On April 8, the 2024 solar eclipse will pass through a dozen U.S. states, offering campgrounds in the path of totality the ultimate tourism driver to maximize revenue ahead of peak camping season. If your campground is in or near the 2024 solar eclipse path of totality, the roughly 100-mile area that stretches from Texas to Maine, you may already be seeing an influx of bookings for the week of April 8. Learn how to prepare for solar eclipse campers and take full advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime natural event. Explore strategies to market your campground as a premium eclipse destination and provide your guests with a camping experience they’ll be talking about for years to come.
Marketing Your Campground
Highlight Eclipse Viewing Opportunities
Emphasize the unique vantage points your campground offers for observing the solar eclipse. Promote any open spaces, elevated areas, or unobstructed views that will provide an excellent viewing experience. Highlight unique features that set your location apart from other eclipse viewing campgrounds including scenic mountain views and waterfront areas that will serve as a backdrop for the celestial show.
Create Eclipse Packages
Develop special packages or deals specifically tailored for visitors coming to witness the solar eclipse. Include perks such as eclipse-themed merchandise, complimentary eclipse glasses, or guided viewing sessions led by astronomy experts. Campgrounds in the 2024 eclipse path can also offer potential guests an all-in-one instantly bookable camping package that matches your available eclipse RV sites with a nearby RV rental through Spot2Nite’s partnership with RVshare.
Launch Targeted Advertising Campaigns
Utilize digital marketing channels such as social media advertising, Google Ads, and targeted email campaigns to reach potential visitors interested in astronomy, camping, or outdoor adventures. Highlight your campground’s proximity to the eclipse path and unique amenities and recreational activity offerings to center your campground as an ideal location for 2024 eclipse camping.
Engage with Astronomy Communities
Connect with local astronomy clubs, stargazing groups, and online forums dedicated to astronomy enthusiasts. Share information about your campground’s eclipse viewing opportunities and encourage members to spread the word within their networks to boost bookings.
Host Pre-Eclipse Events
If your campground is open ahead of the event, organize pre-eclipse events and activities leading up to the day of the eclipse. Consider hosting stargazing parties, educational workshops on solar eclipses, or astronomy-themed movie nights to build excitement and attract visitors to your campground.
Provide Eclipse Safety Information
Educate visitors about the importance of safely viewing the solar eclipse to prevent eye damage. Offer guidance on using approved eclipse glasses and provide resources on safe viewing practices.
Collaborate with Local Businesses
Forge partnerships with local businesses such as restaurants, shops, or tour operators to offer combined eclipse packages or cross-promotional deals. Leverage each other’s customer bases to attract visitors to your campground for 2024 eclipse camping.
Create Engaging Content
Develop engaging content on your website, blog, or social media channels that showcases the excitement and anticipation for 2024 solar eclipse camping. Share interesting facts about eclipses and safe viewing, phone photography tips for capturing the eclipse, what to pack for your eclipse viewing camping trip, behind-the-scenes glimpses of eclipse preparations at your campground, and user-generated content from past events at your campground. Be sure to include key search engine optimization terms on your website and blog, including: 2024 solar eclipse campground, 2024 solar eclipse rv park, solar eclipse camping, 2024 eclipse camping, 2024 eclipse camping in (your campgrounds state), 2024 eclipse (your state), where to camp in (your state) for the solar eclipse, solar eclipse 2024 camping, campgrounds in the path of totality, campgrounds in the eclipse path, best places to view the 2024 eclipse.
Develop your campground social media strategy for the day of the eclipse to capitalize on the event and encourage your social media following to join in on the fun. Plan on hosting a Facebook Live or live stream of the eclipse as it passes over your campground. Be sure to get plenty of photos and videos during the event and any other activities you have planned during the week, and encourage your campers to tag your page in their posts for added visibility on social media. Consider setting up a photo booth or designating a dedicated photo spot in an area of your campground that includes your logo to encourage campers to take photos during their stay.
Preparing Your Campground For The Solar Eclipse
Assess Facilities and Infrastructure
Evaluate your campground’s existing facilities, including campsites, restrooms, showers, and amenities such as picnic areas and recreational areas. Ensure that they are well-maintained, clean, and in good working order to accommodate an influx of visitors for 2024 eclipse camping.
Staff Engagement
Arm your staff with knowledge and resources to help them engage with your campers during eclipse festivities. Make sure they are aware of event timing and scheduled activities and are well-versed in eclipse viewing safety should campers have any questions. Review and share your social media strategy with your staff and assign staff to various areas throughout the week and the day of the eclipse to take photos and video to make sure your social media strategy is executed to the fullest for this highly anticipated event.
Expand Capacity
Prepare for increased demand for 2024 solar eclipse camping and consider expanding your campground’s capacity to provide even more RV and tent sites for maximized booking potential. For seamless campground expansion, Spot2Nite offers campground owners an easy way to expand and handle the parking grid setup, reservations, and payments so campground owners can increase 2024 solar eclipse campground revenue. Learn more about optimizing your campground’s site capacity here.
Upgrade Amenities
Enhance your campground amenities to provide added comfort and convenience for guests during their 2024 eclipse camping stay. Consider upgrades such as improved signage that includes your social media account names for easy post tagging, upgraded Wi-Fi infrastructure, additional power outlets, and enhanced lighting for safety and convenience during any planned evening events.
Ancillary Revenue Opportunities
Rare events such as the 2024 solar eclipse are excellent opportunities for ancillary campground revenue and promotion through branded merchandise. Help guests commemorate their stay by offering event-specific branded items in your campground store and during the event. Include eclipse glasses and branded merchandise such as t-shirts, hats, drinkware, stickers, and fans (if you’re in a warmer climate), and any other easily branded items that traditionally sell well at your campground store. Offer a diverse range of products that appeal to your customers and enhance their camping experience while also promoting your campground’s brand and unique identity.
Establish Eclipse Viewing Areas
Identify and designate prime solar eclipse viewing areas within your campground that offer unobstructed views of the sky for optimal observation. If available, choose an area with a higher vantage point such as the top of a hill as well as an area clear of tall trees with enough space for large groups.
Provide Information and Resources
Educate your guests about the solar eclipse through resources such as maps, eclipse viewing guides, safety tips, and information about planned events and activities. Offer guidance on safe viewing practices and the importance of using approved eclipse viewing glasses to protect their eyes. Share these resources through social media as well as in your office or camp store and signage around the campground.
Themed Activities & Events
The eclipse fun isn’t limited to April 8. Celebrate all week long with themed campground events and activities. Throughout the week and weekend leading up to the eclipse, provide a host of activities and events to build up the hype and enrich the solar eclipse camping experience.
Offer fun and educational solar eclipse camping activities for children such as space-themed scavenger hunts, crafting pinhole solar eclipse viewers and eclipse mobiles, and creating eclipse art. Connect with a local astronomy expert to present your campers with an educational workshop, coordinate an eclipse yoga session, or plan a movie night with space-themed movies or documentaries. Campgrounds with limited open viewing space can instead plan a nature walk during the eclipse to allow campers to view this astronomical phenomenon while fully immersed in nature. For the day of the eclipse, organize a watch party at your designated viewing location complete with a telescope with safety filters for enhanced viewing, cookout or food trucks, live music, and end the day with celebratory eclipse fireworks and a s’mores party around your community campfire.
Coordinate with Local Authorities
Collaborate with local authorities, emergency services, and law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety and coordinate logistics for managing traffic, crowd control, and emergency response during the eclipse period. Develop a contingency plan for handling any unforeseen issues or emergencies and be sure to share that with every member of your campground staff.
Communicate Effectively
Keep your guests informed and updated about eclipse-related activities, safety guidelines, and any changes or updates to your campground policies or procedures leading up to and during the event. Use multiple communication channels such as email, social media, signage, and on-site staff to ensure clear and timely communication for your eclipse campers.
By implementing these solar eclipse campground marketing and preparation strategies, you can effectively promote your campground as a prime destination for experiencing the 2024 solar eclipse and provide an unforgettable stay for your campers. Looking for more natural events and experiences to increase campground revenue all year long? Click here to discover more ways to leverage additional upcoming celestial events, seasonal celebrations, culinary events, and more for extraordinary camper experiences and campground success. And if your campground or RV park is not yet connected to Spot2Nite through your existing property management system, get listed today at partners.spot2nite.com and unlock access to an audience of over 60 million campers, for free.
