Best camping spots for the 2024 solar eclipse

The moon will pass in front of the sun for a total solar eclipse on the afternoon of Mon. April 8—the last major eclipse in the US until 2045!

Explore Hipcamp’s interactive 2024 solar eclipse map.

Discover and book the best campsites and RV spots in the path of totality—you don’t want to miss this.

Top-rated stays

94%
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Lost Woods

19 sites · RVs, Tents55 acres · San Antonio, Bexar
Welcome to our little piece of paradise! 55 acres of woods hidden near town. A network of trails criss-cross the creek and wind throughout the property under a peaceful canopy of large beautiful trees. Don't be surprised if you run into deer, squirrels, or roadrunners! Our property is home to a wide variety of hill-country wildlife. - Each of our campsites are private and surrounded by forest. - Each site has a fire ring for campfires - Our trees are our most precious natural resource and set this campground apart! Please don't do anything to harm them. - Port-o-john is available on site. - All of our campsites are primitive. No electric or water here. - When you camp with us you are welcome to explore and play on the entire property! We have 55 acres of trails and woods to explore! Please bring your bikes, trail shoes, or whatever helps you have fun in the wild! - Hammocks welcome! We have so many trees! All of our sites are hammock-friendly. - When you check-in, just text us, your host will help you find your campsite. - Some sites are drive-in where your vehicle can park right next to the fire. Others are walk-in and require a short hike of 100' or less from your parking space. You can indicate your preference during booking or at check-in. If you want to drive right into your site, Campsites 2, 6, & 12 are the sites you want. Some of our campsites are more secluded than the others and offer extreme privacy in the most beautiful settings we have to offer. If you're looking for a wilder campsite surrounded by huge old trees and all the peace the woods have to offer, just request Campsites 4, 5, 7, or 8. Each of these sites requires a walk of at least 50' from your vehicle to the fire ring. Site 13 is only for backpackers or people willing to hike about 500 yards to the campsite. There is no way to drive to it or even get close except on foot. But it is spectacular and beautiful! Only three sites can accommodate a smaller trailer or camper. Site 1, Site 2, and site 6. Please notify me in your booking if you intend to bring a camper and I can accommodate you. We practice leave-no-trace as much as possible. So please pack out anything you pack in. You are responsible for removing all trash. If any garbage is left behind you will be billed for the cleanup. Heads-up! We have a small farm on the property Dogs are always welcome and we LOVE our furry friends! For their safety and the safety of our livestock please keep them leashed while on property.
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$50
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99%
(205)

Twisted Oaks

16 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · San Marcos, Hays
. Twisted Oaks is located on 20 acres of tree lined Texas Hill Country nestled in the heart of San Marcos. I've been here over 33 years. We have 10-15 campsites all named after the colors in a rainbow. We offer rentals of kayaks, coleman camp stoves, triple burner propane very large, mr buddy propane heaters jackery 1000 watt and bluetti 600 watt solar generators or a tent if this your first time. payment for extras can be cash or Venmo. If you have any special needs please feel free to contact me. thanks and hope to see you soon We sell seasoned oak and juniper hardwood. We are a small microbusiness and would really appreciate if you purchase wood here rather than at a large box store. It is your choice but just so you know you will get twice the wood for maybe half the price. We sell a large wheelbarrow load for $20 or half load for $10. Kindling is gratis. Please check the weather forecast before booking. Texas weather can change on a dime. Also if it is raining in Austin or San Antonio it may be bone dry here. We can not be responsible for the weather or your selection of gear. I prefer winter camping with a nice fire and a cup of coffee. We have invested in clothing and gear to withstand below freezing temps. When campers book we go through a routine to make sure all sites are ready for YOU. There are times were we have had to change or modify our plans to accommodate our "guests" . Changing dates will incur a small fee. Please be fair. Our cancellation policy is strict and it it set as such to protect campers and host alike. We set a high standard for our camp but this is to ensure that all campers will have a great experience. Pay attention to the rules. Using common sense is what we ask. Treat our property as you would have us treat your place...it's really that simple. Hope this does not scare you away. Read the reviews and you will see the common thread is that we are nice helpful folks. See you soon!
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$12
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96%
(806)

Sparrow Bend River Retreat

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents8 acres · Pipe Creek, Bandera
Sparrow Bend River Retreat is a beautiful 8 acre multi-site vacation rental property with camping, RV sites and 2 vacation homes. With a private 300yard stretch of the crystal-clear, spring fed MEDINA RIVER your party will spend the day exploring its majestic cliffs and coves, paddling/floating the river (tubes and kayaks for rent), splashing in the shallows, playing yard games on the lawn or sunbathing on a massive bolder. Enjoy a delicious and memorable dinner in Lakehills (15min), Bandera (20min) or Boerne (25min). Or stay in and grill out over the fire, or at the provided grill. Camp sites each have a customized picnic table for you convenience. Spend you evening sharing laughs around the provided firepit as you take in the dazzling canopy of stars. (Firewood available for sale) Our family has always dreamed of hosting a place for families and friends to come enjoy nature however we would have never dreamed of finding a property as unique and beautiful as this. A lake when the water is high, a beautiful river when the waters low. All crowned by a majestic limestone bluff, complete with boulders, coves and endless room for adventures. This land was once a part of a wagon trail along the river and, if you're lucky, you can still find arrowheads along the paths. The property is gated with a high privacy fence along the neighboring borders for security.
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$55
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94%
(211)

Your New Property

18 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Fredericksburg, Gillespie
Beautiful night skies, beautiful property, just 4 miles from downtown Fredericksburg, TX. Plenty of space between sites.  Campfires allowed, weather permitting. Dogs allowed as long as they are on leashes.Frederickburg, TX has lots to see and plenty to do. Expect to see horses on the property as well as deer and resident armadillo and jackrabbits.   Water, Porta-Potties, and shower are all available.
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$45
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97%
(286)

Reverse Pioneers Hilltop

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Blanco, Blanco
We are Reverse Pioneers, aspiring holistic land stewards with a microgreens business and other farm offerings! Our little homestead operation is just beginning. We offer farm tours and other goods, so check out our Extras and send a message if you'd like to schedule a tour! We hope you enjoy your stay on our beloved hilltop. :)
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$20
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99%
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Low Gear Farmstead

31 sites · RVs, Tents75 acres · Menard, Menard
Get into low gear and enjoy the slow pace and peace of our little working farm on the edge of the hill country. Low Gear Farmstead's 75 acres border the lovely San Saba River, providing campers the opportunity to swim, wade, fish and paddle. Farm animals including dairy goats, chickens, and horses inhabit the property, but wildlife such as deer, wild turkey, ringtail, fox and armadillo is also abundant. Bird watchers will be delighted at the diversity of birds, especially in spring. Don't forget to look up at night as our dark skies provide excellent stargazing on clear nights and a very visible Milky Way. We limit the number of campsites and spread them out so that campers may enjoy privacy and seclusion. Campsites are provided with compost toilets and most sites also have a fire ring. 4WD is not required unless we have had heavy rains, otherwise most vehicles, except very low clearance ones, do fine. The nearest town, Menard, is about a 12 minute drive from the property and has a grocery store, gas stations, a few restaurants restaurants and a bakery. Lovers of history might enjoy visiting the Presidio de San Saba, about 20 minutes from the farm, as well as the historic Pioneers Rest Cemetery in town. Low Gear Farmstead is a safe, welcoming space for queers and POC.
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$25
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Hideout Ridge

7 sites · Lodging, Tents50 acres · Covington, Hill
50 acres covered in large oak trees. We offer several miles of hiking trails, a three acre vineyard, a beautiful pond, secluded camping and abundant wildlife. Located in north western Hill County 15 miles from I-35, Hideout Ridge looks out upon the highest point in the county. Each camp site is separated by trees. A cedar bathhouse with a toilet and hot water shower is a five minute walk from the tent sites and non potable water is available from the tap. A fire pit is available except during dry conditions . The host lives on the property.
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$35
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Lakefront Paradise on Lake Lavon

3 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Farmersville, Collin
Enjoy the beautiful 180 degree view of Lake Lavon on this 1.88 acre private property, where the evening breeze is wonderful and the sunsets are incredible.  The sites are steps from shoreline fishing swimming, kayaking, birding. Take a swim, fish, boat -- whatever your heart desires. Or just put up a hammock, chill, and enjoy the quiet nature bird watching and the sounds of the water.  Choose from either our tent site or our RV site listing depending on your needs.  There's a seasonal boat launch three miles away and a year-round boat launch at Twin Groves.
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$30
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98%
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Overalls and Bird Calls

11 sites · Tents45 acres · Timberwood Park, Comal
Welcome to the Cibolo Gardens Nature Preserve! Just 22 miles from downtown San Antonio, not far off of US 281, our educational homestead is an excellent place to camp. We’ve transformed 45 acres of what was once an active rock quarry just 15 years ago, into a healthy, regenerative, green space as well as an event and training venue. Our venue is nestled in the middle of the rapidly growing suburban landscape around us in north San Antonio. We purchased the property five years ago from good friends who had already started the mission of revitalizing the land. Today, 39 of the acres are in “preservation” status, which means that we are letting the natural micro-ecosystems that have developed from what remained of the quarrying activities 15 years ago to develop on their own. We hope to always keep this acreage in that status for generations to enjoy. The remaining 6 acres is wooded, where we live, have gardens, farm animals and where we interface equitably with our environment. Feel free to simply relax in the shade of the persimmon and juniper trees. Or, to add some activity to your stay, hike the varying terrain on our 45 acres, hunt for fossils in the dry creek bed, break out your tree / plant id books, or watch the wildlife (even if it’s just the chickens).  Refresh by taking a dip in the above ground pool, or wash off in the outdoor cob shower.  [Please be advised that besides campers, we also host homesteading, wilderness survival and herbal medicine classes on our site.  So, you might have company, but you'll definitely have room for privacy. ]  If you want to explore more Hill Country, nearby attractions for outdoor fun include the Guadalupe River State Park (16mi), Guadalupe Canoe Livery where you can rent tubes and kayaks on the river (16 mi) or Natural Bridge Cavern (17mi).
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$30
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100%
(47)

Hill Country Nature Retreat

3 sites · Lodging, Tents38 acres · Blanco, Blanco
My husband and I have built 100% of our homestead ourselves, with no hired help and we try to use as much recycled materials as possible. We're fully off grid with solar power, rainwater, and and it's a lifestyle that we both enjoy very much.
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$125
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(406)

Pecans on the Paluxy

5 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Glen Rose, Somervell
Pitch your tent on the Paluxy River under giant pecan trees. Enjoy the scenic view of our beautiful river. Our private property is located near the historic square of glen rose but feels like you are miles away in the country. Have fun kayaking, swimming, fishing, or just sit back and enjoy the views. We have four different sites to choose from. Most have a tree break area in-between for privacy. Or rent all 5 and have the entire property to yourself. Updated river photos will be posted on our Facebook page, or message me for updates. Unfortunately, I'm not able to control the river. It goes up and down depending on rain and temperatures. The river gets pretty low during July and August. Wheeler Branch Reservoir(only a few miles from camp) is a great spot to swim and fish when the river water levels are lower. Very small lake that is good for swimming and kayaking with a dock, clear waters. We have 5 different sites. All of them overlook the Paluxy River, have rock fire pits, seating areas, patios, and stairs down to riverbed. You will have access to one of the most beautiful parts of the Paluxy River. During drought conditions and high temperatures I always recommend keeping your head above water and avoiding stagnant areas in the river. In order to reserve a spot you must be 21 or over. This is not a extremely remote place where you can party and go crazy. We want everyone to be able to sit back, relax and enjoy the views. Site Big Pecan: This is the farthest site upriver and has one of the largest pecan trees I've ever seen. The trees provide great shade cover during the summer. This site has an awesome rock patio seating area overlooking the river with stairs to provide easy access. It also has a rock firepit with a patio. Also available are 2 wooden Adirondack chairs on the rock patio, a picnic table with shade umbrella, and numerous extras available to rent. Site 1 Limestone ledge: Firepit seating area overlooking the river with 4 Adirondack chairs and hade umbrella, separate rock patio overlooking the river, stairs down to riverbed, huge pecan trees, kids play set, and 1 picnic table, 10' x 10' raised tent deck platform. Site 2: Firepit seating area overlooking limestone riverbed with Adirondack chairs, picnic table, 10' x 10' raised tent / deck platform, stairs down to riverbed and shallow area of the river for kids to play. Site 3: Firepit seating area overlooking the riverbed, 2 wooden Adirondack chairs, 2 picnic tables, 1 shade umbrella, 2 sets of rock stairs to the riverbed, shallow area of the river for kids to play. Site 4 Farthest site downstream. Nice rock patio overlooking the river with two wooden rocking chairs. Easy access for RVs and trailers. Rock stairs to the river for easy access. Fire pit with rock patio around it with 4 wooden Adirondack chairs. Picnic table with shade umbrella. Shallow areas for kids. Deeper fishing hole about 100 feet down river. Great area to sit in the river with a lawn chair. A lot of people buy two sites for more privacy and room for larger groups. For example, many purchase Big Pecan and site 1 together. Or sites 2 and 3. kayaks, wood, outdoor games, frisbee golf baskets and disc, grill and utensils, propane firepit, and other extras available for rent. Please select those during checkout Tips: Bring river shoes, nose plugs, swimming essentials. Parts of the river can be very slippery. Bring life jackets, especially for children. Bring the essentials for any camping trip including: sunscreen, bug spray, anti-itch meds, etc. Chairs and sunshades to sit in the river are always popular. The Paluxy river ranges from just a few inches deep to 5 feet deep in our camping area. There are more swimming holes a little deeper up and downstream. No restroom or water - pack in, pack out. Bring your own potty and water. If you are not familiar with dry camping do some research. There are all types of methods for restrooms, heating, cooling, etc available now to make it enjoyable. Dogs are allowed on leash. Activities Nearby: Dinosaur Valley State Park (Hiking, Biking, Swimming) - 4.5 miles Fossil Rim Wildlife Center (Drive through the park) - 3.9 miles Historic Glen Rose Square (Eat, shop) - .5 miles Big Rocks Park (Free, Kids love to crawl on the huge boulders and wade in the river) - 1.3 miles Oakdale Park (Swimming pool, playground) - 1.4 miles Paluxy Heritage Park / River Walk (Free, Pretty walk, Connects to Big Rocks dam)- 1.2 miles Somervell County Museum (Free, donation) - .7 miles Wheeler Branch Reservoir - (small lake, good kayak fishing, clear)Expo Center (Rodeos, dog shows, different events depending on schedule) Places to eat:*Hammonds BBQ - 2 miles*Sexton Feed Mill Grill/Bar (River View) - .7 miles Los Primos Mexican Food/Bar - 1.7 miles*Mama Mia Mexican Cuisine -*Riverhouse Grill (Lil more upscale) - .4 miles*The Green Pickle (Hamburgers) - .7 milesLa Vita Italian Food - .7 miles*Big Cup Eatery (Breakfast, Dinner) - .9 miles* Storiebook Cafe (Sandwiches, wraps)- .8 miles Beehive Cafe - (hamburgers, Mexican food)Simple Simons (Pizza, calzones) -Snyder's Tavern Bar - .5 miles Blackies Bar/Grill - .7 miles Bull Lion Ranch Winery - .7 miles*Shoo-Fly Soda Shop (Ice-cream, pies) - .7 miles*Loco Coyote Grill/Bar (BBQ) - 8.8 miles Crave Bakery (coffee, pastries) - .8 miles*Grounded Coffee Shop (Coffee, salad bar)Debbie’s Restaurant (Breakfast) -Tiger Corner (Pastries, Sandwiches) -Subway -Sugar Biscuits (Lil Everything) -Teriyaki Chinese Food -Sunshine Doughnuts - *Rough Creek Lodge (upscale reservations, lunch $25, Dinner $125) - 15 miles*Overlook Cafe Fossil Rim (Free by bypassing main entrance, hamburgers, awesome view, petting zoo, gift shop) - 4 miles 7-Eleven Laredo Taco -Tacote (breakfast burritos, lunch)
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$49
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Pinnacle Springs Recreational Park

64 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Greenbrier, Faulkner
TOTALITY! Reservations for the 2024 Eclipse now available -- music, arts and science for all. And because we are located right on the Cadron we also offer kayak and canoe rental, guided trips, and shuttle service to various observation points and natural scenic areas. FYI: You'll not find more for less -- limited availability. Pinnacle Springs Recreational Park lies within a private nature reserve of hiking trails, waterfalls, bluffs, cascading streams and wildlife -- it is all here. The campground is off the radar -- there are no highway signs or advertisements -- yet offers comfortable and safe refuge to guests whether staying in a tent, camper, RV or one of our cabins. On site you can find swimming, paddling, fishing, hiking, a 6-acre foraging field, and 9-hole Frisbee golf course, a Ninja rope course with zipline and slackline, rope swing, bouldering, climbing, psicobloc and more outdoor pursuits than one has time. And Woolly Hollow State Park, Cove Creek Natural Heritage Area and Greer's Ferry Lake all lie within biking distance. New to camping? Need a flush toilet, kitchen sink and daily shower? Hate bugs, hate thorns, or hate wild critters? Or simply don't like being outside and in a primitive setting? Then this may NOT be the place!! But if you want to sneak away and find a lovely little place to unwind and bathe in a forest under a tall canopy of standing pines and oak trees, then Pinnacle Springs is where you need to be. Pinnacle Springs also offers riverside camping on the banks of the North Fork of Cadron Creek -- central Arkansas' premier whitewater stream -- and is less than an hour's drive from Little Rock (only 15 minutes from Conway and I-40). Camp by the side of a river. Camp at the foot or atop a towering bluff. Camp in a cave. Camp by a waterfall. Camp in a riparian jungle. Camp in total solitude or camp with friends and family. We offer so many choices one can select a site that perfectly fits their needs. And if you want total seclusion -- a real "wilderness experience" and are willing to "hike-in" a couple of hundred paces we can provide that too. No traffic noise here! Rather, you'll be soothed by the sound of cascading water echoing off the bluffs -- great for outdoor sleeping and keeping the air fresh and alive. Many of the camp sites are equipped with a heavy picnic table, fire pit and grill, lamp post and level tent site. And if you like to swing -- we have trees! Hammocks and slacklines are the best no trace tree thing ever! And although Pinnacle Springs Campground lies in an off-the-grid wilderness setting there is good cell phone service, a water hydrant can be found near the front gate behind the store, and electrical outlets for recharging phones and such can be found on the ridge at nearby Camp Toasty. And from March through November hot water showers are freely available. Guests are encouraged to explore any of the trails that criss-cross the property especially if you like waterfalls, scenic views, cascading streams, and goat trail bluffs. The Tanner Pool is especially popular after a heavy rain, Bluff Trail offers a nice perch for viewing the river below, and the 1+ mile "circuit trail" is a great way to start one's day. Our place is a bit rough, rugged and unruly yet we call it home -- a place where everyone regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, political views, religion, national origin, or culture is welcomed to come enjoy nature's marvelous works and wonders. So we invite you to come down to the Cadron and sit a spell. Unwind. Kick back. And enjoy! BTW: Those that find our campground a good fit and leave us a welcoming review are invited to return as a "friend of the Cadron" and receive 20% off on future reservations.
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Camping for 2024 Solar Eclipse guide

Your 2024 Total Solar Eclipse Camping Guide

Eclipses of any kind are special and rare, but the total solar eclipse is considered the holy grail of them all. During a total solar eclipse, the moon completely blocks out the sun for a few minutes. Picture this: the sky goes dark during the middle of the day, stars and planets become visible, and animals behave differently. The sun's atmosphere, known as the corona, becomes visible with your naked eye. This spectacular sight, which looks like lines radiating away from the sun, is only visible for a few minutes and then it's gone again—usually for decades.

Witnessing this ultra-rare event leaves a lasting impression, and it's difficult to overstate a total solar eclipse's impact. For most people, it is a truly once-in-a-lifetime event—the next one in North America won't occur until 2045!

At Hipcamp, we're here to help you get the best view! Use our interactive eclipse map to find and book the very best campsites and RV spots in the path of totality so you can experience the wonders of a total solar eclipse with your own eyes.

What is a solar eclipse?

A solar eclipse is when the moon passes in front of the sun. There are four different types of solar eclipses, but the most spectacular is a total solar eclipse, like the one taking place in April 2024. During these rare cosmic alignments, the moon completely blocks out the sun for a few minutes. This period, known as totality, offers views of the sun's atmosphere, or corona. The corona is what comes to mind when most people imagine a solar eclipse, and can be seen with the naked eye or a camera during totality. Want to know about the phenomenon? See our eclipse Q&A.

How do I get reservations for the 2024 eclipse?

We're here to help! The Hipcamp 2024 solar eclipse map showcases all of the best campsites in every state along the path of totality so you can secure your prime viewing spot. State and national park campgrounds tend to book up extremely far in advance even without a rare phenomenon like the eclipse, so we work hard to unlock access to more places to get outside so everyone can experience nature. That said, you’re still going to want to try to book your eclipse campsite well in advance, as this is expected to be the most popular camping event in 2024. Spots are limited!

What time is the 2024 solar eclipse?

In the United States, the 2024 solar eclipse will begin in Texas at 1:27 pm CT and will end in Maine at 3:35 pm ET on Monday, April 8, 2024. Depending on your location, the total solar eclipse can last for as long as over four minutes, or as short as one minute, with Texas experiencing the longest times and the highest chance of clear weather for viewing.

How do I check when my campsite will see the eclipse?

To find out when the eclipse will reach your campsite—or any location—check out this interactive map. It shows when the eclipse will begin and end in any given area, as well as how long the partial and total portions of the eclipse last. Plus, you can see how cloudy a location was in previous years on April 8.

Best 2024 eclipse camping destinations

Texas eclipse camping

Texas is largely considered the best place in the US to see the 2024 eclipse for two reasons. First, Texas offers the best chance at the clear skies required to see the eclipse on an April afternoon. Second, the eclipse will be at its longest in the US here—up to 4 minutes and 24 seconds in Eagle Pass (at 1:27pm CDT) on the US-Mexico border in South Texas. Austin and San Antonio will get about 1 minute and 45 seconds, while Dallas, Fredericksburg, and Texas Hill Country will see the total eclipse for just under or over 4 minutes (at 1:40pm CDT). Luckily, the path runs through what is a camping hotspot in Texas, meaning eclipse viewers can book wide-open campsites—think 200-acre properties with bathrooms, farm animals, and lots of room to set up camp. See all Texas eclipse camping, or try your luck below at one of the Texas state parks within the path of totality.

Oklahoma eclipse camping

Next up, totality hits a small slice of Oklahoma at about 1:45pm CT. Campers from Oklahoma City will only have to drive a short way to see the full effect—try border areas like Heavener or Pushmataha County for a short window, or cross over into Texas or Arkansas for a better view. See all Oklahoma eclipse camping, or look for an eclipse camping spot at an Oklahoma state park below.

Arkansas eclipse camping

Totality begins at 1:46pm CDT in Arkansas, which houses just one of two national parks within the path of totality: Hot Springs National Park will certainly be a popular spot come April 8 (as will Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio). The capital city of Little Rock is in prime territory (totally will last 2 minutes and 20 seconds), while nearby Conway boasts the longer 3 minute and 53 second eclipse at 1:53pm CDT. Escape town out into Ouachita National Forest or the Ozarks for a more natural setting. See all Arkansas eclipse camping, or check out a state park within the path below.

Missouri eclipse camping

Southeast Missouri is in for a treat in 2024. Cape Girardeau will see just over four minutes of totality, as will Mark Twain National Forest, a popular spot for dispersed camping. Kansas City and St. Louis are not in the path of totality, but city residents won’t have to go far to see the phenomenon. See all Missouri eclipse camping.

Kentucky eclipse camping

Only a small portion of Kentucky’s northwest corner will be in the eclipse’s path of totality. Small towns in the area will see up to 2 minutes and 30 seconds of totality, but for a better and longer view, head north into Indiana. See all Kentucky eclipse camping.

Illinois eclipse camping

Although a smaller town, Carbondale, Illinois, will see a relatively long eclipse of about 4 minutes and 8 seconds, starting at 1:49pm CT. Nearby Marion and Harrisburg will put on solid shows too, and outside of town, Shawnee National Forest is a nice nature spot for RV camping and tent camping during the eclipse. See all Illinois eclipse camping.

Indiana eclipse camping

Full totality begins in Indiana at 3:02pm CT and passes through the state’s central swath, including cities like Evansville and Indianapolis. Around Bloomington, eclipse-chasers will see Indiana’s longest duration of totality at just over 4 minutes at 3:04pm ET. RVers can hit Hoosier National Forest, about an hour’s drive due south of Bloomington, to see the moon pass over the sun in a more natural setting. See all Indiana eclipse camping.

Ohio eclipse camping

Ohio will get a front-row seat to the 2024 eclipse, as much of the northeastern corner of the state—including Cuyahoga Valley National Park—sits within the path of totality. Head out from Cleveland, Akron, or Dayton to see the show at a wide-open campsite away from the city crowds. See all Ohio eclipse camping.

Pennsylvania eclipse camping

Pennsylvania’s northwest corner is the only place in the state with a good view—visit the lakeside area surrounding Erie to see totality start around 3:16pm ET. Here, totality will last 3 minutes and 40 seconds, perfect for an RV camping spot on a farm with wide open skies. See all Pennsylvania eclipse camping.

New York eclipse camping

As we move farther northeast, campers can expect cooler weather, with some areas likely to still be frozen for the April eclipse. Even still, glamping and RV trips will be popular in western and northern New York, where Lake Ontario, the Fingers Lakes, and the Adirondacks will all be within the path of totality. The Buffalo area will see the longest eclipse in the state for 3 minutes and 45 seconds at 3:18pm ET. See all New York eclipse camping.

Vermont eclipse camping

The eclipse’s path of totality will enter Vermont around Lake Champlain and Burlington at 3:25pm ET before exiting near Montpelier. In between, the Green Mountains are a top spot to set up camp or find an RV park and look up (while wearing your eclipse glasses, of course). See all Vermont eclipse camping.

New Hampshire eclipse camping

Only a small northern slice of New Hampshire, the North Great Woods, will see just the eastern line of the eclipse path, so most eclipse-chasers will head out of the state to other nearby hot spots. But if you do want to stick around the Granite State, areas within the North Great Woods like Pittsburg and Lake Francis State Park will see the eclipse for about three minutes at 3:28pm ET. See all New Hampshire eclipse camping.

Maine eclipse camping

The total solar eclipse skips over Maine’s cities in favor of putting on a show for more remote parts of the state, including the North Maine Woods, Mount Katahdin, and Baxter State Park. This wild area and its tiny towns will see the show for up to 3 minutes and 28 seconds, but campers should be wary of gray April weather clouding out the mountain views and the eclipse in this region. See all Maine eclipse camping.

Canada eclipse camping

Canada gets in on the action too. The path of totality will run through small swaths of Ontario and Québec before hitting the Maritime provinces of New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Montreal will see the total eclipse, while travelers from Toronto, Ottawa, and Québec City will only have to drive a short distance to see it. Just be sure to consider the higher risk of cloud cover this far north.

Top camping tips for the 2024 total solar eclipse

  1. Book your travel well in advance. Public campgrounds, hotels, and even airline tickets usually completely book up many months ahead of an eclipse, so don’t wait!
  2. Plan to arrive early. You can expect unprecedented traffic before and after the eclipse, so be sure to get to your campsite early—at least the day before—so you don’t risk missing it.
  3. Pack the essentials, and then some. The usual conveniences may be hard to get to, and on-site amenities can be limited at some tent and RV campgrounds. Fill your vehicle’s gas tank and stock up early on food, water, and medicine.
  4. Protect your eyes. As with everything above, order your solar eclipse glasses well in advance. During the week before the eclipse, these glasses can become nearly impossible to find for sale online or in person.
  5. Be prepared to lose service. With millions of people flocking in from around the country, cell towers will likely become overwhelmed. Save your camping reservation details, download the Hipcamp app, and save offline maps. Be sure to let friends and family know where you’ll be and when they can expect to hear from you, too.
  6. Be in the moment. If you’re lucky enough to see a total solar eclipse, enjoy the incredible view and try to take it all in! Remember, these rare events only last for a few minutes, so enjoy it without the distraction of your phone.

What is so special about the 2024 solar eclipse?

The 2024 solar eclipse is special because it will be visible to tens of millions of people in North America. Thirty-one million people live in the path of totality within the United States alone. The next total solar eclipse that will be widely viewable from North America won’t occur until 2045!

Where will the 2024 total eclipse last the longest?

The 2024 total eclipse will last the longest in Mexico and Texas, with some locations along the center line seeing totality for over 4 minutes and 25 seconds. The center line is the direct center of the path of totality, and this is where totality will last the longest. The farther away from the center line, the shorter totality will last, so be sure to choose a location as close to the center line as possible for maximum eclipse viewing.

Frequently Asked Questions

To safely look at an eclipse, solar eclipse glasses are required. Only once the sun is completely blocked by the moon—in the period known as totality—is it safe to take off these special glasses. You must then put them back on after totality is over.

As the moon blocks out the sun during a solar eclipse, it casts a shadow on the surface of the Earth. Over the course of an eclipse, this shadow moves in a line across the Earth. The path of totality is the area in which the moon totally blocks out the sun during a total solar eclipse.

The 2024 solar eclipse is special because it will be visible to tens of millions of people in North America. Thirty-one million people live in the path of totality within the United States alone. The next total solar eclipse that will be widely viewable from North America won't occur until 2045! Find a campsite for the 2024 eclipse.

The 2024 total eclipse will last the longest in Mexico and Texas, with some locations along the center line seeing totality for over 4 minutes and 25 seconds. The center line is the direct center of the path of totality, and this is where totality will last the longest. The farther away from the center line, the shorter totality will last, so be sure to choose a location as close to the center line as possible for maximum eclipse viewing. Find a campsite for the 2024 eclipse.

On the morning of Saturday, October 14, 2023, an annular solar eclipse hit the US. Also known as a ring of fire eclipse for the thin ring of sunlight that shines around the moon, this eclipse tarted in the northwestern part of the country in Oregon before traveling southeast over parts of California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas. Miss it? No problem—there's still time to book a campsite for the even more incredible 2024 total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.

A rare ring of fire eclipse hit parts of the US on the morning of Saturday, October 14, 2023. The last annular eclipse in the US before this one was in 2012, and there won't be another in the Lower 48 until 2046!

Yes, an annular eclipse is definitely worth seeing! This occurs when the moon covers the sun, leaving just a thin "ring of fire" (or sunlight) that shines around the moon. The Lower 48 won't see another ring of fire eclipse until 2046.

In the US, the 2024 total solar eclipse will be visible in parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Find a campsite for the 2024 eclipse.

Yes, a total solar eclipse will be visible on the afternoon of Monday, April 8, 2024, in some US states. We recommend booking a campsite within the path of totality for a long weekend, at least from Saturday, April 6 to Tuesday, April 9. Find yours.

A campsite within the path of totality is the best place to see the 2024 eclipse. You can find a campsite in parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, although weather is expected to be best in southern states like Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Find a campsite for the 2024 eclipse.

In the United States, the Monday, April 8, 2024 solar eclipse will begin in Texas at 1:27 pm CT and will end in Maine at 3:35 pm ET. Depending on your location, the total solar eclipse can last for as long as over four minutes, or as short as one minute, with Texas experiencing the longest times and the highest chance of clear weather for viewing.

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