Camping Spots for the Total Solar Eclipse

As you might know, a total solar eclipse is approaching in April 2024. This event is expected to be one of the year's most significant natural spectacles, attracting an estimated 1 to 4 million visitors to the path of totality, which will stretch from Mexico to Canada across North America. If you haven't started making plans, it might be too late to book a hotel. While several tour operators are still offering last-minute solar eclipse excursions, those looking to create their own eclipse adventure can opt for a DIY camping experience.

In the United States, some of the top camping spots for the 2024 solar eclipse are located in national parks, state parks, state forests, and private lands. Bring your tent and a positive mindset, and prepare to camp at these five incredible locations where the sky's wonders will be all around you.

1. Adirondack Park, New York

Located four hours north of New York City, the Adirondacks once served as a secluded retreat for wealthy figures like the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts. Today, this wilderness area is much more accessible to the average person than it was a century ago, thanks to numerous scenic byways that wind through the region. Yet, it remains as unspoiled as it was in the past: at 6 million acres, Adirondack Park is the largest publicly protected area in the contiguous United States. On April 8, several spots in the Adirondacks—such as Lake Placid, Whiteface Mountain, and Newcomb Overlook—will host their own celebrations for the occasion. More than half of this vast park will lie within the path of totality, ensuring plenty of room for a more intimate experience.

Camping Locations

The Adirondack Park offers an abundance of camping options, featuring over 60 campsites (along with numerous backcountry choices). For those seeking a more luxurious experience than a basic tent setup—the Adirondacks once served as a summer retreat for the Roosevelts and Astors—explore the various glamping spots available or stay at lodges like the Saranac Waterfront Lodge.

2. Texas Hill Country

With Texas’s high likelihood of clear skies (barring influences like El Niño), the Lone Star State stands out as one of the top locations to pitch your tent for the eclipse. A prime spot for viewing is a vast 31,000-square-mile area known as Texas Hill Country, nestled between Texas’s High Plains and San Antonio. In towns such as Kerrville and Bandera, visitors can expect over four minutes of totality on April 8. Plan to extend your stay a day or two, as the solar eclipse is just one reason this region is among the top destinations for 2024. The German-influenced town of Fredericksburg, with its charming character, is also worth a visit.

Camping Options

The western, less-populated section of Hill Country is particularly well-suited for experiencing a more dramatic darkening of the skies. Check out small towns like Bandera, where the Hill Country State Natural Area preserve features several first-come, first-served campsites.

3. Niagara Falls, New York

NASA is heading north to Niagara Falls for the solar eclipse, so why not be part of the excitement? On April 8, America’s oldest state park will experience nearly four minutes of totality on the day of the eclipse. Be sure to camp out ahead of time, as from April 4, NASA experts—and even astronauts—will host free public events (more details to come) at locations including Niagara Falls public libraries, the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center, and the Aquarium of Niagara. Pair this event with a trip to witness one of the most stunning waterfalls in the world and explore the quaint town of Niagara-on-the-Lake; camping out and extending your stay promises to be quite an adventure.

Camping Locations

Just a 15-minute drive from the park, Niagara Falls Campground & Lodging is one of the nearest campgrounds to Niagara Falls. Reservations for the camping season open on March 1. Other options a bit farther away include the campground at Four Mile Creek State Park and Golden Hill State Park campground.

4. Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas

For a truly relaxing eclipse camping experience, Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas offers approximately three and a half minutes of totality. While there are no outdoor hot springs within the park (you'll need to visit the two bath houses downtown to enjoy the area's thermal waters), the park boasts over 25 miles of hiking trails perfect for clearing your mind. Take a stroll down the popular Sunset Trail around the time of totality to catch a breathtaking view of the Ouachita Mountains as twilight falls.

Camping Options

Explore the 44 campsites available at the national park’s Gulpha Gorge campground, which can be booked up to six months in advance. Alternatively, you can head 20 minutes north to find 93 campsites at Lake Ouachita State Park. This park is situated by Arkansas’s largest lake, offering opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and even scuba diving among fish like catfish, crappie, and bass.

5. Hoosier National Forest, Indiana

Located two hours south of Indianapolis, much of Hoosier National Forest lies within the path of totality for the 2024 solar eclipse. This expansive 200,000-acre forest offers numerous ideal viewing locations in nature. For those wanting to experience complete darkness, Monroe Lake is particularly noteworthy, as it will enjoy approximately four minutes of totality due to its proximity to the center of the eclipse path. While securing a spot in Indiana's only national forest is a great choice, there are also exciting events nearby: From April 6 to 8 at the Monroe County Fairgrounds (roughly an hour away), a solar eclipse camping and music festival will take place, featuring local bands and wellness workshops—including a wedding package for couples wishing to tie the knot in total darkness.

Camping Opportunities

Reservations for camping in the Hoosier National Forest Recreation areas became available on January 12. Several camping spots, such as the Charles C. Deam Wilderness and Blackwell campground, fall within the path of totality. However, stay tuned—more campgrounds will begin accepting reservations in the upcoming weeks.