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 10 Campgrounds to Watch This Year’s Solar Eclipse

Best camping spots for the 2024 solar eclipse
By: Oliver
Updated: December 2, 2024

The solar eclipse in 2024 has gotten camping enthusiasts excited. This rare event will be visible in many states across the United States, making it a great chance for campers to see it. Here are ten campgrounds where you can watch this year’s solar eclipse:

A map detailing the path of the 2024 total solar eclipse reveals a narrow band stretching across the contiguous U.S. from Texas to Maine.

1. Government Canyon State Natural Area & Blanco State Park

The best place to camp for the eclipse in San Antonio, Texas, is somewhere with a clear sky view, away from city lights, and enough space to set up a campsite. One option could be Government Canyon State Natural Area, located just outside San Antonio, offering camping facilities. Another option could be Blanco State Park, within driving distance of San Antonio, which offers camping spots along the Blanco River. Both locations should provide a good vantage point for viewing the eclipse.

2. Cedar Hill State Park

Cedar Hill State Park is the best place to camp for the eclipse in Dallas, Texas. Located just 20 miles southwest of Dallas, Cedar Hill State Park offers campsites with a beautiful view of Joe Pool Lake and plenty of open space to set up for eclipse viewing. The park has great hiking trails and is perfect for birdwatching, making it a nice place for nature lovers to enjoy the eclipse. Book your campsite early because they can fill up fast, especially during special events like a solar eclipse.

3. Pinnacle Mountain State Park

Pinnacle Mountain State Park is the best place to camp in Little Rock, Arkansas for the eclipse. This park is located just outside Little Rock and offers camping facilities with beautiful views of Pinnacle Mountain and the surrounding area. The park has several hiking trails that offer great vantage points for viewing the eclipse, and the camping sites are well-maintained and equipped with amenities such as restrooms and picnic tables. Make reservations in advance, as campsites can fill up quickly, especially for popular events like a solar eclipse.

4. Brown County State Park

Brown County State Park is likely the best place to camp for the eclipse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Located about an hour south of Indianapolis, Brown County State Park is known for its pristine natural beauty, rolling hills, and dense forest. The park offers several options, including primitive camping, electric campsites, and cabins.

During the eclipse, campers can enjoy the serene surroundings of the park while witnessing the natural spectacle. Brown County State Park also has hiking trails, lakes for fishing, and other recreational activities to enjoy before and after the eclipse. Check availability and make early reservations, as campsites will likely fill up quickly for this event.

5. Maumee Bay State Park

The best place to camp for the eclipse in Toledo, Ohio, is Maumee Bay State Park. Located on the shores of Lake Erie, it offers camping facilities with views of the lake and easy access to various outdoor recreational activities.

The park offers several camping options, including tent and RV sites and rental cabins. During the eclipse, campers can enjoy the peaceful natural surroundings of the park while watching the celestial event unfold. In addition to camping, Maumee Bay State Park offers hiking trails, a golf course, and a beach for swimming and sunbathing. Make reservations in advance, as campsites can fill up quickly, especially for special events like a solar eclipse.

6. Geneva State Park

Geneva State Park is the best place to camp for the eclipse in Cleveland, Ohio. Located in northeastern Ohio, it offers camping facilities with views of Lake Erie and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation.

The park offers tent and RV campsites as well as cabins for rent. Campers can enjoy the park’s tranquil atmosphere during the eclipse while witnessing the natural phenomenon. Geneva State Park offers camping, hiking trails, fishing, boating, and swimming in Lake Erie. Check availability and make reservations early, as campsites will likely fill up quickly.

7. Presque Isle State Park

Presque Isle State Park is the best place to camp for the eclipse in Erie, Pennsylvania. Located on the shores of Lake Erie, it offers a unique camping experience with stunning lake views and various outdoor activities.

The park has several campgrounds with tent and RV sites available. During the eclipse, campers can enjoy the park’s beautiful scenery while watching the event. Besides camping, Presque Isle State Park has sandy beaches, hiking and biking trails, birdwatching, fishing, and boating.

8. Beaver Island State Park

Beaver Island State Park is the best place to camp for the Buffalo, New York eclipse. Located on Grand Island in the Niagara River, It offers camping facilities with beautiful river views and easy access to outdoor recreation.

The park offers tents, RV campsites, and cabins for rent. During the eclipse, campers can enjoy the park’s quiet surroundings while watching this celestial event. Beaver Island State Park also offers camping, hiking trails, sandy beaches, fishing, boating, and picnic areas.

9. North Beach Campground

North Beach Campground is a great place to camp for the eclipse in Burlington, Vermont. Located on the shores of Lake Champlain, It offers camping facilities with beautiful views of the lake and easy access to the beach.

The campground offers tent sites and RV sites with hookups. During the eclipse, campers can enjoy the calm atmosphere and watch the event. North Beach Campground also offers swimming, fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

10. Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is one of Maine’s best places to camp for the eclipse. Located on Mount Desert Island along the coast of Maine, it offers stunning natural beauty, including rocky coastlines, lush forests, and picturesque lakes.

Several campgrounds are within Acadia National Park, including Blackwoods and Seawall Campground. These campgrounds offer tent and RV sites and access to hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and beautiful beaches.

Watching the eclipse from Acadia National Park would provide a unique and memorable experience, surrounded by the beauty of Maine’s coastline and wilderness. Make reservations well in advance, as campsites in Acadia National Park can fill up quickly, especially for special events like a solar eclipse.

Considerations When Camping

Campers should follow Leave No Trace principles and park rules to minimize their impact because the environment is essential. By making thoughtful choices, they can enjoy the eclipse while preserving the parks for others.

When picking a campground to watch this year’s solar eclipse, consider how easy it is to get there, what amenities are available, and the park’s natural views. Some campgrounds have park views but may require a challenging hike to reach the best spot. Others might have fewer amenities but offer a quiet and peaceful place to enjoy the eclipse.

And Finally, Get Ready for the Big Event!

The solar eclipse in 2024 offers campers a rare opportunity to see it in some of the most beautiful natural spots in the United States. By considering what affects their camping experience, campers can pick a campground that fits their needs and helps them enjoy the solar eclipse fully.

Frequently Asked Questions about Eclipses

What is a solar eclipse?

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.

How do I get campground reservations for the 2024 eclipse?

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.

What time is the 2024 solar eclipse?

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.

What is so special about the 2024 solar eclipse?

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.

Where will the 2024 total eclipse last the longest?

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.

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