Eclipse camping spots filled quickly

With an estimated 500,000 people expected in the area for the eclipse, where are they all going to stay? Hotels and Airbnbs are full, so that leaves camping.

“Are there spots open?” Tran King, owner of Mountain River Ranch, said. “Good question. I’d say not really.”

Like many campsites in the area, Mountain River Ranch began preparations well in advance.

“To prepare for all these people, well we’ve been taking reservations for over a year,” King said.

Mountain River Ranch is at capacity with 180 people from California to Canada and even New York. All with one dream, seeing the total eclipse.

“I’ve always wanted to see a total eclipse,” David Vanosdol, visiting from New York, said. “The timing worked out and we’re very fortunate so we just decided to go for it.”

For many of the families, the eclipse is an opportunity for a family vacation. Mountain River Ranch’s goal is to make sure their trip is worthwhile.

“Oh, you know we’ve got the corn hole thing set up and horseshoes and volleyball,” King said. “But a lot of them are driving around looking at the river and just taking in the sites that are so beautiful here, right here, within 10 miles of us.”