Over 14 million Americans will witness North America’s total solar eclipse on April 8 while staying in a recreational vehicle, according to the RV Industry Association, after a surge in bookings and rentals.
Bookings around the date of the eclipse have spiked by nearly 660 percent compared to Memorial Day weekend on May 25-27, which is traditionally the beginning of the RV and camping season in North America.
However, according to RV owners and renters community RVshare it’s not too late to book an RV for the eclipse.
Remarkable Rise
U.S. states along the 115 miles wide path of totality—including Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Pennsylvania—are experiencing a “remarkable” spike in popularity, with some states seeing a 700+ percent increase in bookings compared to April 8, 2023, reports RVshare. In Ohio, it’s over 1,000 percent.
Being flexible is everything, warns RVshare. “Travelers who are still planning a trip to watch the eclipse have time, but they could have to be scrappy with their planning,” said Maddi Bourgerie, a travel expert at RVshare. “Consider renting RVs from cities outside the path, like Houston or Louisville.”
Spot2Nite and RVshare have also collaborated to launch all-in-one bookable packages, while the latter has set up a special eclipse portal for those trying to book for the eclipse, with details of the path of totality, the cities with the best viewing experiences, and nearby RV rentals, campgrounds, state parks and eclipse-themed events.
Campgrounds can also be found on sites like:
Spaces Remain
Many RV parks and campgrounds with in Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Kentucky, Ohio and Pennsylvania do still have availability. Spot2Nite reports that from 200 campground locations along the path of totality, 24 campgrounds have availability during the eclipse and 41 campgrounds have spaces on the night of the eclipse—April 8-9—with no minimum night stay.
The latter makes driving into the path of totality on the day of the eclipse an option, then staying to beat the predicted-to-be-terrible traffic after the eclipse on April 8.
For the latest on the total solar eclipse—including travel and lodging options—check my main feed for new articles daily.
Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.