On April 8th, 2024, the path of totality for a total solar eclipse will pass over North America. According to a recent survey from Cairn Consulting, 29% of all leisure travelers, representing 22.6 million households and 56.4 million individuals, plan to travel to view the eclipse. Of those people planning to travel to view the eclipse, 14.1 million of them are planning to travel or stay in an RV for this rare event.

“What better way to appreciate the awe-inspiring solar eclipse transformation of the mid-day sky than by witnessing it in the peaceful and expansive great outdoors,” said Craig Kirby, President & CEO of the RV Industry Association. “The fact that it’s a lot more affordable to experience this with family and friends in an RV makes this an irresistible option.”

A recent Forbes article noted that RV bookings within the 15 states located along the path of totality have experienced 700+ percent increase over the same period last year. In Ohio, that figure has been over 1,000 percent for RV rental company RVshare. Even with this soaring demand, RV travelers can still secure a coveted spot and witness the magic of the eclipse in style.

In fact, RV Industry Association noted in the February 2024 survey that total RV shipments ended the month with 31,024 units, an increase of 17.8% compared to the 26,326 units shipped in February 2023.

“This report marks the fourth straight month of increases as RV shipments continue to make a moderate recovery putting us on track to meet ITR Economics' forecast of 350,000 shipments for 2024,” said RV Industry Association President & CEO Craig Kirby. “Spring is officially upon us, and our latest survey shows over 26 million Americans plan to go RVing this spring, with over 14 million planning to make RVing part of their travels to view the upcoming total solar eclipse.”

Outdoorsy, another peer-to-peer RV rental site, has made it easy for people to snag a last-minute RV rental along the path of totality. And campground booking site Campspot has RVers covered when it comes to finding a last-minute campground. While many of the popular campgrounds in these states report being fully booked, there still exists an abundance of overnight RV camping spaces in state and national parks, smaller campgrounds, and off-the-grid or boondocking locations.

Whether embarking on a solo journey or joining fellow RVers for a group adventure, the upcoming total solar eclipse promises to be a momentous occasion that will leave a lasting impression on all who witness it from the open road. Just don’t forget to pack your eclipse glasses!