The 2024 solar eclipse excited camping enthusiasts. Visible across many U.S. states, it’s a prime viewing opportunity. Here are 10 campgrounds for watching:
1. Government Canyon State Natural Area & Blanco State Park
Near San Antonio, TX. Government Canyon offers clear skies and campsites outside city lights. Blanco State Park provides riverside spots. Both ideal for eclipse views.
2. Cedar Hill State Park
20 miles SW of Dallas, TX. Campsites overlook Joe Pool Lake with open spaces. Features hiking and birdwatching. Book early—fills fast for events.
3. Pinnacle Mountain State Park
Outside Little Rock, AR. Campsites with mountain views and trails for prime vantage points. Amenities include restrooms and picnic tables. Reserve ahead.
4. Brown County State Park
1 hour S of Indianapolis, IN. Pristine hills and forests with primitive, electric, and cabin options. Hiking, fishing, and trails available. Book early.
5. Maumee Bay State Park
On Lake Erie near Toledo, OH. Tent/RV sites and cabins with lake views. Hiking, golf, beach. Reserve in advance for events.
6. Geneva State Park
NE Ohio near Cleveland. Tent/RV sites and cabins with Lake Erie views. Hiking, fishing, boating, swimming. Check availability early.
7. Presque Isle State Park
On Lake Erie in Erie, PA. Tent/RV sites with lake views. Beaches, trails, birdwatching, fishing, boating.
8. Beaver Island State Park
On Grand Island near Buffalo, NY. Tent/RV sites and cabins with river views. Hiking, beaches, fishing, boating, picnics.
9. North Beach Campground
On Lake Champlain in Burlington, VT. Tent/RV sites with lake and beach access. Swimming, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding.
10. Acadia National Park
On Mount Desert Island, ME. Blackwoods and Seawall campgrounds offer tent/RV sites. Rocky coasts, forests, trails, beaches. Reserve well ahead.
Considerations When Camping
Follow Leave No Trace principles. Choose sites based on access, amenities, and views—some require hikes, others offer quiet seclusion.
And Finally, Get Ready for the Big Event!
The 2024 eclipse lets campers witness it in stunning U.S. spots. Pick a site that suits your needs for full enjoyment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Eclipses
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon moves between the Earth and the sun. This blocks some or all of the sun’s light from reaching the Earth, temporarily darkening the sky. There are different types of solar eclipses, depending on the positions of the Earth, moon, and sun.
Start planning early: Many campgrounds may accept reservations before the eclipse date. Check with the specific campground or park you are interested in to find out when reservations will open, and make sure to book as soon as possible.
Research campgrounds along the path of totality: Identify campgrounds within the path of totality for the 2024 eclipse. Consider both public and private campgrounds in the area.
Keep checking for availability: Even if a campground is initially fully booked, keep checking for cancellations or last-minute availability closer to the eclipse date.
Be flexible with dates and locations: If your preferred campground is already booked, consider adjusting your travel dates or exploring campgrounds in nearby areas along the path of totality.
In the afternoon, a total solar eclipse will happen on April 8, 2024. The timing will depend on where you are along the path of totality. This path will go through Mexico, the United States, and Canada. In the central United States, the eclipse will start around 1:20 PM Eastern Time and reach totality at about 3:30 PM Eastern Time.
The total solar eclipse of April 8, 2024, is expected to be a unique and significant event for several reasons:
Long Duration: The 2024 eclipse is predicted to have a particularly long duration of totality in certain areas along its path. Some locations may experience up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds of totality, providing ample time to observe and appreciate this rare celestial event.
Path of Totality: The path of totality for the 2024 eclipse will go through Mexico, the United States, and Canada. This means many people will be able to see and experience the total solar eclipse.
Repeat Eclipse: The 2024 eclipse will pass through some regions that experienced the total solar eclipse of August 21, 2017. This provides a unique opportunity for those who may have missed the 2017 eclipse to witness a total solar eclipse just a few years later.
Rare Alignment: Total solar eclipses are relatively rare events, with each location on Earth experiencing a total solar eclipse only once every few hundred years on average. The 2024 eclipse allows people within the path of totality to witness this rare celestial alignment.
The total solar eclipse in 2024 will be visible for the longest time in two areas along the path of totality: one in Mexico and one in the United States. Near Mazatlán, Mexico, the eclipse will last up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds. In the United States, Carbondale, Illinois, will also experience totality for up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds. These locations will provide the best chance to see and enjoy this rare event.