If you’re yet to plan a trip to see North America’s total solar eclipse—the longest since 1806 and the last until 2033 in Alaska—it’s time to prepare.
On Monday, April 8, the rare sight of the sun’s corona around a new moon will be visible from a 115-mile wide path stretching from Mexico to Atlantic Canada via parts of 15 U.S. states. Everyone else on the continent will see just a regular partial solar eclipse.
You must get inside that path of totality—to not do so is to misunderstand how mind-blowing a totality solar eclipse is and its rarity. The experience of plummeting temperatures, wildlife going crazy, and the sight of the sun’s spiky white corona will leave you in disbelief at what you just saw. The next total solar eclipses in the U.S. are in Alaska in 2033, Canada, Montana/South Dakota in 2044 and coast-to-coast in the U.S. and beyond in 2045.
But hotels are now hard to come by—or else costly. The answer, of course, is to camp.
High Demand
Demand for campgrounds in the path of totality around April 8 is understandably high. Searches for campgrounds in states within the path of totality are up by 97% year-on-year, according to online campsite booking hub Campspot, which offers a special eclipse campground booking page. It also reports that actual bookings are up by 90%.
“With the growing interest in this event, it’s important to start planning your trip soon,” said Erin Stender, CMO of Campspot, in an email. “Prime camping spots, particularly in areas with the best views of the eclipse, are in high demand—but this is your chance to create one of those unforgettable “remember when” stories.”
Path Of Totality
Specific states within the path of totality have also seen significant increases in search volumes for April 8, with explosions in search volume in Texas (up 340%), Arkansas (up 280%), Illinois (up 135%), Indiana (up 130%) and Missouri (up 60%).
Meanwhile, campgrounds in “eclipse states” are rapidly booking up, with reservations increasing by more than 500% in Arkansas and Vermont, 300% in Oklahoma and Ohio, and more than 100% in Texas, New York, and Missouri.
Choose An Adventure
“Camping for the eclipse isn’t just about finding a place to stay; it’s about choosing an adventure,” said Stender. “Being in the great outdoors enhances the experience, making it more than just a momentary glimpse of an astronomical event. It becomes a full-fledged experience with nature’s sounds, sights, and smells.”
Although Campsot’s hub page makes it easy to scout for campsites and RV parks within the path of totality, it’s wise to double-check the location. An excellent way to do this is to use this interactive Google Map of the eclipse. Enter the campground’s name in the search box in the upper right, and you’ll see its exact location. You’re good if it’s between the red lines—within the moon’s central shadow. The closer it is to the blue centerline, the longer totality (when the moon totally blocks the sun and it goes dark) will last—with a maximum of 4 minutes and 26 seconds near the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas. Another option is to use Timeanddate, entering the name of the nearest town for a full schedule for the eclipse.
Plan Ahead
“There’s a palpable buzz about the best way to experience this rare astronomical event,” said Stender, adding that April 8 is expected to be one of the largest travel days in recent memory, drawing people from all over North America and beyond. “If you’re looking for a laid-back yet thrilling way to experience the 2024 solar eclipse, consider camping—just be sure to plan ahead to secure your ideal spot!”
I’m an expert on eclipses—the editor of WhenIsTheNextEclipse.com and author of The Complete Guide To The Great North American Eclipse of April 8, 2024. For the very latest on the total solar eclipse—including travel and lodging options—check my main feed for new articles each day.
Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
