Why an RV is the Best Way to See Solar Eclipse 2024

Josh SchukmanJuly 24, 2023

Why an RV is the Best Way to See Solar Eclipse 2024

On April 8th, 2024, people who find themselves in a narrow stretch of the U.S. will witness a total solar eclipse. This particular sort of eclipse is so rare that we won’t see another until at least 2044. That’s probably why people will be flocking to the U.S. from all over to see solar eclipse 2024.

RVing is one of the best ways to see the eclipse because you can trade the crowds, congested roads, and expensive hotels for the freedom and flexibility to see the eclipse on your terms. 

And speaking of expensive hotels… we took a quick look at Airbnb rentals in the path of the eclipse and we’re currently seeing prices ranging from $1,000-$4,500/night! Yet another reason why campers are the way to go for solar eclipse 2024.

The most spectacular views along the eclipse’s path will hit remote areas anyway — so an RV just might be the only way to see the best of solar eclipse 2024.

That’s why we put together this guide for seeing the 2024 solar eclipse via RV. 


RVs For Rent Near You

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What is a Total Solar Eclipse?

A total solar eclipse happens when the moon sails between the earth and the sun, completely blocking the sun’s face. As this occurs, the sun’s rays glisten over the moon’s craters — allowing viewers to see a special view of the lunar surface before daylight turns to dark. 

To see the total solar eclipse on April 8th, 2024, you’ll need to be in the path of totality, a narrow band cutting through several U.S. states. 

RVing will give you the flexibility to keep to the path.  

Why RVing is One of the Best Ways to Experience the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse

Campervan on the road

When something this spectacular only happens every twenty-ish years (at best), you can bet your bottom dollar that the narrow path it follows will be crowded.

RVing to the 2024 solar eclipse will:

Help you avoid congested roads — Cities and towns in the path of totality will be jammin’ on April 8th 2024. But if you have an RV, you can roll to a remote area where you can create a private viewing zone for you and the fam. 

Skip the pricey hotel — Hotel prices along the eclipse’s path will be going sky high. We’ve been seeing nightly hotel/bnb prices in the range of $1,000-$4,500/night!

RVing continues to be one of the most affordable forms of travel and even if it ticks up a bit during the eclipse, you’re still more likely to save big and enjoy more with an RV

Get you freedom and flexibility — Solar eclipse 2024 is literally a moving target. RVing gives you the flexibility to follow it along its path so you can enjoy it more than any stationary observer.

You’ll also be able to adapt with short notice if things like weather or other factors create better viewing in one area over another. 

Allow you to make your home in remote areas — Many of the best spots to view the eclipse will be in areas where there’s no civilization. With an RV, you and the family can set up a private eclipse viewing party in the most secluded of spots. 

Where to Stay Near the 2024 Solar Eclipse

The 2024 solar eclipse will track a narrow path of totality through the United States in April. The path of totality is that narrow band where you’ll be able to see a total solar eclipse. 

Anywhere else and you’ll be lucky to see a partial eclipse. 

That’s why finding the right place to stay is clutch for the best solar viewings. And renting an RV will allow you to trace the path and post up wherever you’d like. 

Here are 10 major cities on the path + all our RV rentals within a radius of them:

Fredericksburg, Texas

This town is at the heart of Texas wine country so you can soak in some sips alongside the eclipse. 

And here are all our eclipse-ready RVs for rent near Fredericksburg

Dallas Ft. Worth, Texas

DFW is a cultural and culinary mecca that you can enjoy ahead of the eclipse.

From there, snag one of these DFW area RVs and roll out to some remote areas to have the 2024 solar eclipse all to yourself. 

Little Rock, AR

Arkansas is an outdoorsy oasis that’s also the self-proclaimed mountain biking capital of the world.

Its capital city is right on the eclipse path and these RVs are ready to get you there.  

Arkansas nature
Yep, that’s Arkansas.

Carbondale, IL

You could rent a rig by Carbondale or start your solar journey with the sights and sounds of Chicago before rolling into the path of totality. 

Bloomington, IN

This fun college town is a splendid place to start your eclipse following. Here are a few RVs to rent near there.

Cleveland, OH

The rock and roll capital of the world has some pretty cool sights to see before you take in the sight of a lifetime.

RVs for rent near Cleveland

Syracuse, NY

Upstate New York is another nature and camping oasis that happens to be on the path of totality. 

Rent a nearby RV

Burlington, VT

This picturesque town on Lake Champlain has been captivating outdoorsy folk for eons. 

Rent an RV near here to take it all in. 

Covered bridge in New England
Covered bridges like these dot New Englan

Colebrook, NH

Sitting at the heart of New England, The Granite State is a great jumping off point for journeys through this historic region. 

And in April of 2024 it also happens to be right on the path of the eclipse. Here are nearby RVs for rent

Rent an RV near there to roll around Maine and easily skip over the border to Canada. 

Speaking of Canada…

Toronto, ON

Toronto is technically just a tad north of the path of totality, but you can get on track in about 30 minutes from here.

It’s a fun city to explore and we have scads of Toronto based RV rentals ready to take you on a solar journey.

Montreal, QC

This happenin’ town is on the path of totality and these RV rentals are ready and waiting for you. 

Harvest Hosts — RV Camping Near the 2024 Solar Eclipse

When it comes to a place to park your RV for eclipse viewing, our pals at Harvest Hosts have bunches of wineries, breweries, farms, and more along the path of totality. 

Become a Harvest Hosts member here to enjoy free one-night camping at these eclipse locations. 

Campervan couple in a vineyard
Harvest Hosts offers unique camping options for solar eclipse 2024

How Can I Safely View the Solar Eclipse?

Sunglasses are a no-go for eclipse viewing because they just can’t protect you from those intense rays.

Viewing glasses certified by the International Space Organization are the way to go. These specialized glasses provide thousands more layers of sun protection so you can safely view the 2024 solar eclipse. 

People viewing an eclipse with solar glasses
These kids ain’t watching a 3-D movie…those are space age glasses that are eclipse-viewing approved. 

When is the Next U.S. Solar Eclipse After 2024?

If you miss the 2024 solar eclipse, you’ll have to wait until at least 2044 to see one again in the U.S.

RVing to Solar Eclipse 2024 is the way to go because you’ll be able to nimbly get to the best viewing spots. RVs also let you bring home with you wherever you go so you can set up the ideal viewing party. 
And with people traveling from all over the world to come see this eclipse, the time to start planning is definitely right now.

Check out these rigs we have for rent and get rolling along the eclipse’s path.


RVs For Rent Near You

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Josh and his wife gallivanted all over the country in an '88 Airstream for 4+ years of full-time RVing. They made an unexpected pitstop in Montana in 2020 and haven't left since. That's because they got hooked on the glamping resort they run by Glacier National Park. Fittingly, they keep up their RVing love by renting out vintage Airstreams and other retro RVs to travelers hitting Montana.


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