The Story of America's Early Motor Camping

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Historic Jefferson Highway" Show explores the fascinating story of America's early motor camping movement and how it forever changed road travel, tourism, and hospitality across the United States. As always, the show features Roger Bell, Co-Host and President of the Jefferson Highway Association, along with host and producer Lisa D. Smith. Their featured guest is Daniel Hershberger, roadside historian, researcher, and presenter at the upcoming Crossroads of America Centennial Celebration in Joplin, Missouri. Long before today's RV parks, campgrounds, and roadside motels, adventurous motorists packed tents and supplies into their automobiles and headed out to explore America's growing network of highways. Daniel shares how motor camping evolved from a practical way to travel into a nationwide pastime that helped shape roadside tourism, local businesses, and the American road trip tradition. The conversation also explores the evolution of tourist camps, the rise of auto courts and motels, the development of roadside hospitality, and the important role the Jefferson Highway played in connecting communities and encouraging travel across North America. Roger Bell also shares updates on the upcoming Crossroads of America Centennial Celebration taking place September 19–22, 2026, in Joplin, Missouri. Daniel Hershberger will be one of the featured presenters, sharing his research on America's early motor camping movement and roadside tourism. The event also includes special Sociability Caravan motor tours celebrating the Jefferson Highway and Route 66. Registration is now open at https://jeffersonhighway.org/. The Jefferson Highway Association originally founded the Jefferson Highway in 1915. This international highway—also known as "The Pines to the Palms Highway"—runs from Winnipeg, Canada, to New Orleans, Louisiana. Visit: https://jeffersonhighway.org/ LEARN MORE: Plan your own Jefferson Highway adventure with the new Jefferson Highway Travel Guide: https://www.jeffersonhighwaytravelgui... Subscribe to the Jefferson Highway Dispatch: https://jeffersonhighwaydispatch.subs... Big Blend Radio's "Historic Jefferson Highway" Podcast airs every fourth Thursday (except holidays). Follow the podcast: https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/ CHAPTERS 00:00 – Welcome to the Historic Jefferson Highway Show 02:35 – What Was Motor Camping? 06:42 – America's First Tourist Camps 11:10 – How Motor Camping Became Popular 16:28 – Early Road Trips on the Jefferson Highway 22:03 – Tourist Camps, Auto Courts & Motels 27:40 – The Growth of Roadside Hospitality 33:18 – Why Historic Highways Matter Today 38:25 – Preserving America's Roadside Heritage 43:16 – Crossroads of America Centennial Celebration Preview 48:02 – Sociability Caravan Motor Tours 52:30 – Final Thoughts #JeffersonHighway #MotorCamping #RoadTripUSA #HistoricHighways #Americana #RoadsideAmerica #CampingHistory #TravelHistory #HeritageTourism #AmericanHistory #RoadTrip #BigBlendRadio #ExploreAmerica #America250