In just a few weeks, parts of the South, Midwest, and Northeast will be in the path of totality for a 2024 solar eclipse. Although the event is just a few weeks away, there is still time to plan a trip to witness this celestial event. RVshare has a trove of eclipse travel articles and information. This particular article will share everything you need to know for last-minute eclipse travel. We’ll show you where to visit, how to find accommodations, and what you’ll want to bring with you for this exciting event.
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Where and When it Will Happen
The solar eclipse begins in the U.S. at 2:27 pm EDT in Texas and ends at 3:34 pm EDT in Maine. The area where the eclipse will be complete – known as the path of totality – makes a wide arc through the South and up to the Northeast, hitting the cities of Dallas, Texas, Little Rock, Arkansas, Cleveland, Ohio, Erie, Pennsylvania, Buffalo, New York, and Burlington, Vermont.
This eclipse is expected to draw large crowds, partly because the path of totality goes through many big cities and urban areas. In fact, cities like Buffalo could almost double in size thanks to eclipse tourists.
How to Find Accommodations
It’s true that a lot of hotels and campgrounds have been booked for months, if not a year, in advance. But take heart – there are still places to find last-minute rooms or places to camp. Here are a few tips for finding a place to stay in the path of totality.
1. Expedia Eclipse Page
If you’re looking for hotels, Expedia has an eclipse page to help you locate some near the path of totality. Many of the hotel listings will give you a distance in miles from the eclipse to help you with your planning. At this stage, you’ll want to be flexible. Consider staying a little farther away or loosening your requirements for a room to broaden your search range.
2. Finding a Campground
You may have better luck finding a campground than a hotel room at this point. Hipcamp has a listing of the best camping spots along the path of totality and some of them still have availability at the time of the eclipse. There are also lots of state parks in the path of totality where you can camp. As you look for campgrounds, you may also have better luck searching farther north where the weather is colder (if you’re able to camp in chilly conditions).
3. Options if Campgrounds Are Booked
If you don’t want to stay in a traditional campground, or you find that a lot of the ones you like are booked, there are several other camping options as well. Although Bureau of Land Management lands are often a popular spot for dispersed camping, there aren’t any near the path of totality. However, there are some other options:
- National Forest dispersed camping
- National Forest campgrounds
- State Forest dispersed camping
- Land maintained by the state Department of Fish and Wildlife or the Department of Natural Resources
- Army Corps of Engineers campsites
4. RVshare Rentals
RVing is an excellent way to experience the eclipse. You can set up your rig in the path of totality several days beforehand and you won’t have to drive at all for the big event. It’s easier to bring along comfortable chairs, telescopes, blankets, and other equipment you want for your viewing without having to worry about carting that stuff on a plane. You’ll also have a bathroom and other conveniences at hand all day long, as opposed to people who drive to a park to watch the event.
If you choose to camp in a colder location, an RV or trailer will also provide you with warmth and a comfortable place to prepare and eat meals.
RV rentals can also be less expensive than paying to stay in a hotel.
A quick check of RVshare rentals along the path of totality shows that there are still options left if you’re looking to rent one. If you’re having trouble finding one, consider renting an RV outside of the path of totality and driving to your destination.
5. Premium Campground & Rental Packages
You can skip the hassle of finding both a campground and an RV rental by booking one combo package that takes care of everything! Spot2Nite and RVshare have paired up to provide all-inclusive rentals for the eclipse. Customers get a campground reservation along the eclipse viewing path, plus a fully equipped travel trailer to use. The trailer is delivered, set up, and picked up after the eclipse – all you do is show up and enjoy your stay.
Eclipse Events
Of course you’re traveling to witness the eclipse itself on April 8. But many towns and communities are hosting eclipse events in the days and hours leading up to the Big Event. RVshare has compiled a database of events in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and other areas along the path of totality. Some of the happenings begin as early as April 4th, and while most culminate with the eclipse itself, some events wrap up on April 9th.
You’ll find everything from music festivals to astronomy gatherings to family-friendly activities. There are options for the entire family.
National parks across the country – even those not in the path of totality – are hosting events celebrating the eclipse as well. You can find their offerings on their website. Simply click the April 8 date on the calendar to see what each of the parks has planned.
NASA also has a variety of eclipse-related presentations and celebrations planned. You can find NASA’s plans on their website.
Eclipse Tips
Now that you have your accommodations squared away, and some plans to enjoy eclipse events, make sure you’re prepared for the event itself!
1. Don’t Forget Eclipse Equipment
Grab some eclipse glasses ahead of time so you can safely watch the sun disappear. You may also want a solar filter sheet to view the eclipse through a telescope, binoculars, or camera.
Don’t forget items to make the rest of your stay enjoyable as well! You’ll want comfy camp chairs to sit in while you wait for the Big Event. You may also want a cozy blanket or pillows. Card games or books can help pass the time while you wait. Some people may want a travel journal where they can write memories and save mementos from the trip.
2. Plan for Eclipse Traffic
Many towns are planning for a much higher traffic volume than usual – another reason why RV camping is an excellent idea! You may encounter eclipse traffic the weekend before the event, the day of the eclipse, and the day after as everyone heads home. If you’re driving to a location on the day of the eclipse, make sure to give yourself plenty of time in case the roads are busy. And if you’re driving in a few days before (good idea!), load up some road trip podcasts and be ready to encounter some fellow eclipse enthusiasts doing the same thing.
3. Be Ready for the Weather
If you’re camping in the south, you should experience pleasant weather in early April. However, the farther north you venture, the bigger the likelihood of a spring storm. Some areas are still getting snow at that time of year. Make sure your RV can handle cold temperatures if you plan to camp. You may also want a few backup ideas in case the area where you are staying is cloudy. Check the weather forecast ahead of time, and see if you can plan where to be for clear skies.
Of course, weather is ultimately beyond anyone’s control. If you can plan a fun RV camping trip where everyone enjoys themselves, you’ll be less
4. Get Some First-Hand Advice
RVshare blog contributors Happy Trails Family camped out to witness the 2017 total eclipse. They have some great advice for families hoping to camp and enjoy the 2024 eclipse next month. It’s helpful to get tips from a family that has already tried this adventure.
If you’re hoping to experience the April eclipse but haven’t booked your experience yet, you still have a good chance of finding accommodations and supplies to enjoy the event. Good luck and enjoy chasing the sun…and the shadows as well!
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