Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Outdoors

RVing to check out April’s solar eclipse? Check out one of these top camping sites for the best views

RV camping sites to view the 2024 solar eclipse

By
Total Eclipse
Justin Dickey / Unsplash

If you’ve never seen a total eclipse before, this is your chance! On April 8th, a total solar eclipse will cross North America. It will begin over the South Pacific Ocean and stripe over Mexico, the United States, and Canada.

Needless to say, this solar eclipse has stirred a wave of excitement through the astronomy community, and for those seeking a memorable experience, many are considering an RV trip to scout out the best locations. If you’re looking to camp out to watch the eclipse and enjoy some of America’s most beautiful landscapes, CAMPLUZX has just compiled a list of great campgrounds and state parks that promise an unrivaled view of the action.

2024 total eclipse
Mathew Schwartz / Unsplash

Best places to view the solar eclipse 2024

The viewing time for each location has been approximated with the help of NASA’s data. Check out the full article for other viewing opportunities and more accurate times.

Recommended Videos

McKinney Falls State Park, Austin, Texas

Just a stone’s throw from the vibrant city of Austin, McKinney Falls State Park is a haven for those looking to combine urban exploration with natural wonders. This state park offers spacious RV sites amidst lush greenery and serene waterfalls, creating a picturesque backdrop for the eclipse. The clear Texas skies are ideal for stargazing, making this location a top pick for eclipse chasers.

Related

The partial eclipse will begin at around 12:20 pm CDT and reach its maximum by 1:40 pm CDT.

Gulpha Gorge Campground, Hot Springs, Arkansas

Nestled in the Ouachita Mountains, Gulpha Gorge Campground in Hot Springs, Arkansas, is a gem for those seeking a tranquil escape. The campground is equipped with full hookups for RVs, ensuring a comfortable stay. Surrounded by rolling hills and the soothing sounds of the Gulpha Creek, this site provides a peaceful setting to witness the solar eclipse amidst nature’s splendor.

The partial eclipse will begin at around 12:30 pm CDT and reach its maximum by 1:50 pm CDT.

Archway RV Park, Mt. Vernon, Illinois

For a more community-focused experience, Archway RV Park near Mt. Vernon, Illinois, is an excellent choice. Known for its friendly atmosphere and well-maintained facilities, this RV park offers a cozy setting to view the eclipse. Its proximity to local attractions and essential amenities makes it a convenient and enjoyable stop for families and solo travelers alike.

The partial eclipse will begin at around 12:40 pm CDT and reach its maximum by 2:00 pm CDT.

Fern Lake Campground, Paducah, Kentucky

Fern Lake Campground, situated near Paducah, Kentucky, is a destination that blends the charm of a rustic RV camping experience with modern conveniences. With its serene lake and abundant wildlife, this campground provides a tranquil setting for eclipse viewing. The open skies and natural surroundings offer an unobstructed view of the eclipse, making it a preferred spot for nature enthusiasts.

The partial eclipse will begin at around 12:40 pm CDT and reach its maximum by 2:00 pm CDT.

Cedar Lane RV Resort, Port Clinton, Ohio

Located on the shores of Lake Erie, Cedar Lane RV Resort in Port Clinton, Ohio, offers a lakeside eclipse viewing experience. This resort caters to RVers with top-notch facilities and breathtaking views of the lake. The combination of the eclipse and the tranquil waters of Lake Erie promises a truly magical experience for visitors.

The partial eclipse will begin at around 2:00 pm CDT and reach its maximum by around 3:15 pm CDT.

Niagara Falls and Grand Island KOA Holiday, Niagara Falls, New York

For those looking to combine natural wonders with celestial phenomena, the Niagara Falls and the Grand Island KOA Holiday in New York is a great choice. Positioned close to the majestic Niagara Falls, this KOA offers comfortable RV sites and a host of recreational activities. Witnessing the eclipse with the backdrop of one of the world’s most famous waterfalls is an opportunity you won’t want to miss.

For this area, the partial eclipse will begin at around 2:00 pm CDT and reach its maximum by 3:20 pm CDT.

Canadian Border KOA Journey, Houlton, Maine

The Canadian Border KOA Journey in Houlton, Maine is another great option. Located near the scenic Canadian border, this camping ground provides a peaceful and spacious environment for eclipse watching. It might be chilly at this time of year, but this site’s northern location offers an up-close and personal look at the eclipse.

For this area, the partial eclipse will begin at around 2:20 pm CDT and reach its maximum by 3:30 pm CDT.

RV’ing to view April’s solar eclipse presents an opportunity to explore some of the most scenic locations across the United States. Remember, when viewing a solar eclipse, it’s crucial to prioritize safety. The sun’s rays, even during an eclipse, can cause serious eye damage if viewed directly without proper protection. Make sure you bring Solar Viewers or Eclipse Glasses, and avoid using cameras or telescopes without the proper filters.

Editors’ Recommendations

Topics
Sarah Joseph
Sarah Joseph
Contributor
Sarah is a lover of all things outdoors. With a bright sense of adventure and a heart for the mountains, she is always…
Want to go beach camping in California? You’ll love these gorgeous spots
If you're never pitched a tent on the beach in the Golden State, then these spots are good places to try it
The sun setting over the ocean

 

Are you yearning to ditch the daily grind and trade it for the soothing sounds of the ocean? Then California's coastal campgrounds are calling your name! Here's a guide to some of the best beach camping California spots that the state has to offer.
Northern California

Read more
The best tips and tech for beating the heat while car camping this summer
Here's how to keep calm (and cool) and carry on while camping in even the worst summer heat
White Jeep camping in the Australian desert.

Unless you live in Hawaii (don't brag), summertime camping can be rough. Sleeping in a tent can be hot, clammy, and humid. On the worst nights, it's some hellish blend of all three. That's doubly true for car campers. Modern vehicles just aren't designed for maximum ventilation, and they're certainly not purposefully designed for sleeping in. But with clever planning and the help of a few cool gadgets, you can find your car camping chill, even in the dead of summer.
Park in the shade

This might seem obvious. But if you're booking a campground online with few to no photos of your actual campsite or hurrying to find a dispersed campsite at the end of a long day of driving, it's easy to overlook. If you're car camping in peak summer heat, parking in the shade is a free and easy way to keep your vehicle and your campsite cooler throughout the day. Just keep the treeline in mind if you also camp with solar panels or satellite internet gear, as full-shade camp spots will affect both.
Install automotive window screens

Read more
The 4 best beaches in the U.S. for camping like a castaway
Get away on your own swath of sand at one of these beach camping spots
The landscape of False Cape.

Discovering a private stretch of beach is like stumbling on a slice of paradise. And, one of the best ways to seek out your own swath of shoreline is with a beach camping trip. Offering a chance to spy migrating marine creatures, catch epic sunrises, and fall asleep to the sound of the tide, a beach campout makes for an idyllic getaway any time of year. In the south, ocean temperatures are still warm enough for swimming well into the fall, and beaches situated along the Atlantic Flyway offer the chance to admire masses of migrating waterfowl during the fall and winter.

While on the other side of the country, beach campers have the opportunity to spot migrating gray whales bound for the warm waters around Baja during the fall and winter. The best places to visit throughout the U.S. are a number of state and national parks, national seashores, and wilderness areas that offer opportunities for beach campers to snag a spectacular spot in the sand. Keep reading to find out where the best beaches for camping are located.
Olympic National Park
Washington state

Read more