ave
Salem, IL 62881
(618) 267-5850
This RV park is designed for quick and easy overnight stays, offering full hookups, pull-through sites, and high-speed WiFi. The campground features concrete patios, a communal patio with a fireplace, 24-hour security monitoring, and auto-dimming security lights.
Coles Creek Campground
16225 Coles Creek Rd.
Carlyle, IL 62231
(618) 226-3211
Located at Carlyle Lake, this campground offers electric hookups, picnic tables, fire pits, and easy access to the lake. Amenities include showers, flush toilets, and proximity to the Coles Creek Day Use Area, featuring a swimming beach.
Interesting Stops on Route 50 in Indiana
Route 50 spans 172 miles in Indiana, transitioning between a rural, two-lane highway and a four-lane undivided highway. The route takes you through urban areas, farmlands, and wooded regions.
North Vernon
In North Vernon, Indiana, a small town known for its parks, nature trails, historical museum, and Twin Cities Raceway Park.
RV Rental Options Nearby
Although there aren’t many RVshare rentals directly in North Vernon, there are some available a short drive away.
Close Camping Options
Muscatatuck Park offers a lovely campground where you can stay while in North Vernon.
Muscatatuck Park
325 North State Highway 3, 375 IN-3
North Vernon, IN 47265
(812) 346-2953
This picturesque park campground offers a few spots with full hookups, while others provide electric and water hookups. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and fire ring, with shaded areas throughout the campground, and a dump station near the entrance.
Route 50 Highlights in Ohio
U.S. Route 50 passes through the southern region of Ohio, alternating between a two-lane road and various other configurations.
expand significantly in the western and eastern regions. It crosses paths with Cincinnati, a city that is definitely worth considering for a stopover lasting a couple of days to uncover its charm.
Cincinnati
Make sure to allocate time to explore Cincinnati. Embark on a riverboat voyage, visit the zoo or aquarium, and savor the city’s renowned chili! Your road journey will be filled with numerous activities here.
RV Rentals Nearby
The vicinity of Cincinnati boasts an abundance of RVshare rentals, offering a wide array of options for you to choose from. Route 50 is relatively straight, making navigation feasible for any type of rig along the way.
Camping Nearby
Cincinnati hosts multiple outstanding campgrounds where you can lodge during your travels!
Cincinnati Camp Cedar Cabin & RV Resort
5158 Kings Island Drive
Mason, OH 45040
(513) 701-9635
This campground features both back-in and pull-through sites, offering full hookups. RV sites come equipped with a picnic table and grill. Moreover, the campground boasts two pools – one for families and another exclusively for adults. Facilities include restaurants, rented golf carts, a fitness room, bathhouses, laundry services, as well as basketball and pickleball courts.
Winton Woods
10245 Winton Road
Cincinnati, OH 45231
(513) 521-7275
This campground provides back-in and pull-through sites with full hookups, except for water which is turned off during winter camping. Nestled in a pine grove adjacent to Winton Woods Lake, guests can enjoy strolls to the harbor and boathouse. Additionally, there is a snack bar and a wet playground available on-site.
Notable Stops Along Route 50 in West Virginia
Passing through West Virginia, Route 50 showcases scenic views, meandering riversides, bridge crossings, and traversing forests. Extending from Ohio to Virginia, you can relish a delightful stay at Valley Falls State Park.
Clarksburg
Clarksburg emerges as a charming spot along U.S. Route 50, where you can make a pitstop during your road expedition. Located about 40 minutes away, Valley Falls State Park beckons with its natural and historic features, offering hiking, biking, and fishing opportunities.
RV Rentals Nearby
In the proximity of Clarksburg, several establishments provide RV or trailer rentals. Campervans and trailers are popular choices in this area, although any type of RV can navigate this section of Route 50.
Camping Nearby
Consider a relaxing break for a night or two at Broken Wheel Campground, a fantastic camping option near Clarksburg!
Broken Wheel Campground
2060 Skin Creek Road
Weston, WV 26452
(304) 269-6097
Campsites are equipped with water and electric hookups, with a honey wagon service available for extended stays. The campground features a fishing pond, hiking trails, and a camp store for added convenience.
Key Stops Along Route 50 in Virginia
Delving into Virginia, U.S. Route 50 carries significant historical importance, with its paths witnessing pivotal moments during the Civil War. The route has hosted battles such as the Battle of Chantilly and the Battle of Aldie. Close by lies the poignant Arlington National Cemetery, a must-visit stop on your travel itinerary.
Shenandoah National Park
A short detour off U.S. 50 leads to Shenandoah National Park, a destination that is well worth the excursion! Camping facilities within the park are available, and additional campgrounds in the vicinity cater to park visitors. To fully immerse in the park experience, you may consider an extended stay in the area.
RV Rentals Nearby
Explore the various RV rental options near Shenandoah National Park, with a wider selection as you approach urban centers outside the park.
Camping Nearby
Shenandoah National Park boasts four campgrounds, each devoid of hookups, but some featuring a seasonal dump station. Private campgrounds just outside the park offer more amenities for campers.
Shenandoah National Park Campgrounds
3655 U.S. Highway 211 East
Luray, VA 22835
(540) 999-3500
These campgrounds offer minimal amenities, lacking hookups, WiFi, and cell reception. A few provide a seasonal dump station, laundry and potable water facilities during specific periods.
Harrisonburg/Shenandoah Valley KOA Holiday
12480 Mountain Valley Road
Broadway, VA 22815
(540) 896-8929
This campground boasts full hookups, WiFi, and cable TV. Amenities include a pool, a snack bar, fishing options, and a dog park. Guests also have access to laundry facilities, bathrooms, and showers. This camp store features a pizza kitchen enabling guests to order personalized pizzas delivered right to their sites.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. lies directly along U.S. Route 50. Make sure to dedicate a significant period to exploring the attractions in the nation’s capital!
RV Rentals Nearby
Near Washington, D.C., there are numerous RV rental options. Consider leaving your rig set up at your campsite and utilizing public transportation or rideshares while in the city center to navigate traffic and parking challenges more effortlessly.
Camping Nearby
Your journey near Washington, D.C. can include several campgrounds where you can unwind and spend the night.
Washington DC/Capitol KOA Holiday
768 Cecil AvenueNorth –
Millersville, Maryland 21108
(800) 562-0248
This campground offers complete connections and WiFi access. Facilities include a swimming pool, bicycle rentals, a canine enclosure, a massive chess set, and a natural pathway. The site features a children’s play area, a basketball court, a billiards table, and a table tennis setup.
Greenbelt Park Campground
6565 Greenbelt Road
Greenbelt, MD 20770
(771) 208-1588
This National Park Service-managed campground does not have hookups. However, patrons can expect reliable mobile phone coverage, a waste disposal area, clean drinking water, and round-the-clock staff presence.
Stops Along Route 50 in Maryland
Completing your journey from the western state of California, you will reach the terminus of U.S. Route 50 in Ocean City, Maryland. Your 3,019-mile trip has reached its conclusion! Unless, of course, you traveled in the opposite direction … in which case, your expedition is just commencing!
Ocean City
Ocean City is an exceptional destination with beachfront pursuits, seafood eateries, and amusement park rides along the boardwalk. Make time for a day excursion to witness the untamed equines of Assateague Island.
Recreational Vehicle Rentals Nearby
Sited Camping Options
Sun Outdoors Ocean City
12550 Eagles Nest Road,
Berlin, MD 21811
(410) 213-0097
Bay Shore Campground
4228 Eastern Neck Road
Rock Hall, MD 21661
(410) 639-7485
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