31 replies to this topic

[Phteven Chaos]

.

.

Our plan at this point is pulling the camper to Texas for the eclipse.

We would like to find a permanent location prior to the Eclipse where we can set up and relax and enjoy the Eclipse.

We have been invited to stay at a friends residence outside of Dallas where we could set up and then drive to totality Eclipse morning weather permitting.

Hopefully we can gather some good information here to help us and others with what's available and where go to enjoy the Eclipse.

.

I'll start with a few questions:

#1-What State parks or Land is available for camping along the path of totality? (Campgrounds or Boondocking)

#2-Best area in Texas for clear skies along the path of totality in March/April?

#3-I have heard that along some roads you can camp in the ditch/right-of-way, True or False?

.

Thanks, Steve.

Edited by Phteven Chaos, 06 April 2023 - 04:30 AM.

[Bob W4]

You can start by using Google Maps.  Zoom in on an area your interested in, and all the business locations pop up.  Pick out a campground whether it be a state park, RV park, private campground, etc.  They all show up and you can pick who you want to contact.

[SkipW]

Eclipsophile has published a very detailed analysis of the historical weather along the track. Their takeaway is that the best bet for clear weather is in Mexico. After that, they say the area west of San Antonio and Austin in Texas is marginally better than farther north and south until you get south of Uvalde and into Mexico, with west of the centerline more favorable than east of it in that region. 

 

Also, I would not recommend planning on doing a lot of driving that morning. Many roads were completely jammed for the 2017 eclipse; find a spot in a campground or RV park in the path, and plan to arrive at least the day before. RV-er friends tell me that individual RV and tent campsites at Corps of Engineers lakes are opened for reservations 6 or sometimes 5 months ahead of time. You might want to verify that, look at the offerings, and try to snare one pretty much the moment they go up for grabs.

 

This is spring, however, and the weather is always quite variable over the mid-continent at this time of year. I do know that most of Texas along the eclipse track has been overcast for the past week this year. On the other hand, the rest of the track within the US hasn't been much better during that time, either. 

[Bob W4]

I see Explore Scientific is sponsoring/selling eclipse camping deals in conjunction with a local ranch near Leakey, Texas.  The site is located in the criss-cross path for both upcoming eclipses.  They advertise on site toilets, security, and a food vendor, product demos and give aways.  I almost have myself convinced!!!!  Reasonable pricing given the highway robbery $ for lodging that others have been reporting.  The details are on their website.  

[speedster]

No camping in the ditch. 

 

Less chance of clouds the farther south you go.

 

RV parks are springing up like weeds in TX.  Every little town has one or more.

[Phteven Chaos]

I see Explore Scientific is sponsoring/selling eclipse camping deals in conjunction with a local ranch near Leakey, Texas.  The site is located in the criss-cross path for both upcoming eclipses.  They advertise on site toilets, security, and a food vendor, product demos and give aways.  I almost have myself convinced!!!!  Reasonable pricing given the highway robbery $ for lodging that others have been reporting.  The details are on their website.  

Bob, thanks for your comment and info on Explore Scientific.

I'm very interested in what they have for "Dry Camping" for the eclipse.

The location has over 4 minutes of totality!

Definitely going to look into it further.

~Steve~

[seryddwr]

Looks like they still have tickets. I'll need to see who I can bring along and I'll order Tomorrow, maybe. I appreciate that they mention "Security". "Lack of Security" (Americans being abducted, etc.) is the chief reason that I don't want to go to Mexico, otherwise I would. I speak Spanish pretty fluently and it's less cloudy there.

[seryddwr]

Looks like they still have tickets. I'll need to see who I can bring along and I'll order Tomorrow, maybe. I appreciate that they mention "Security". "Lack of Security" (Americans being abducted, etc.) is the chief reason that I don't want to go to Mexico, otherwise I would. I speak Spanish pretty fluently and it's less cloudy there.

'Tis done.

 

I'd like to rent a small RV, but $$$!

Edited by seryddwr, 10 May 2023 - 12:56 AM.

[seryddwr]

My dad is going to come with, if we can get his hip replaced (too many possible complications to list here, but he's basically crippled now).  That means that we will have his pickup and therefore plenty of room for astro and camping gear.

[Phteven Chaos]

I just finished booking my boondock camp site through Explore Scientific for the '24 eclipse!

I've included one of my pics from the '17 eclipse, there will be no camera shake next year!

Attached Thumbnails

• 

[Bob W4]

I just finished booking my boondock camp site through Explore Scientific for the '24 eclipse!

I've included one of my pics from the '17 eclipse, there will be no camera shake next year!

I just booked my 2024 ticket with Explore Scientific.  I was planning on a DIY expedition, but, I like the idea of a like minded group, plus the provided security.

Hey Phteven Chaos ... when I lived in the Twin Cities, I used to deer hunt on the public land just north of Mora.  We need to look each other up in Texas, and drink a cold one together!!!  It is going to be a blast!!!

Edited by Bob W4, 21 May 2023 - 07:28 PM.

[Phteven Chaos]

I just booked my 2024 ticket with Explore Scientific.  I was planning on a DIY expedition, but, I like the idea of a like minded group, plus the provided security.

Hey Phteven Chaos ... when I lived in the Twin Cities, I used to deer hunt on the public land just north of Mora.  We need to look each other up in Texas, and drink a cold one together!!!  It is going to be a blast!!!

I think that would be a great idea! It will be a blast!

[Phteven Chaos]

OK, I've got all my confirmation/receipt e-mails, (2), for the purchase but I have not received anything else.

I'm hoping they will send out information on where the site actually is.

I looked at their website for information and location and see nothing except a Texas map showing the location west of where the Annular and Total Eclipse's meet.

Problem is, you can't click on the map to get a better idea exactly where it is.

I am guessing more info will come eventually but I do have an e-mail into them for the exact location.

Anyone else who purchased a site got more info than me?

[Endymion]

Just booked my 2024 ticket with Explore Scientific as well!  

[Bob W4]

OK, I've got all my confirmation/receipt e-mails, (2), for the purchase but I have not received anything else.

I'm hoping they will send out information on where the site actually is.

I looked at their website for information and location and see nothing except a Texas map showing the location west of where the Annular and Total Eclipse's meet.

Problem is, you can't click on the map to get a better idea exactly where it is.

I am guessing more info will come eventually but I do have an e-mail into them for the exact location.

Anyone else who purchased a site got more info than me?

All I have is the order confirmation as well.  I assume some sort

of information packet will be sent to us before the big show.  See ya there.

[Phteven Chaos]

Got a response from my e-mail to Explore Scientific.

[kfiscus]

Got a response from my e-mail to Explore Scientific.

IMG_8388.jpeg

That makes sense.  Keeping their cards close their chest, so to speak.  Not publishing the address means they won't have party crashers.

[Jim Haley]

Many of the established comercial campgrounds near the centerline have a 3 day minimum and are already booked up.  However, I have heard of many pop up places that are going to offer "dry" camping with or without porta potties.  

 

I like the Lake Buchanan area as viewing over water is sometimes helpful for afternoon clouds and it has among the best cloud forecast from Dallas to the border.   Reveille Peak Ranch is one such place offering dry camping and/or with utilities but I have spoken to a few others.  The areas range varies from dry camping in someone's field to flushing bathrooms/showers/ cooking facilities.  

 

I already have a place to stay but if I was looking to camp and could not find anything in the path or wanted to save money then I would go WEST to a ranch and then travel into the eclipse path day of.  Staying west of the path and traveling east should be much better than all the folks going East to West from the cities.  The X-bar ranch near Eldorado is one such place.  

 

I have no affiliation nor have I stayed at either of the places above.  

 

In 2017 I made last minute reservations at a county camp ground and traveled the 50 miles to the centerline without traffic issues when my initial area got clouded out.  

Edited by Jim Haley, 31 May 2023 - 10:50 AM.

[Cajundaddy]

Tx state parks take reservations 6 months in advance and there are several close to centerline.  These are pretty nice but I expect them to get heavily impacted.  Sometimes a simple dry camping in a ranch or sports field setting will be a lot more affordable, available,  and less congested. 

[gbellman]

Best advice, don't try to arrive the day of the eclipse, traffic will be a problem. You need to arrive at least one day prior to the eclipse.

 

You can check out our campsite at:

 

https://astroretreat.com/

[587Ranch]

I live between Lampasas and San Saba about 1.5 hours NW of Austin. I'll echo that the traffic will be an issue here with only a couple long county roads coming in/out. Colorado Bend State Park (our neighbor) said they will run the park as normal but it's always booked up months in advance anyway. But I assume if one can figure out exactly when you can reserve a camping or RV spot you'll have a minute or two to try and snag one.

 

The Explore Scientific deal for $600 (for 3 people) is a great deal. Even better if that's for 4 nights and you can bring your RV.

 

We are debating renting our ranch out for RV's also and I know a couple other ranches are thinking as well. Seems demand is still sky high so not sure if supply will eventually overcome or not. I bet most people procrastinate and Feb/March 2024 will be crazy demand as hype grows.

[bignick243]

That's good to know about the explore scientific event. I made other reservations this morning but it would require to drive a pretty good distance and I still really wouldn't know where to go. This puts me in the smack dab of everything, I don't have to deal with the traffic and it would cost me the same amount or more in fuel. Just bought me a ticket!

[Bob W4]

OK, I've got all my confirmation/receipt e-mails, (2), for the purchase but I have not received anything else.

I'm hoping they will send out information on where the site actually is.

I looked at their website for information and location and see nothing except a Texas map showing the location west of where the Annular and Total Eclipse's meet.

Problem is, you can't click on the map to get a better idea exactly where it is.

I am guessing more info will come eventually but I do have an e-mail into them for the exact location.

Anyone else who purchased a site got more info than me?

I personally talked to Kent Marts from Explore Scientific while at the Nebraska Star Party.  He told me that all the location details, along with a map will be e-mailed to people weeks in advance.  I'm booked for totality with Explore Scientific in 2024, but will miss the Annular eclipse.  Anyone attending the October event, please check in and keep the rest of us informed.

Edited by Bob W4, 20 September 2023 - 06:36 PM.

[pboyle]

A lot of small Texas towns will allow you to camp at the city park for free or for a small fee. Go to Campendium.com and put in the town names. After you have found a spot. Call the courthouse or police and get a reservation

[chvvkumar]

I personally talked to Kent Marts from Explore Scientific while at the Nebraska Star Party.  He told me that all the location details, along with a map will be e-mailed to people weeks in advance.  I'm booked for totality with Explore Scientific in 2024, but will miss the Annular eclipse.  Anyone attending the October event, please check in and keep the rest of us informed.

Hey Bob, I too booked the Explore Scientific event. Just saw that you are going to that same event! My plan is to be there with my sister but we will see how things go, one of my immidiate family is expecting a baby and that might chanage plans but for now, we plan to be there.