A sign of things to come? Oregon state parks will open an additional 1,000 campsites for this summer’s total solar eclipse.
Astronomers and camp-goers alike are already looking forward to The Great American Eclipse at the end of summer. And many are booking the best outdoors viewing spots well in advance.
With many campsites already receiving advance reservation requests for the Aug. 21 event, hotels campgrounds, and parks are gearing up for record numbers. The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department (ORPRD) announced that it will open 1,000 additional campsites for early reservation next week.
The Great American Eclipse
The map above shows Oregon’s State Parks relative to the Path of Totality: The areas over which the sun will be completely blocked out by the moon.
It’s the first solar eclipse visible from the continental U.S. since 1979, and it will be the last one visible across both coasts until 2045.
According to the ORPRD, most of its campsites for the date of the eclipse were reserved as far back as last November. The new lot of campsites will be up for grabs beginning April 19, at 8 a.m. (local time).
While many destinations in or near the Path of Totality quickly began charging premium “eclipse pricing,” Oregon’s additional campsites remain the same: $10 per night for basic, $31 for RV spots with hookups. But there is a three-night minimum for booking these extra sites.
We expect more overflow camping and viewing options to become available as the event nears, and we’ll be sure to keep you posted.
