Book These Campsites Now For The U.S. ‘Ring Of Fire’ Solar Eclipse

A couple preparing for the total solar eclipse on August 20, 2017 in Shoshoni, Wyoming. (Photo by ... [+] Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post via Getty Images)

I’m the world’s only “eclipse journalist” so for the very latest on the “ring of fire” solar eclipse—including the latest travel and lodging options—please press the big blue “follow” button above or check my main feed.

If you’re yet to plan a trip to see the “ring of fire” solar eclipse on October 14, 2023, you have less than 50 days left to make a plan—but it’s not too late.

The rare sight of a circle of light around a new moon during the morning will be visible from a 125 miles wide path stretching across eight U.S. states that day, from the Pacific Northwest to the U.S. Southwest. Everyone else in the U.S. will see just a regular partial solar eclipse, which has caused thousands to make plans and book-up hotels, RV parks and campsites in .

Check out my recent post that featured eight hotels, lodges, festivals and RV parks to be for October 14.

A future post coming soon (check back!) will look at hotel options, but here I’m focusing only on campsites and RV parks.

A lot of campsites in the path are sold out, though that mostly applies only to those either in U.S. National Parks and State Parks or private campgrounds on or near the centerline of the path.

But here’s the thing. You really don’t need to stay on or even near the centerline of the path.

Sure, the centerline is where the “ring of fire” will be visible for the longest (over four minutes), but even relatively close to the southern or northern limits of the path you can easily get over two minutes. That’s enough to see the “ring of fire!” Besides, you can also rise early and drive further north or south to the centerline.

Armed with that knowledge, a whole world of new lodging opportunities opens up.

These campsites are all in the path of the eclipse and were sourced from Hipcamp’s useful Best camping spots for the 2023 Solar Eclipse page. I have no affiliation with Hipcamp whatsoever—it’s just such a great resource for travel planning for this eclipse.

Sure, many of the campsites on the map are sold out, but as of today (Aug. 29, 2023), the campsites below have availability for two nights, October 13-15, 2023.

Times given are for the “ring of fire” moment for each location, though bear in mind that there will be a beautiful partial solar eclipse to watch for about 80 minutes before and after.

The path of the "ring of fire" annular solar eclipse on October 14, 2023 will cross eight U.S. ... [+] states.

Time of “ring of fire”: 9:17 a.m. PDT, 4 minutes 4 seconds

This camping spot next to Winema National Forest near Chiloquin, Oregon has four bring-your-own-tent campsites ($70/night) and three Native American Tipi ($180/night). More information.

Time of “ring of fire”: 9:19 a.m. PDT, 3 minutes 25 seconds

Four RV sites are available ($35/night) on this working farm close to Lake City and the Warner Mountains in Surprise Valley. It’s close to Modoc National Forest and to the borders between California and both Oregon and Nevada. More information.

Time of “ring of fire”: 9:21 a.m. PDT, 1 minute 39 seconds

Many eclipse-chasers from California will head into the path through Nevada using Interstate 80. Just into the southern limit is this ranch near Unionville, which has three dispersed camping sites—no facilities—for $40/night. More information.

Time of “ring of fire”: 9:23 a.m. PDT, 2 minutes 24 seconds

This ranch near the northern limit of the path close to Deeth, Nevada would be ideal for anyone traveling from Salt Lake City, which is about 200 miles east along Interstate 80. The five dry RV/camping sites cost $25/night. More information.

Time of “ring of fire”: 9:23 a.m. PDT, 4 minutes 4 seconds

Seasonal camping on this 80-acre property in the cool high desert of far Eastern Nevada’s Steptoe Valley—near the small town of McGill just north of Ely—includes four RV/tent sites ($18/night) on a private campground and 58 dispersed RV/tent sites on a reclaimed gravel pit. More information.

An annular solar eclipse sequence, shot using solar filters.

Time of “ring of fire”: 10:30 a.m. MDT, 2 minutes 26 seconds

If you’re planning a road-trip to Canyonlands National Park, Arches National Park, Mesa Verde National Park and/or Monument Valley, but you’re finding it impossible to stay near those parks, then this one could be your savior. In Monticello, Utah, this place has seven RV sites ($45/night) and seven cabins ($80/night). More information.

Time of “ring of fire”: 10:32 a.m. MDT, 3 minutes 8 seconds

For some reason this part of the path—around the border of Colorado and New Mexico—has campsites with plenty of availability. This off-grid, eco-conscious destination near Hesperus, Colorado has 21 RV/tent sites ($40/night). More information.

Time of “ring of fire”: 10:36 a.m. MDT, 2 minutes 46 seconds

This option close to the northern edge of the path has 20 dispersed RV/tent sites ($40/night) in 156 acres of highland forest. More information.

Time of “ring of fire”: 11:48 a.m. MDT, 4 minutes 15 seconds

This camp in Junction close to South Llano River State Park has four tent camping sites ($30/night) and an RV site ($50/night) with sewerage, WiFi, river access and water. More information.

Time of “ring of fire”: 11:50 a.m. CDT, 4 minutes 1 second

This camp on the Guadalupe river near Kerrville has five RV/tent sites ($100/night) remaining out of 16 in a secluded location with no running water or electricity. More information.

Time and eclipse durations come from Xavier Jubier’s interactive Google Map. Double-check eclipse times—and get a full schedule for your specific location—on TimeAndDate.com.

I am the editor of WhenIsTheNextEclipse.com and author of “The Complete Guide To The Great North American Eclipse of April 8, 2024.”

Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.