2024 Eclipse RV Camping Options

In August of 2017 a group of Xscapers converged upon the small town of Madras, Oregon in their RVs to view the solar eclipse. It was a bucket list activity that was checked off for everyone there as the Moon slid in between the Sun and the Earth and totality lasted for just over two minutes.

Once again, parts of North America will have the opportunity to view a total solar eclipse. During the month of April, many RVers will be traveling to campgrounds and RV parks within the path of totality so they can view this amazing sight on April 8, 2024.

Here are some tips to find the best viewing spots as well as safety tips for when you’ll be staring at the Sun.

Let’s get to it!

When and Where is the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse Happening in the United States?

The next total solar eclipse happens on Monday, April 8th, 2024. The path of totality will travel from southwest Texas, entering the state around 1:30 pm CDT. The path of totality will travel northeast, ending in Maine at around 4:00 EDT.

What to Expect During the Eclipse

A total solar eclipse is where the Sun is completely blocked by the Moon. The area along where the total eclipse can be viewed is called the path of totality. A partial eclipse can be viewed from outside the path of totality.

If you want to see all stages of the total solar eclipse, you will need to be somewhere along the path of totality.

Of course, viewing the eclipse will depend on the weather. Cloudy skies will block your view, but clear skies will allow you to see all stages of the total solar eclipse. Find a place where you know the skies will be clear in April.

The Best Eclipse Viewing

The best viewing of the 2024 solar eclipse will be in the path of totality . Campgrounds and RV parks are already accepting reservations for RV camping within the path of totality, and they are filling up fast.

To find the best spot to camp, look at the path of totality map to see where the best viewing sites will be during the eclipse. Then, use your favorite RV camping apps and other resources to find an RV park, campground, or even a boondocking spot within or close to the path of totality. You may even want to ask friends or family to allow you to do a little RV camping in their driveway!

But what if you can’t get a spot to camp on your own? Don’t worry, there are plenty of events taking place around the United States where you can stay in your RV and join in on the fun. Simply use your favorite web browser and search for “2024 eclipse events.” While you may have to wait for some events to start promoting until late 2023 or early 2024, there is still quite a list for you to choose from right now.

You’ll be happy to know that the Xscapers will be having their Solar Eclipse Convergence April 6-14 in Paris, Texas, right in the path of totality. Like other events across the U.S., tickets will be available for this event in late 2023.

2024 Eclipse Locations and RV Camping Options

The 2024 solar eclipse path of totality will start in southwest Texas on Monday, April 8 2024 and travel northeast, ending in Maine.

Locations along the path of totality include:

• San Antonio, Texas
• Austin, Texas
• Waco, Texas
• Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex
• Little Rock, Arkansas
• Hot Springs, Arkansas
• Carbondale, Missouri
• Evansville, Indiana
• Indianapolis, Indiana
• Dayton, Ohio
• Cleveland, Ohio
• Buffalo, New York
• Rochester, New York
• Syracuse, New York
• Burlington, Vermont
• Houlton, Maine

Check out the Great American Eclipse website for a larger map and more information on the 2024 Eclipse.

Like mentioned above, RV parks and campgrounds are already taking reservations and filling up fast. Although we can’t guarantee availability, here are a few campgrounds along the path of totality.

• McKinney Falls State Park near Austin, Texas
• Gulpha Gorge Campground in Hot Springs, Arkansas
• Archway RV Park near Mt. Vernon, Illinois
• Fern Lake Campground near Paducah, Kentucky
• Cedar Lane RV Resort in Port Clinton, Ohio on Lake Erie
• Niagara Falls/Grand Island KOA Holiday in Niagara Falls, New York
• Houlton/Canadian Border KOA Journey in Houlton, Maine

Solar Eclipse Convergence in Paris, Texas

Xscapers will be hosting a solar eclipse Convergence in Paris, Texas, along the path of totality of the 2024 eclipse.

And if you don’t already know, Xscapers is a community within Escapees RV Club for working RVers, and a Convergence is a type of RV rally or event for the working RVer. Convergences are full of fun activities, get-togethers, social events, and education.

The Paris Eclipse Convergence will be a fun week of activities, plus a total solar eclipse! Pretty cool!

Check the Xscapers Convergences page for more information as it’s released.

Safety Tips While Viewing An Eclipse

To view a solar eclipse safely, you will need solar filters, which is a fancy way to say special glasses. There are a lot of fakes on the market today, so don’t buy from Amazon. Looking directly at the sun during a solar eclipse can permanently damage your vision if you don’t use proper solar filters. Use this list of reputable suppliers to snag your own solar filters When you get them, inspect them for scratches, tears, or other damage. Don’t use them if they are damaged.

Viewing a total solar eclipse requires some safety precautions. We’re sure you were told to never look directly at the Sun and hope that you followed that rule. Looking at the Sun directly during a total solar eclipse will damage your eyes.

If you’ll be photographing any part of the total solar eclipse, using a telescope, or even binoculars, you will need a special-purpose solar filter to protect your eyes. Be sure you’re prepared and have these securely attached over the front of the optics before using your devices. Never just wear your solar viewing glasses or use your solar viewer to look at the Sun through a camera, telescope, or binoculars. The Sun’s rays will burn right through the filter of the glasses or viewer and damage your eyes.

Only during totality, when the Moon is completely blocking the Sun, will you be able to momentarily remove your eclipse glasses safely. All other times you will need to keep them on. Always wear them if you are only seeing a partial eclipse.

Other tips to be aware of while viewing the total solar eclipse include protecting your skin with sunscreen and clothing, wearing a hat, and supervising children who are wearing eclipse glasses or using an eclipse viewer.

Can’t find any quality solar filters, or just ran out of time? You can make a projection box to safely view the eclipse with supplies you have around the house.

Conclusion

(https://youtu.be/PMPBWLSYKaw) Knowing what to expect, where to look for the best RV camping sites, and some safety precautions to follow will help you be more prepared for the upcoming total solar eclipse in 2024.

Take advantage of the freedom you have while RVing and make a point to see this event. If you miss it, the next one in North America isn’t until 2044!