Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Travel

It’s Not Too Late! Find Last Minute Eclipse Campgrounds with Hipcamp

By

camping at night
Image used with permission by copyright holder
It is no secret that in a couple of weeks, for just a few minutes, nature enthusiasts, star lovers will be treated to a rare solar eclipse in a great swath of the United States; the likes of which hasn’t been seen since 1979 when Apocalypse Now haunted the big screen, YMCA was released as a single and McDonald’s released the Happy Meal.

Though partially visible across most of the USA, the path of “Totality,” that is the where the sun is blocked by the moon entirely, is far more limited. This path will begin at 9:06 am in Oregon and Washington and will continue throughout the day across a seventy-mile arc which will extend from the Pacific Northwest through Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, North and South Carolina and Georgia.

Recommended Videos

Given that the last total solar eclipse occurred during the Carter administration, it is no wonder that tens of thousands of Americans will scurry across states to see this once in a generation solar event. For more than a year, hotels, campgrounds, AirBnBs and even spots in people’s front yards have been reserved by those hoping to catch sight of the event, disappointing those procrastinators who until now, might have had to wait until 2024 for another crack at seeing the moon eclipse the sun.

Hipcamp Eclipse Screenshot
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Now, the innovative website Hipcamp.com makes it possible once again to find a place to watch the eclipse. Hipcamp.com is a startup that creates new campsites by unlocking access to beautiful private lands such as nature preserves, farms, and ranches and has unlocked over 1,000 new campsites (and counting) in the path of totality, stretching from South Carolina to Oregon.

Whether it is car camping or glamping, Hipcamp’s goal is not only to ensure that folks get to see the eclipse but get to do so in a manner that truly makes the viewing unique. All along the path of totality, land owners are opening up their properties to allow people to view the eclipse in all kinds of unique conditions, be that alongside a waterfall, in a barn among farm animals or even in a vineyard, where in the hours leading up to the eclipse, guests can help harvest grapes. This not only benefits those who get a last minute day off and want to see the eclipse but also benefits the land owners to generate income necessary to keep their properties healthy and beautiful.

Head over to their site to learn about more spots that are opening up and make sure to make the eclipse of 2017 as memorable as the song YMCA.

Matt Payne
Matt Payne
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Matt Payne is an Oklahoma-based travel photographer, writer, public speaker, and filmmaker. Matt has covered Rwanda, Alaska…
Why Westerly, RI should be your next New England getaway
Here are the secrets to enjoying this New England town to its fullest
A historic building above the atlantic ocean in Westerly Rhode Island

Westerly, RI has grown from a coastal mining town into a New England hot spot, swapping granite harvesting for tourist treasures. It's much quainter than its big brother and Rhode Island's state capitol, Providence, but there are so many attractions in Westerly that you'll never feel like you're missing out.
I spent a sunny autumn day in the town, indulging in its nature, culinary scene, and historic delights. If you're planning a visit to this city, here's a selection of not-to-miss locales that are easy to check off your list, leaving plenty of time to hop the train back to Manhattan or Boston by the end of the day. Not local? No problem -- get lodging for overnight -- there's nothing wrong with taking another day to explore this hidden gem.

1. Hike Napatree Point Conservation Area in Watch Hill

Read more
Where everyone will be vacationing in 2025, according to Airbnb
Which destinations made the list?
Puerto Escondido

Airbnb has unveiled its top trending destinations for 2025, highlighting a mix of tropical escapes, cultural hubs, and under-the-radar gems. The list is based on rising search trends and wishlisted locations from 2024, offering a glimpse into where travelers worldwide are planning their next adventures. 

Taking the coveted number one spot is Puerto Escondido, Mexico, a laid-back port town on Mexico’s Pacific coast in the state of Oaxaca. Known for its gorgeous beaches and excellent surf culture, it’s a perfect destination for groups, with Airbnb spotlighting a stunning five-bedroom house in La Punta. This retreat is ideal for families or friends seeking a peaceful escape.

Read more
U.S. citizens can now enjoy visa-free travel to China for 10 days
You can now transit through China for up to 10 days without a visa.
China

China’s National Immigration Administration announced last week that U.S. citizens can now travel visa-free to China for up to 10 days. This update comes as part of an extension to the country’s visa-free transit policy, which previously allowed stays of only 72 or 144 hours, depending on the city.

The new policy applies to travelers from 54 countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and much of the European Union. The change is effective immediately, making short-term visits for tourism, business, or cultural exchange more accessible.

Read more