Traveling U.S. Route 50 from one end to the other will take you across the United States, from one coastal state to another.
So, where does U.S. Route 50 start and end? It begins in Sacramento, California, and ends 3,019 miles east in Ocean City, Maryland. Parts of it run along the trail that used to be used by gold prospectors and the Pony Express. Parts of it are roads formerly used by soldiers in the Civil War. Part of it, through Nevada, is known as The Loneliest Road in America.
U.S. Route 50 passes through twelve different states and four state capitals along with the nation’s capital. You’ll drive through the Sierras and the Rocky Mountains, the Great Plains, and the Nevada desert. In fact, when you get to the lush greenery of Ohio and West Virginia, it might be hard to imagine you’re still in the same country.
This guide will show you some of the best places to stop along the way, including several national parks, state capitals, and other interesting cities.
States Route 50 Crosses Through + The Best Places to Stop
U.S. Route 50 crosses through 12 states on its way across the United States. It also goes through or near several national parks, and four state capital cities plus the nation’s capital. You can click on any of the states below to see the best stops along U.S. Route 50 in that state.
- California
- Nevada
- Utah
- Colorado
- Kansas
- Missouri
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Ohio
- West Virginia
- Virginia
- Maryland
Stops Along Route 50 in California
U.S. Route 50 originally went from San Francisco, California to Ocean City, Maryland. Legislation in the 1970s shortened the route and it now begins in Sacramento – California’s capital city. Although Sacramento is only a two-hour drive from Lake Tahoe, there are enough things to do in both locations that it’s worth staying in each for several days.
Sacramento
Plan to spend a few days in Sacramento before you start your trip. You can tour the state capitol building and visit one of the city’s 32 museums to learn about everything from the Gold Rush to railroads to art. Raft on the American River. Visit Sutter’s Mill or take a day trip to visit the Columbia State Historic Park and the ghost town that was formed during the California Gold Rush.
RV Rentals Nearby
Sacramento is not a hard city to navigate, and you can rent any kind of motorhome or trailer you’d like. You won’t have any trouble navigating streets with a large Class A motorhome or longer trailer. You may want to consider driving a tow vehicle if you’re headed near the Capitol Building and surrounding areas because it will be easier to find parking.
Camping Nearby
You’ll have lots of options for campgrounds in Sacramento.
Cal Expo RV Park
1600 Exposition Blvd
Sacramento, CA 95815
(916) 263-3000
This park is next to Cal Expo and the many festivals and trade shows that take place there. It’s also the site of the state fair. There’s free WiFi, full hookups, pull-through sites, a laundry room, private bathrooms and showers, 24-hour security, and a dog park.
SacWest RV Park & Campground
3951 Lake Road
West Sacramento, CA 95691
916-371-6771
This campground is right off of I-80 and has full hookups and pull-through sites. There’s a heated pool, a rec room, a dog park, fishing, candy train rides, bike rentals, laundry, and free WiFi.
Stillman Mobile Home & RV Park
3880 Stillman Park Circle
Sacramento, CA 95824
916-392-2820
This park has full hookups, a pool, free WiFi, and a clubhouse with planned events. There are also bathrooms and showers available for guests.
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe isn’t a far drive from Sacramento as far as road trips go, but you’ll want to stop here for several days as well. In fact, you could easily spend a week in this area and still want more. U.S. Route 50 goes through South Lake Tahoe, which has lots of restaurants, shops, and nearby campgrounds.
RV Rentals Nearby
Lake Tahoe is tucked into the Sierra Nevadas, and depending on your plans, you may do some mountain driving while you’re there. However, most roads are navigable in any RV or travel trailer and you’ll find lots of rigs in the area. If you’re driving to Tahoe in spring or fall, you’ll want to watch the weather as you can get snow during both of those seasons.
Also, some of the state parks near South Lake Tahoe only allow shorter RVs in their campgrounds. Be sure to check their size requirements before booking a spot.
Camping Nearby
This beautiful area has lots of campground options!
Camp Richardson Resort
1900 Jameson Beach Road
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
(530) 494-2228
Camp Richardson is a historic retreat right on the lake. It offers full hookups, a marina, a restaurant, a general store, and an ice cream parlor. Camp Richardson does not allow pets other than service animals.
Tahoe Valley Campground
1175 Melba Dr
South Lake Tahoe, CA
(877) 570-2267
This park is a Thousand Trails Resort with full hookups, laundry facilities, bathrooms and showers, and a camp store. There are nature and hiking trails nearby and there’s a picnic and barbecue area. The campground has a dog park, a playground, volleyball and basketball courts, and horseshoes. There is also WiFi.
Zephyr Cove RV Park & Campground
760 U.S. Hwy 50
Zephyr Cove, NV 89448
(775) 589-4906
This Zephyr Cove campground has full hookups, showers and bathrooms, laundry facilities, and WiFi in the resort lobby and restaurant. It’s a short walk from a restaurant, the beach, the marina, and a general store.
Stops Along Route 50 in Nevada
The portion of U.S. Route 50 through the middle of Nevada is known as The Loneliest Road in America. There are small towns along this portion where you can stay or gas up, but be aware of your mileage and the distance between towns.
Carson City
Carson City isn’t far from Lake Tahoe – around an hour or less. But the historic town is worth a stop. Visit the Nevada State Railroad Museum, Nevada State Museum, and the State Capitol Building. There are some nice hikes nearby, and you can take a day trip to Virginia City. Carson City is also a good base to explore Reno.
RV Rentals Nearby
You’ll find lots of rentals in Carson City or nearby Reno. When driving Highway 50 through Nevada, you’ll get long stretches of straight road, but there are also passes with 8% grades and hairpin turns. It is possible to drive your RV through here, but it will require careful going.
Camping Nearby
There are many RV parks near Carson City that are a great place to set up camp! Here are a few.
Gold Dust West Carson City
2171 E. William St.
Carson City, NV 89701
(775) 885-9000
This RV park is connected to the Gold Dust West Casino and has full hookups. It can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet in length, although RVs more than 10 years old will be inspected on arrival. Fishing, skiing, hiking, and plenty of other outdoor activities are nearby.
Carson RV Resort
5400 S Carson St.
Carson City, Nevada 89701
(775) 882-2445
This campground has full hookups and trash service. There are outdoor kitchen facilities, a pet area, security cameras, and controlled access for customer safety. There is also free WiFi and cable for guests, plus laundry, bathrooms, and showers.
Great Basin National Park
Great Basin National Park is just a few miles from U.S. Route 50 and is definitely worth a stop! Check out the Lehman Caves and Pictograph Cave and hike the Island Forest trail. You can also see Wheeler Peak. The Baker Archeological Site showcases the Fremont Indian Village.
RV Rentals Nearby
Baker, Nevada is the closest town with RV rentals available. You can rent any type of RV or trailer to explore the area near Great Basin.
Camping Nearby
Link to campgrounds near each stop
Great Basin National Park
100 Great Basin National Park
Baker, NV 89311
(775) 234-7331
There are five developed campgrounds at Great Basin National Park. There are no hookups, and each campground has vault toilets nearby, a picnic table, a tent pad space, and a campfire grill.
BLM Camping
Dispersed camping is allowed near Great Basin National Park. There are no hookups, and you’ll need to leave no trace when you leave. You can find more tips for dispersed camping here.
Stops Along Route 50 in Utah
Utah has five national parks, and two of them are close enough to U.S. Route 50 to make a detour possible. You can venture off the route just 30 minutes and stay in the scenic, outdoorsy town of Moab.
Moab
Moab is just a short drive from Arches National Park and is a great place to make your base camp. You’ll find stores where you can restock supplies, along with restaurants and a cute downtown area. Moab is near plenty of spots for hiking, rafting, rock climbing, and mountain biking. Canyonlands National Park is also just a short drive away and makes an easy day trip.
RV Rentals Nearby
You’ll find lots of options for RV rentals in Moab. The roads nearby aren’t too windy or narrow so just about any RV should be suitable. There are lots of options for BLM camping, so you may want a vehicle that you can manage easily and don’t feel like you need to hook up.
Camping Nearby
Thanks to its outdoorsy reputation, Moab has plenty of RV campgrounds nearby!
Portal RV Resort
1261 N Hwy 191 A
Moab, UT 84532
(435) 259-6108
There are water and electric hookups available and a dump station on-site. WiFi and cable TV are available, and there RV lots are landscaped with concrete pads. There are two dog parks available, and the campground has scenic mountain and canyon views.
Spanish Trail RV Park
2980 S Hwy 191
Moab, UT 84532
(435) 259-2411
This campground has full hookups and pull-through sites available. There is free WiFi and cable TV, and a pool and spa are on-site. There are laundry facilities, showers, and bathrooms plus an exercise park and pet area.
Stops Along Route 50 in Colorado
You’ll want to consider the time of year as you drive U.S. Route 50 through Colorado. Late spring, summer, and early fall are good times to plan a trip. Go any earlier or later than that and you may face the threat of snow. It’s still possible to drive in the snow, but it’s something you’ll want to be aware of.
Grand Junction
From Moab, plan a stop in Grand Junction to check out some of the attractions on Colorado’s Western Slope. Dinosaur National Monument and the Colorado National Monument are both in the area, along with wineries and peach farms.
RV Rentals Nearby
There are plenty of RV rentals available in Grand Junction. As you might expect, there is some mountain driving in Colorado, but you can maneuver an RV of almost any size through those roads.
Camping Nearby
There are lots of campgrounds in Grand Junction! Here are some of the best options.
Canyon View RV Resort
46 23 1/2 Road
Grand Junction, Colorado 81505
(970) 730-2600
This campground has full hookups, a concrete patio, a lawn, a fire ring, and a picnic table. Guests get free WiFi or can upgrade to fiber optic internet. There’s a swimming pool, a spa, a splash pad, and a playground. The campground has two dog parks, pavilions with barbecues, and pickleball courts.
Grand Junction KOA Holiday
2819 Highway 50
Grand Junction, CO 81503
(800) 562-1510
This KOA campground has full hookups, WiFi, a dog park, and a laundry room. It has a mini golf course and a pool and there are planned events for guests.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
You can hit yet another national park with Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado. This is one of the less popular national parks, thanks to its location and the fact that there aren’t many amenities. But the park’s two million years of history and the cliffs and ancient rock make it a place worth stopping.
RV Rentals Nearby
The town of Montrose is closest to the national park, and there are many RV rentals available there. There are winding roads near the Black Canyon, but they are navigable in an RV or with a trailer.
Camping Nearby
There are campgrounds both inside the park, and nearby in Montrose.
South Rim Campground
9800 Highway 347
Gunnison, CO 81230
(970) 641-2337
The South Rim Campground is in the most populated part of the park. There are no hookups. You will get vault toilets and during the warmer months, drinking water is available. There are no showers or dish cleaning stations and there is no water for RV tanks.
Black Canyon RV Park & Campground
348 US-50
Cimarron, CO 81220
(970) 249.1147
This campground has pull-through RV sites with charcoal grills and picnic tables. There is free WiFi throughout the park. There is a laundry and shower building, plus a campfire pit, a horseshoe area, and kids’ playhouses.
Salida
Salida has lots to do including rafting on the river that runs through town, hiking, biking, and events in town. It’s a beautiful place to camp for a day or two on your journey.
RV Rentals Nearby
There are plenty of RV rentals available in Salida and nearby. It’s a popular place for camping and outdoor activities!
Camping Nearby
There are several campgrounds in Salida where you can stay!
Salida RV Resort
6507 County Rd. 102
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 882-1569
The Salida RV Resort has full hookups, a dog park, a playground, and close proximity to the river and water activities. There is also a laundry room and private bathhouses. Guests can use the pickleball courts, and there are walking paths and a clubhouse.
La Junta
Continue your journey east with a stop in La Junta. This small town is in southeastern Colorado, and you can explore Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site and hike and fish in the area.
RV Rentals Nearby
There aren’t a lot of RVshare rentals in La Junta, so you may have to broaden your search to other parts of Colorado. As you’re looking, you can be assured that roads near here are straight and easy to navigate in any kind of rig.
Camping Nearby
The best option for camping in La Junta is the KOA in town.
La Junta KOA Journey
26680 U.S. Highway 50
La Junta, CO 81050-9717
(719) 384-9580
This campground has the amenities you can expect from a KOA. There are full hookups, WiFi, a pool, a mini golf course, a playground, and a dog park.
Stops Along Route 50 in Kansas
From La Junta, head to the famous Dodge City, Kansas. You’ll then head northeast out of the state and into Kansas City in Missouri.
Dodge City
You may want to stay an extra day or two in this former frontier town that was once known as “the Wickedest Little City in America.” During the summer, there are gunfight reenactments, can-can dance lessons, and the Long Branch Saloon Variety Show.
RV Rentals Nearby
There aren’t a lot of RVshare rentals right in Dodge City. You may want to rent before you get here, or look for rentals in a bigger city. U.S. Route 50 from here to Missouri is straight and easy to drive in any kind of rig.
Camping Nearby
There are several campgrounds in Dodge City where you can stay on your journey across the country.
Gunsmoke RV Park
11070 108 Rd
Dodge City, KS 67801
(620) 227-8247
This campground has full hookups and is close to Dodge City attractions. It has a pool, dog walk areas, a playground, a camp store, laundry facilities, and bathrooms with showers. A gate into the campground provides security for guests.
Dodge City KOA Journey
701 Park Street
Dodge City, KS 67801
(620) 371-7177
This campground has full hookups along with WiFi and cable. There is a snack bar, a dog park, a pavilion, and a playground. The campground also has laundry facilities, bathrooms, and showers.
Stops Along Route 50 in Missouri
There are several places you can stop along U.S. Route 50 in Missouri, including another national park where you can learn about a key part of U.S. history.
Kansas City
Kansas City is just across the state line from Kansas and is known for its barbecue and great jazz music. The city also has more than 200 fountains.
RV Rentals Nearby
There are plenty of RVshare rentals available in and around Kansas City. U.S. Route 50 through Kansas and the Midwest is pretty straight and you can drive just about any kind of rig easily through here.
Camping Nearby
There are lots of campgrounds around Kansas City. You should be able to find one where you can set up camp for a few days and explore the city. Here are some of the top campgrounds in Kansas City.
Walnut Grove RV Park
10218 Johnson Drive
Merriam KS 66203
(913) 262-3023
This RV park has full hookups, a dump station, and free WiFi. There are laundry facilities, restrooms, and showers. The campground also has a dog park and a camp store.
Basswood Resort
15880 Interurban Rd.
Platte City, Missouri
(816) 858-5556
This campground has full hookups, cable TV, and WiFi. There are 13 lakeside sites. It also has a seasonal swimming pool, fishing, a playground, GaGa and pickleball, a pizza parlor, and laundry facilities.
St. Louis
St. Louis makes another great stop on a Route 50 road trip. Explore downtown St. Louis and visit Gateway Arch National Park to learn about the U.S. westward expansion.
RV Rentals Nearby
There are lots of RV rentals in St. Louis and you can drive just about any rig on U.S. Route 50 from here east. If you have a larger RV or trailer, you may want to keep it parked at the campground and drive a tow vehicle or use public transportation to get around the busy downtown area.
Camping Nearby
You’ll find several campgrounds in the St. Louis area where you can set up for a few days.
Cahokia RV Parque
4060 Mississippi Ave.
Cahokia, IL 62206
(618) 332-7700
This campground has full hookups, WiFi, and a propane station. There are laundry facilities, a pool, a playground, and restrooms with showers. The campground is 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 has full hookups, back-in and pull-through sites, and WiFi. There is a pool, a dog park, and planned events for guests.
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park
5300 Fox Creek Road
Eureka, Missouri 63025
(636) 938-5925
This campground has full hookups and pull-through sites. There’s a pool, a pavilion, Yogi Bear Express Train Rides, mini golf, and a camp store.
Stops Along Route 50 in Illinois
Route 50 crosses the southern portion of Illinois. It crosses the Mississippi over the Jefferson Barracks Bridge and hits the Indiana state line near Lawrenceville. You’ll spend a total of 166 miles on Route 50 in Illinois. There aren’t any major landmarks or big cities along the route, but there are some smaller towns where you can stop.
Salem
Salem, Illinois is a small town with a history museum and several antique shops.
RV Rentals Nearby
There are several RVs to rent near Salem and you can drive any size trailer or rig on this portion of U.S. Route 50.
Camping Nearby
There are several campgrounds near Salem where you can spend the night, making this a good place to take a break from the road.
UCamP Express RV Park
130 N Missouri Ave
Salem, IL 62881
(618) 267-5850
This RV park was designed to be a quick and easy place to stay overnight and get back on the road. It’s self-park and self-pay, with full hookups and pull-through sites. There’s high-speed WiFi available. The campground has concrete patios, plus a community patio with a fireplace. There’s 24-hour security monitoring and auto-dimming security lights.
Coles Creek Campground
16225 Coles Creek Rd.
Carlyle, IL 62231
(618) 226-3211
This campground at Carlyle Lake has electric hookups, a picnic table, and a fire pit. Sites are just a short walk from the lake. There are showers and flush toilets, and the campground is next to the Coles Creek Day Use Area which has a swim beach.
Stops Along Route 50 in Indiana
Route 50 runs 172 miles through Indiana. At times, it’s a rural, two-lane highway, and at times it’s a four-lane undivided highway. You’ll go through urban areas, along with stretches of farmland and wooded areas.
North Vernon
The small town of North Vernon, Indiana has parks and nature trails, a historical museum, and the Twin Cities Raceway Park.
RV Rentals Nearby
There aren’t many RVshare rentals right in the town of North Vernon, but there are some a relatively short drive away.
Camping Nearby
Muscatatuck Park is a lovely campground option where you can stay in North Vernon.
Muscatatuck Park
325 North State Highway 3, 375 IN-3
North Vernon, IN 47265
(812) 346-2953
This beautiful park campground has a few spots with full hookups and more with electric and water hookups. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring, and there is shade at the campground. There is a dump station near the entrance.
Stops Along Route 50 in Ohio
U.S. Route 50 runs through the southern part of Ohio. In many places, it’s a two-lane road, but it does get bigger on the west and eastern parts. It goes through Cincinnati, which is worth stopping in for a few days to explore the city.
Cincinnati
Make time to visit Cincinnati. Take a riverboat cruise, go to the zoo or aquarium, and try the city’s famous chili! You’ll find plenty to do here on your road trip.
RV Rentals Nearby
There are plenty of RVshare rentals around the Cincinnati area, so you’ll have a variety of choices. Route 50 is pretty straight and you should be able to maneuver just about any rig along the route.
Camping Nearby
There are several great campgrounds in Cincinnati where you can stay on your trip!
Cincinnati Camp Cedar Cabin & RV Resort
5158 Kings Island Drive
Mason, OH 45040
(513) 701-9635
This campground has back-in and pull-through sites and full hookups are available. RV sites all have a picnic table and grill. The campground also has two pools – one for families and one just for adults. There are restaurants, golf carts for rent, a fitness room, bathhouses, laundry services, and basketball and pickleball courts.
Winton Woods
10245 Winton Road
Cincinnati, OH 45231
(513) 521-7275
This campground has back-in and pull-through sites with full hookups, although water is shut off for winter camping. The campground is in a pine grove next to Winton Woods Lake, and guests can walk to the harbor and boathouse. There’s also a snack bar and a wet playground.
Stops Along Route 50 in West Virginia
Route 50 through West Virginia is scenic, wandering next to rivers, crossing bridges, and meandering through forests. It runs from Ohio to Virginia, and you can enjoy a beautiful stay at Valley Falls State Park.
Clarksburg
Clarksburg is a nice spot along U.S. Route 50 where you can rest from your road trip for a bit. Valley Falls State Park is about 40 minutes away, and is a natural and historic area with hiking, biking, and fishing.
RV Rentals Nearby
There are several places near Clarksburg where you can rent an RV or trailer. Campervans and trailers are especially popular in the area but it’s possible to drive any kind of RV on this stretch of Route 50.
Camping Nearby
Broken Wheel Campground is a great camping option near Clarksburg where you can stop and relax for a night or two!
Broken Wheel Campground
2060 Skin Creek Road
Weston, WV 26452
(304) 269-6097
Campsites have water and electric hookups, and there is a honey wagon service available if you’ll be staying long. The campground has a fishing pond, hiking trails, and a camp store.
Stops Along Route 50 in Virginia
U.S. 50 through Virginia is a historic route, and the roads that became U.S. Route 50 were important thoroughfares during the Civil War. Several battles were fought along the route, including the Battle of Chantilly and the Battle of Aldie. Arlington National Cemetery is also nearby and is a worthwhile stop along your road trip.
Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park is just a short drive off U.S. 50 and is definitely worth the short detour! There is camping available at the park, and there are other campgrounds nearby for parkgoers. You may want to spend several days in this area to fully explore the park.
RV Rentals Nearby
There are RV rentals near Shenandoah National Park, but the closer you get to big cities outside the park, the more options you’ll have.
Camping Nearby
There are four campgrounds at the park where you can stay. They do not have hookups, although several do have a seasonal dump station. There are also some private campgrounds just outside the park with more amenities.
Shenandoah National Park Campgrounds
3655 U.S. Highway 211 East
Luray, VA 22835
(540) 999-3500
These campgrounds have very few amenities. There are no hookups, WiFi, or cell reception. Some have a seasonal dump station, seasonal laundry facilities, and seasonal potable water.
Harrisonburg/Shenandoah Valley KOA Holiday
12480 Mountain Valley Road
Broadway, VA 22815
(540) 896-8929
This campground has full hookups, WiFi, and cable TV. There’s a pool, a snack bar, fishing, and a dog park. There are laundry facilities, bathrooms, and showers. There’s also a pizza kitchen in the camp store, so guests can order custom pizzas delivered to their sites.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. lies directly along U.S. Route 50. You’ll want to spend several days visiting the sites in the nation’s capital!
RV Rentals Nearby
There are lots of RV rentals near Washington, D.C. Consider leaving your rig set up at your campsite and taking public transportation or rideshares while you’re in the city center to avoid dealing with traffic and parking.
Camping Nearby
There are several campgrounds near Washington, D.C. where you can stay on your trip.
Washington DC/Capitol KOA Holiday
768 Cecil Avenue North –
Millersville, MD 21108
(800) 562-0248
This campground has full hookups and WiFi. There’s a pool, bike rentals, a dog park, a giant chess set, and a nature trail. There is a playground, basketball court, pool table, and ping pong table.
Greenbelt Park Campground
6565 Greenbelt Road
Greenbelt, MD 20770
(771) 208-1588
There are no hookups at this National Park Service-run campground. There is cell phone reception, a dump station, potable water, and staff on-site all year.
Stops Along Route 50 in Maryland
As you end your trek from California east, your last stop is the end of U.S. Route 50 in Ocean City, Maryland. Your 3,019-mile journey has come to an end! Unless, of course, you were headed east to west … in which case your adventure is just beginning!
Ocean City
Ocean City is a wonderful place to wind up, with beach activities, seafood restaurants, and boardwalk rides. You’ll also want to save time for a day trip to see the wild horses of Assateague Island.
RV Rentals Nearby
You’ll find lots of options for renting an RVshare rig right in Ocean City. There are plenty of trailers, plus campervans and larger rigs to accommodate more people.
Camping Nearby
There are many campgrounds near Ocean City and all along the Maryland shore.
Sun Outdoors Ocean City
12550 Eagles Nest Road,
Berlin, MD 21811
(410) 213-0097
This Ocean City campground has full hookups, cable, and WiFi. There are private beaches, restaurants and a tiki bar, swimming pools, and a fitness center. There is a dog beach and dog park as well.
Bay Shore Campground
4228 Eastern Neck Road
Rock Hall, MD 21661
(410) 639-7485
This campground has electric and water hookups and an on-site dump station. There is a play area, a boat ramp, a dog park, and a catch-and-release pond.
Phew! U.S. Route 50 is one of the ten longest highways in the United States, and makes an epic road trip. From Wild West history to Civil War history, from deserts to forests to beaches … you’ll see some of the iconic sights across the United States.
Be sure to check out our tips to prepare for a road trip like this! And if you’re looking for an RV to rent for the journey, RVshare owners often give a discounted rate the longer you rent a rig.
Most importantly – enjoy your journey!
