Plan Your RV Trip Now to See the Total Solar Eclipse

On August 21, 2017, a total eclipse will be visible to viewers in 14 states, with the path of the shadow slicing diagonally across the country from the northwest to the southeast. Parts of Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina lie in what’s called the “path of totality,” promising the best views of the full eclipse. A rare treat, a total eclipse is a celestial event during which the moon completely blocks the sun, revealing the sun’s outer atmosphere, called the corona. And this year’s eclipse promises to deliver quite the show, with some areas along the path of totality projected to see the full eclipse for more than two minutes. Even if you’re not an eclipse enthusiast, planning to hit the road in your RV around the time of the event will surely make for an unforgettable summer trip. But the time to start thinking about where you want to camp is now – hundreds of thousands of people from around the world will descend into the viewing areas within the path of totality, so camping sites are already filling up quickly. Before you start making calls and reservations, though, consider:

• The typical summer weather patterns for your chosen location – While the geographical location of where you want to set up camp will be important – you’ll have to be within a 35- to 70-mile-wide path to see totality – the weather will also play a huge role in your potential viewing capabilities. Most enthusiasts say that the best chances for clear, sunny weather are in Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, and Nebraska.
• Having additional transportation besides your rig – If the weather is fickle, be prepared to have to chase down cloud-free spots for the best view a few hours before the eclipse. If you pull a fifth wheel, you’ll already have a vehicle to drive in, but for motorhome drivers, a towed vehicle or one that’s driven by another member of your party may be necessary. Keep in mind that you may have to drive a hundred miles or more on short notice, so keep the gas tank full and food and water on hand.
• All camping options, even those in which you’d need to boondock – Campgrounds are definite options for you to park your RV for a few days or longer before and after the eclipse, but many are already booked, especially around the areas considered to be the best viewing spots. But don’t get discouraged if you can’t land a reservation at these spots. Also look into camping on private land. There are landowners across the country who are planning to rent out space on their properties to campers, including those with RVs. Many towns along the path of totality are also planning to utilize their county and state fairgrounds and even university campuses to accommodate campers and hold events.

Overall, you might need to get a little creative and maybe do some boondocking if you travel in your RV to see the total eclipse, but it will be worth it in the end. The last time a total eclipse was visible in the United States was 1979. and the next one will not take place until 2024. To learn more about planning your RV trip to see the total eclipse, contact us today!