2024 solar eclipse in south Texas

[rv6n6r]

I'm hoping to make a trip from OR to south Texas for the April 8, 2024 solar eclipse. Would hope to bring my tent and camp (the more isolated / scenic / primitive the better). Likely somewhere SW of Antonio, maybe the Uvalde / Camp Wood area. I know nothing of the place, just looking at maps and charts, so I'm hoping for some local intel such as:

- Is it reasonable to camp & tie down at some public or private airstrip around there?
- Any scenic / accommodating airstrips or airports to recommend?
- What to expect for weather that time of year?
- Other RV-ers planning to go anywhere in particular?
- Would further NW be better for any reason?

I prefer solo camping / solitude but also wouldn't mind being at some place with a gathering of RV types.

 

[crabandy]

Oh my this is a great idea for a small fly in camp out!

 

[bruceh]

I'd love to join in. Maybe even continue east to Sun-N-Fun?

 

[Bruce]

Randall,
KRAS might be your ticket.
Camp on beach 1/2 mile from airport.

Boomer

 

[jbDC9]

Take a look at Leakey (49R); it's in the path of totality, has no services or FBO but has open space to pitch a tent. A fairly short walk to the Frio River, plus 1.5 mile walk into town.

 

[PilotjohnS]

Lets go

I'd love to join in. Maybe even continue east to Sun-N-Fun?

I would love to join in!

 

[rv6n6r]

Randall,
KRAS might be your ticket.

Thanks! That looks like a nice stop before or after, but not on the path of totality.

(Map credit NationalEclipse.com)

 

[admin]

I'll join you!

Wherever you end up keep me in the loop. I was born in Waco (right near the totality line) and live about two hours north of there by car.

Looking fwd to it!!!

 

[DeltaRomeo]

Count me in Randall.

Worst case you can put your RV in my hangar and we'll drive to wherever totality is (Waco is a two hour drive from my hangar). I'm at 52F in DFW area.

v/r,dr

I'm hoping to make a trip from OR to south Texas for the April 8, 2024 solar eclipse. Would hope to bring my tent and camp (the more isolated / scenic / primitive the better). Likely somewhere SW of Antonio, maybe the Uvalde / Camp Wood area. I know nothing of the place, just looking at maps and charts, so I'm hoping for some local intel such as:

- Is it reasonable to camp & tie down at some public or private airstrip around there?
- Any scenic / accommodating airstrips or airports to recommend?
- What to expect for weather that time of year?
- Other RV-ers planning to go anywhere in particular?
- Would further NW be better for any reason?

I prefer solo camping / solitude but also wouldn't mind being at some place with a gathering of RV types.

 

[BobTurner]

Dose of reality

I get the sense you haven’t seen a total solar eclipse before. Camping in solitude?
Here’s reality:
We flew to a small, isolated (town population 1400) airport in eastern OR for the 2017 eclipse. Day of the eclipse, population estimated at 14,000. Airport campground (really, it was a field with some port-a-potties), put up just for the eclipse, was full with 1400 campers. Airport was closed unless you had a parking spot reservation.
Tie down that day only - $100.
Campground - $150 (one night or one week, same price)
Nearby B&B’s, motels - $1000

This place really was hours (by car) away from civilization, but was booked solid about 8 months prior to the eclipse.
With less than a year to go, it may already be too late to get reservations in TX. Start calling NOW.

Was it worth it? Absolutely. Those few minutes of darkness awaken something deep inside the ancient part of the brain. I know of nothing like it.

 

[Mile High Relic]

I get the sense you haven’t seen a total solar eclipse before. Camping in solitude?
Here’s reality:
We flew to a small, isolated (town population 1400) airport in eastern OR for the 2017 eclipse. Day of the eclipse, population estimated at 14,000. Airport campground (really, it was a field with some port-a-potties), put up just for the eclipse, was full with 1400 campers. Airport was closed unless you had a parking spot reservation.
Tie down that day only - $100.
Campground - $150 (one night or one week, same price)
Nearby B&B’s, motels - $1000

This place really was hours (by car) away from civilization, but was booked solid about 8 months prior to the eclipse.
With less than a year to go, it may already be too late to get reservations in TX. Start calling NOW.

Was it worth it? Absolutely. Those few minutes of darkness awaken something deep inside the ancient part of the brain. I know of nothing like it.

Exactly. Pretty much the same thing happened in Wyoming and Nebraska.

I opted to take in the darkness at 17,500 with my best friend, and it was a very cool experience. It gives you some extra seconds of darkness too. I was back on the ground having tacos and beer at Torchy's while thousands were still stuck in an epic traffic jam. It would be a different experience on ground for sure, probably more moving, but if you can't find a place to camp, see it by air.

As Bob says, don't underestimate the chaos this will create.

 

[Kyle Boatright]

Exactly. Pretty much the same thing happened in Wyoming and Nebraska.

I opted to take in the darkness at 17,500 with my best friend, and it was a very cool experience. It gives you some extra seconds of darkness too. I was back on the ground having tacos and beer at Torchy's while thousands were still stuck in an epic traffic jam. It would be a different experience on ground for sure, probably more moving, but if you can't find a place to camp, see it by air.

As Bob says, don't underestimate the chaos this will create.

Had a very dissimilar experience here for the 2020 (?) eclipse. Flew about 50 miles to a small field that had plenty of parking and no issues at all.

 

[Pilot135pd]

If you're looking for a place to go camping that's in the eclipse zone, with no city lights, out in the country, come stay at my airport in East Texas.

Everything here is free to use but if you want porta potties, we don't have those, we have full size showers and toilets and many camping areas on 65 acres. If the weather got bad we also have free hangars for your RV. Currently our only tenant has an RV8 and my Wilga will be here too. By then my new hangar will also be finished so we'll have plenty of space if needed.

We're at the red circle ( it's not a TFR, I drew it for you find us) on the map and you can find us by the link in my signature.

 

[BobTurner]

If you're looking for a place to go camping that's in the eclipse zone, with no city lights, out in the country, come stay at my airport in East Texas.

Everything here is free to use but if you want porta potties, we don't have those, we have full size showers and toilets and many camping areas on 65 acres. If the weather got bad we also have free hangars for your RV. Currently our only tenant has an RV8 and my Wilga will be here too. By then my new hangar will also be finished so we'll have plenty of space if needed.

We're at the red circle ( it's not a TFR, I drew it for you find us) on the map and you can find us by the link in my signature.

This is an amazing offer. I kindly suggest you decide exactly how much parking you have, as I can pretty much guarantee that you will be swamped!

A brief comment on an earlier post: airborne is better than nothing (and infinitely better if there are clouds below 12,000’!), but you will miss a few things: it gets quiet (birds go to sleep), and you can feel the temperature drop.

 

[fl-mike]

If you're looking for a place to go camping that's in the eclipse zone, with no city lights, out in the country, come stay at my airport in East Texas.

Wow, I'd like to get on the list! We experienced the one a couple years ago in SC and it was really, really cool. I'd be willing to make that flight to an area that will hopefully have clear skies.

 

[rv6n6r]

I get the sense you haven’t seen a total solar eclipse before. Camping in solitude?
Here’s reality: [...]

Give me some credit, I have thought it through just a bit. Though it's true I might be dreaming

For the 2020 eclipse, totality didn't go over the major cities and pilots had a limited number of airports to go where the weather might be good. After a fair bit of research I wound up going to Wiezer Idaho. It was a perfect spot, indeed busy (as expected) but not overly so and also free.

This is a different eclipse, with a whole different path. It goes over or very close to the major cities so I'm thinking a lot of people might stay put rather than go to the remote places. There are also a ton of small airstrips, private and public, under the path down there in a pretty remote area (or it seems to me looking at the map) where the weather seems likely to be good. So I would think that the flying crowds could be much more spread out.

That said, I'm just starting to research this. It could very well be a fantasy, but some ranch airstrip out there with a nice owner that no one is looking at, except some VAF-ers... perhaps? And in any case, I'd also like to know the good places there to camp the day(s) before or after.

 

[swjohnsey]

I can't imagine 5T9 being full.

 

[bifft]

I haven't made firm plans, my thought was to camp/hotel it about an hour by RV out of totality (hotels/campgrounds should still be available that far away), then fly in that morning for the eclipse.

For the 2017 eclipse I went to a remote canyon in Idaho, there was only one other car there, and that one (far away.

Made this list of airports in the zone of totality. Time listed is minutes of totality at that location.

Mavrick County http://www.airnav.com/airport/5T9 4:26.8
Garner Fld (Uvalde) http://www.airnav.com/airport/UVA 4:13.0
Real County (Leakey) http://www.airnav.com/airport/49R 4:24.4
Kerrville http://www.airnav.com/airport/ERV 4:20.6
Gillespie County (Fredericksburg) http://www.airnav.com/airport/T82 4:24.0
Llano Muni http://www.airnav.com/airport/AQO 4:22.1
Horseshoe Bay http://www.airnav.com/airport/DZB 4:14.8
Burnett Muni http://www.airnav.com/airport/BMQ 4:20.0
Lampasas http://www.airnav.com/airport/LZZ 4:23.8
Gatesville Muni http://www.airnav.com/airport/GOP 4:23.7
Mc Gregor Executive http://www.airnav.com/airport/PWG 4:16.0
Waco http://www.airnav.com/airport/ACT 4:13.4
Clifton http://www.airnav.com/airport/7F7 4:17.6
Hillsboro http://www.airnav.com/airport/INJ 4:21.5
Ennis http://www.airnav.com/airport/F41 4:22.5
Mid-way http://www.airnav.com/airport/JWY 4:11.9
Lancaster http://www.airnav.com/airport/LNC 4:13.7
Terrell http://www.airnav.com/airport/TRL 4:21.5
Caddo Mills http://www.airnav.com/airport/7F3 4:08.9
Sulpher Springs http://www.airnav.com/airport/SLR 4:20.9
Franklin County http://www.airnav.com/airport/F53 4:14.1
Cox Field (Reno) http://www.airnav.com/airport/PRX 4:09.5
Clarksville http://www.airnav.com/airport/LBR 4:20.0
Mccurtain County http://www.airnav.com/airport/4O4 4:17.6
DeQueen http://www.airnav.com/airport/DEQ 4:18.4
Mena http://www.airnav.com/airport/MEZ 4:10

Pilot135pd's offer is very tempting. Having a secure place to go would be nice.

 

[Ed_Wischmeyer]

I saw the eclipse in Idaho (?) maybe 30 years ago from 23,000 feet in a Cessna T210. Clouds all over the place... below us.

Ed

 

[swjohnsey]

I think that is what I'm gonna do.

 

[rv6n6r]

If you're looking for a place to go camping that's in the eclipse zone, with no city lights, out in the country, come stay at my airport in East Texas.

Wow! Put me down for that.
BTW for the 2020 eclipse, the airport I stayed and camped at took reservations (with no fee) and got filled up well in advance (I'm pretty sure I was the first one on his list). By posting here you may get similarly filled up, so I'd echo Bob's suggestion to have some kind of list with a cutoff, just in case.

 

[airguy]

If you're looking for a place to go camping that's in the eclipse zone, with no city lights, out in the country, come stay at my airport in East Texas.

Same here - I'm in for this very generous offer.

 

[Pilot135pd]

Start sending me PMs with :

Name
Airplane model
N number

and I'll start a list. I have 65 acres so I'm sure we can park lots of planes here !

I'm not going to advertise it on any other group until I see how many RVs want to come. Then I'll post it on the Cessna groups I Admin.

 

[David Paule]

Following the eclipse, expect massive congestion as almost everyone departs. Congestion on the ramp, taxiways and in the air. If the field you choose doesn't have a decent taxiway or place to taxi, then big delays as airplanes back-taxi.

It's worth it, though.

Dave

 

[CaptPausert]

When my Dad and I drove up to see the 2017 eclipse we drove by an airport near Jefferson City MO that was absolutely packed with aircraft. Only other places I have l seen that many aircraft in one place is Oshkosh and Sun n fun.

 

[fl-mike]

Now if we can just coordinate with a formation clinic....

 

[Pilot135pd]

Following the eclipse, expect massive congestion as almost everyone departs. Congestion on the ramp, taxiways and in the air. If the field you choose doesn't have a decent taxiway or place to taxi, then big delays as airplanes back-taxi.

It's worth it, though.

Dave

We have a 2500' grass runway and also a 2500' grass taxiway beside it to avoid the backtaxi issues.

 

[Pilot135pd]

Wow, lots of people signing up. Awesome I love it !!

I just started replying to each person who sends me a PM with their number on the list. Once you're on the list I'm deleting your PM so it doesn't fill up and reject future pilots.

If you don't get a reply from me with your number on the list the same evening as you sent it, let me know here. I'll be in transition training for my new plane the next few days so I'll reply when I get back to the hotel.

 

[Pilot135pd]

More info on the eclipse !

https://eclipse.aas.org/eclipse-america-2023-2024

"On April 8, 2024, totality will last at most 4½ minutes and will be visible only within the narrow path swept out by the Moon's dark shadow. Even within that path, though, the Sun will be partially eclipsed for more than an hour before totality and again afterward."

*** Could the Moderators possibly put this, or a link to it, in another forum area so more people see it? It's in the South Texas area and I wouldn't want people to miss out. [ed. Most people enter the site through 'New Posts' or 'Today's Posts', which pulls from all subforums. v/r,dr]

 

[Roadjunkie1]

Solar eclipse if you have an airplane....

I get the sense you haven’t seen a total solar eclipse before. Camping in solitude?
Here’s reality:

We flew to a small, isolated (town population 1400) airport in eastern OR....

Was it worth it? Absolutely. Those few minutes of darkness awaken something deep inside the ancient part of the brain. I know of nothing like it.

Three airplanes. Three tents. No one within 5 miles. One AMAZING Eclipse. I have been sworn to secrecy as to exactly how or where as we may be doing it again next year..... Different where, of course..... I'll tell you after April 8th.....

 

[scard]

It is so kind of the universe to align celestial bodies on my 50th birthday! Looking forward to it.

 

[Pilot135pd]

Already have a list showing 23 RVs coming here from all over the States. It's going to be fun !!

I also cleaned up even more trees for under tree camping and will keep them like that from now on. The newly sprigged runway grass is starting to come in nicely too. ** Updated to the last pictures taken.

 

[rzbill]

I watched the last one at SC86 after an invite from Bill R.

I would recommend obtaining a set of field glasses with solar filters from Highpoint Scientific or similar vendor. Skip the movie 3d glasses. Also skip the camera gear. You will miss the experience by messing with that stuff and as Bob said, it is a surreal experience. Enjoy it. I also plan to see April 8 but it will be at a family hidey hole this time. Just lucky.

Now. Flying. Returning to Kavl to drop off my wife and then fly to work was one of the most unusual radio days of my life. ATC in Atlanta was overwhelmed. ADSB traffic was painted solid. I never got a word in but he still handed me off properly to GSO as I exited his airspace. That man must have had a stiff drink after his shift.

 

[Roadjunkie1]

Solar Eclipse.....

I would recommend obtaining a set of field glasses with solar filters from Highpoint Scientific or similar vendor. Skip the movie 3d glasses. Also skip the camera gear. You will miss the experience by messing with that stuff and as Bob said, it is a surreal experience.

Hmmmmm..... I have experienced (because that is what it is!) two Solar Eclipses. Forgetting the camera gear would be a HUGE mistake! (Said from a life-long photographer, documenting my life as it moves along...!) This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most and you HAVE to document it. I did NOT miss the experience as there is plenty of time to watch and experience the Eclipse as you document it. You will need a Sun filter for your camera. I'm not sure they make one for phone cameras. There are Sunfilter Sunglasses available that you should purchase before you go. Regular Sunglasses WILL NOT BE STRONG ENOUGH! I agree that the cardboard "3-D movie glasses" are not sufficient. My kit included the camera Sun filter! The buildup to the Eclipse takes a long time as the Moon slips into place. Once the Eclipse starts, you will have "plenty" of time to take pictures and LOOK AROUND YOU to see how surreal it looks! And scream and bang pans together to make the Sun come back out! Then document the "flair" as it starts to move away from the Sun, then all those people around you that are there for such a special event. IMHO

 

[swjohnsey]

You can make your own sun filter using mylar film out of the inner package of Sweet n Low bulk pack. Not quite optical quality.

 

[swjohnsey]

Hmmmmm..... I have experienced (because that is what it is!) two Solar Eclipses. Forgetting the camera gear would be a HUGE mistake! (Said from a life-long photographer, documenting my life as it moves along...!) This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most and you HAVE to document it. I did NOT miss the experience as there is plenty of time to watch and experience the Eclipse as you document it. You will need a Sun filter for your camera. I'm not sure they make one for phone cameras. There are Sunfilter Sunglasses available that you should purchase before you go. Regular Sunglasses WILL NOT BE STRONG ENOUGH! I agree that the cardboard "3-D movie glasses" are not sufficient. My kit included the camera Sun filter! The buildup to the Eclipse takes a long time as the Moon slips into place. Once the Eclipse starts, you will have "plenty" of time to take pictures and LOOK AROUND YOU to see how surreal it looks! And scream and bang pans together to make the Sun come back out! Then document the "flair" as it starts to move away from the Sun, then all those people around you that are there for such a special event. IMHO

Watch the birds. They will be confused and go to roost. Mosquitoes will come out.

 

[Pilot135pd]

More good news from Vaca Moo Airport. An article mentioning us just came out today in Flying Magazine. Don't forget to send a PM and sign up to come over to see the eclipse, like everything else here at Vaca Moo, IT'S FREE !!

https://www.flyingmag.com/vaca-moo-airport-a-little-facility-with-texas-sized-heart/

 

[fixnflyguy]

Watch it in the air..

My wife and I decided to view the eclipse here in NC a few years ago from the RV4. We departed at the onset of the eclipse and went to 12K enroute to the line of totality about 100 miles away. We loitered over Triple Tree Aeeodrome where hundreds were gathered and viewed the entire thing from the air. My wife had the glasses, I refrained from looking until the total moment when you can. The experience was surreal and it looked like 360 degrees if sunset for just a minute. Temps dropped fast and I went lights on for a moment..just like that, it was over and we headed home. I'd love to do it again!

 

[jclark]

For those who may not have a "fly in" to hang with friends option.

During the 2017 eclipse that passed through parts of SC, I opened up our university stadium to anyone for a viewing experience.

There were festivities (band, cheerleaders, food <I think>), and speakers beforehand. Lots of parking. No issues for restroom breaks etc.

Most important though was that one of our physics and astronomy professors was in charge of the telescopes in the state so there was a change to see some of the images that they were getting, and another gave the audience a lay person's running commentary about what all was about to happen. But the **star** of the event was her 10(?), 12(?) year old son who spoke to the stadium crowd about temperature changes they would experience moments before "totality"!

So look around, there might be some nice and convenient "open to the public" (if you are open to that) events going on out there.

 

[woxofswa]

Dose of reality

I get the sense you haven’t seen a total solar eclipse before. Camping in solitude?
Here’s reality:
We flew to a small, isolated (town population 1400) airport in eastern OR for the 2017 eclipse. Day of the eclipse, population estimated at 14,000. Airport campground (really, it was a field with some port-a-potties), put up just for the eclipse, was full with 1400 campers. Airport was closed unless you had a parking spot reservation.
Tie down that day only - $100.
Campground - $150 (one night or one week, same price)
Nearby B&B’s, motels - $1000

This place really was hours (by car) away from civilization, but was booked solid about 8 months prior to the eclipse.
With less than a year to go, it may already be too late to get reservations in TX. Start calling NOW.

Was it worth it? Absolutely. Those few m

Last eclipse we airplane camped at Rexburg Idaho airport and it was wonderful. Mown grass camping with portalotties and golf carts available. Totally free if you bought their (reasonably priced) fuel. Overall it was a wonderful experience.

 

[BruceW]

The 2017 Oregon eclipse had airports packed and tiedown spots hard to find. I dont know Texas but assume the same thing will apply, if not already.
I plan to 'fly the shadow'. Go from CA to somewhere nearby for overnight, then flyout and take the shadow course heading for the viewing.
Did that in 2017 and the view from 10K feet is amazing. You can see the black blob come and go, and see light on the horizon on each side.
Plus, getting out of the area after the show is easy.
Only downside is not hanging with a crowd of others that are freaking out and enjoying the experience.

 

[BobTurner]

Only downside is not hanging with a crowd of others that are freaking out and enjoying the experience.

There are some pluses to the airborne experience, as you said. But you won’t experience the temperature drop, the silence as the birds stop singing (they go to sleep).

 

[Pilot135pd]

We still have tie down space here (bring you own for sandy loam soil) and even though we don't have golf carts, crew cars, dining facilities, fuel, we DO HAVE :

VERY DARK airport out in the country side so with no lights around, so the eclipse will really be experienced in full.

We have a couple of BBQ pits and lots of wood to gather and burn plus a couple of BBQ grills too. REAL showers and toilets, and FREE grass to land, park and camp.

This isn't like Reklaw where dozens of volunteers go the week before to get everything ready for the fly-in (and then the owner charges those volunteers for them to camp the next week ). Here it's just me and maybe a neighbor who will help me, but I'll make regular drives to town (1 mile away walking if you want to exercise) where there are a couple of pubs and a Dollar Store and a Dollar General too. Based on the news every night, if the pubs are like the surrounding towns, they'll be super full of people.

Like everything that's for profit, the hotels are charging 10 times their normal rates, if you can get a room. Again, everything here is FREE to use including wifi, BUT YOU MUST let me know in advance because our airport is PPR and if it's anything like people are saying, it's going to be a madhouse at the local airports, which are all full and charging ramp fees and all that other stuff that we don't charge for.

Since my last post we have a few more full time tenants so no hangar space available, but we do have plenty of grass to park on and to camp under the trees.

Just a reminder of who we are:

Vaca Moo Airport: A Little Facility with Texas-Sized Heart - FLYING Magazine

While owning and operating the airport is a passion for the airline transport rated pilot, he also enjoys sharing aviation with others.

www.flyingmag.com

 

[agent4573]

I just posted in the places to fly thread, but thought I would post up here too. We're planning on coming in from the west, staying in Los Cruces New Mexico at a friend's place the night before and after the eclipse. I'm going to start calling the airports on the list in a previous post and seeing if anyone has a parking spot left, but does VAF have a get together spot planned out? Would love to meet up with some board members while we're down there if we could.

 

[Pilot135pd]

I just posted in the places to fly thread, but thought I would post up here too. We're planning on coming in from the west, staying in Los Cruces New Mexico at a friend's place the night before and after the eclipse. I'm going to start calling the airports on the list in a previous post and seeing if anyone has a parking spot left, but does VAF have a get together spot planned out? Would love to meet up with some board members while we're down there if we could.

There's a place where over 30 RVs from this forum have asked for a space to camp or just park that weekend. Look at the picture and you'll get a hint at where you can find information about that place.

 

[agent4573]

I saw that. We're interested in coming by, but it's also a 4 hour flight from NM to north east TX and no fuel, so it makes it complicated getting in a round trip and still having time to enjoy the eclipse. Unfortunately I don't have enough time off work to make it a longer trip, but if sounds like a great time, and I'll definitely send over my info if that's where we decide to go. I know it's a PPR, what's the need by date to get you our info? It would or be better to send over info even if we're not 100% committed?

 

[Pilot135pd]

For everyone joining us at Vaca Moo Airport TA37 in East Texas (up to now 37 RVs have requested to come plus a few Cessnas, Pipers, etc), if you're already here camping during the weekend that's great, but if not we might have lots of planes trying to get here that Monday morning.

For EVERYONE coming here that day or this weekend, please text me your N number ON THE DAY OF your arrival as soon as you have your ETA. This way we'll know who you are when you call us on our Unicom 123.00 as you're getting close.

You can get my phone number on AirNav.com, or practically any aviation app under TA37, or you can PM here.

No lights anywhere around here so it's going to get dark. Look at these pictures I took last night of my golfcart. One picture without flash and the other with flash, same 3' distance, didn't move between shots !

Aside from that, the runway has long orange fencing markers across each approach end (see picture of the view from my neighbor's property). Please land on the runway, not the tillered area on the side of the runway or on the taxiway. Sadly a few days ago a pilot learned the hard way what could have been avoided if he had his radio on the correct Unicom frequency and landed on the actual runway (zoom into the picture).