In 2023, we get the opportunity to view the annular solar eclipse in action. This guide will share everything you need to know about solar eclipse 2023 and when/where to see it. Don’t miss your chance to witness this spectacular sight in an RV campground. We’ll share why you should get an RV rental for this amazing event and the top places to travel to for the best views.
What is the Solar Eclipse 2023?
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, temporarily blocking or partially blocking the Sun's light from reaching the Earth's surface. This phenomenon happens because the Moon's orbit around the Earth is not perfectly circular, so there are times when it lines up directly between the Earth and the Sun, causing its shadow to be cast on the Earth's surface.
The solar eclipse in 2023 is what’s called an “annular solar eclipse.” An annular eclipse takes place when the Moon is too far from the Earth to completely cover the Sun. This results in a ring-like appearance of the Sun around the Moon's silhouette. This type of eclipse occurs when the Moon is near its apogee, which is the farthest point in its orbit from the Earth.
When is the Solar Eclipse in 2023?
The annular solar eclipse in 2023 is occurring Saturday, October 14, and will cross over North, Central, and South America. People in parts of the United States, Mexico, and many other countries in South and Central America will be able to see this spectacular eclipse.
The Path of Solar Eclipse 2023
According to NASA’s website, in the United States, the annular solar eclipse initiates its course at 9:13 a.m. PDT in Oregon and concludes at 12:03 p.m. CDT in Texas. The trajectory of the annular solar eclipse then extends to Mexico and Central America, traversing regions including Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. Finally, the annular eclipse will make its entry into South America through Colombia, proceeding over the northern parts of Brazil and eventually concluding as the Sun sets in the Atlantic Ocean.
Where to See the Solar Eclipse 2023
In the United States, there are a handful of places to best see the annular solar eclipse in 2023. These places include:
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Eugene, Oregon
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Alturas, California
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Battle Mountain, Nevada
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Richfield, Utah
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Albuquerque, New Mexico
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San Antonio, Texas
Within these areas lie RV campgrounds suitable for viewing purposes of this phenomenon. If you want to best see the annular solar eclipse, consider renting an RV for a road trip to witness this natural event in all its glory.
Here are some of the top RV campgrounds for people looking to get a prime location for the eclipse.
Armitage Park Campground is located near Eugene, Oregon, and offers visitors a spectacular view of the solar eclipse 2023. This park has campsites with water, electric, and sewer hookups, along with picnic tables and fire pits. Cable TV and Wi-Fi are also available. Annularity begins at 9:16 a.m. PDT in Eugene, OR.
Ash Creek Campground is located about 50 miles from Alturas, California, in Modoc National Forest. This campground is a great spot for fly fishing, mountain biking, and hiking. Sites are first-come, first-served, and there are no hookups available. However, the beauty of the surrounding area makes up for the lack of hookups. Annularity begins at 9:19 a.m. PDT in Alturas.
This recreation area is about 100 miles from Battle Mountain, NV, and would make an excellent viewing area for the annular solar eclipse. Available throughout the year, Rye Patch State Recreation Area is positioned alongside a reservoir spanning 22 miles in length, featuring 72 miles of shoreline and encompassing 11,000 acres of water surface at maximum capacity. There are 47 campsites around the reservoir and two designated day-use picnic areas. Annularity begins at 9:21 a.m. PDT in Battle Mountain, Nevada.
Zion National Park is located around 130 miles from Richfield, Utah, and should offer great views of the solar eclipse in 2023. The Watchman Campground is one of the best options in Zion National Park and offers electric campsites year-round with a picnic table and fire ring at each. Reservations can be made 6 months in advance and are required to stay at Watchman Campground. Annularity is set to start at 10:26 a.m. MDT in Richfield, UT.
The stunning splendor of the Bosque, along with the advantage of all-season fishing and a comprehensive RV Park, are mere moments from top-notch dining and entertainment at Isleta Resort & Casino. Isleta Lakes & RV Park is just seven minutes south of downtown Albuquerque and will provide you with amazing views of the 2023 solar eclipse. RV sites have water, sewer, 30/50 amp electricity, Wi-Fi, and Direct TV. Annularity starts at 10:34 a.m. MDT in Albuquerque, NM.
This all-ages and pet-friendly RV resort in San Antonio, TX is open year-round. It would make an excellent place to view the solar eclipse in 2023 and enjoy a relaxing vacation. This campground offers full hookup pull-through sites to make RV camping comfortable and convenient. There are laundry facilities, cable TV access, a clubhouse, a playground, a fitness center, a library, and more on-site. Annularity is set to begin at 11:52 a.m. CDT in San Antonio, Texas.
Why See the Solar Eclipse in an RV?
Experiencing a solar eclipse in an RV offers a unique and captivating adventure. Here are five compelling reasons to consider renting an RV for the solar eclipse:
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Mobility and Flexibility: An RV provides the freedom to chase the eclipse, allowing you to find the perfect viewing spot based on weather conditions and predictions. This mobility maximizes your chances of witnessing the eclipse under clear skies.
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Prime Viewing Locations: With an RV, you can position yourself in remote and scenic locations far from city lights and light pollution. This ensures an optimal view of the eclipse and enhances the overall experience.
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All-Inclusive Experience: Your RV serves as a home on wheels, offering comfortable accommodations, cooking facilities, and amenities. This eliminates the need to find lodging and dining options in potentially crowded eclipse viewing areas.
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Community and Sharing: Many enthusiasts gather in RV-friendly locations to witness celestial events like solar eclipses. This provides an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, share the excitement, and learn from fellow eclipse watchers.
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Extended Observing Time: The setup and privacy an RV provides can enable you to extend your eclipse experience. You can set up telescopes, cameras, and other equipment for detailed observations and photography, ensuring you capture every phase of the eclipse.
Remember to plan ahead, research the eclipse path, and prioritize safety measures to fully enjoy this awe-inspiring phenomenon in the comfort and convenience of an RV.
See the Solar Eclipse of 2023 in a Cruise America RV
As you can see, there are many great places to visit and view the magnificent natural wonder of the 2023 solar eclipse. Pick up an RV rental from Cruise America and hit the road to one of these top campsites to take advantage of the best views. Contact us today to set up your RV rental!