The 2024 solar eclipse is happening on April 8, 2024, and the two best places in North America to watch it happen are south of the border: Mazatlán, Sinaloa and Nazas, Durango, Mexico.
In 2024, the full solar eclipse path of totality will traverse across a wide, northeasterly swath of North America. When he moon passes between the sun and the earth, then travels across the continent, it creates a “path of totality.” This is what turns the sky dark in certain locations. Mexico is where the path of totality will last the longest.
If you don’t want to RV to Mexico for the eclipse, you can still enjoy the eclipse viewing camping spots in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. However, the weather may or may not be great in April. And sadly, many RV destinations are already booked. That’s why Mexico is a better bet to see the eclipse.
But, is it really safe to RV to Mexico for the eclipse? Are you prepared if you want to go? Let’s look at things to know before you go in more detail.
The Two Best RV-Friendly Eclipse Viewing Spots in Mexico
For a richer, more unusual RV route to the eclipse (and excellent camping weather), consider RVing to Mexico. Nowhere else along the 2024 path of totality will have climate and viewing conditions like our southern neighbors.
Two of the best RV-friendly eclipse viewing destinations in Mexico are already popular destinations with plenty of services for RV camping. They are:
Don’t worry if you are a novice, or have never been to Mexico in your RV. There is still some time to prepare. But if you decide to head south, keep in mind that these two locations are better than other RV destinations in Mexico to experience it.
Things to Know About RVing in Mexico for the 2024 Eclipse
The best places to watch the 2024 eclipse in Mexico are making accommodations for all types of travelers, including RVers. Mexico RV caravan tour guides are booked solid at this point. If you decide to RV to Mexico with friends or on your own at this point, an easygoing, flexible attitude is still a must. Other things you need to know include:
- If your RV is on the large side, be prepared to drive with extra care. Mexican roads are often narrow and without shoulders.
- RV campgrounds are usually rustic with bare bones hookups. Boondocking might be your only camping choice in many locations.
- Diesel-powered vehicles aren’t as common in Mexico. Take spare parts and be prepared for delays if you need repairs.
Why It’s Not More Dangers to RV in Mexico Than Anywhere Else
“This is a question we get asked a lot,” says Paul Beddows, customer coordinator for Caravanas de Mexico RV tour company. “RVers are not a target in Mexico. In 15 years of doing this we have never had an incident. You are even safer in a group.” As long as RVers stay away from drugs and don’t go bar hopping at 3 a.m., they can stay safe.
Beddows’ company operates the largest, fully-legal Mexico RV caravan tour company. They have about 7 Mexico caravans that include stops to watch the eclipse, or have the option to do so. The company always makes it a point to choose roads that all sizes of RVs can navigate. Their friendly relationships with Mexican police and politicians help keep everyone safe.
Here’s what Beddows told us about their 2024 eclipse RVing caravan to Mazatlan:
“Anywhere in Mazatlan itself will be good viewing. Mazatlan is already set up to handle a lot of tourists and cruise ships. It will undoubtably be the most popular (and most expensive) location to view the eclipse. The chances of clear skies are very good, and the morning sea mist that can occur in Mazatlan at some times of the year should not be an issue by mid day.”
Paul Beddows, Caravanas de Mexico
Durango is another good eclipse RV destination
Beddows says this is one of the best destinations to experience totality. His caravan customers will drive a few miles outside of the city to watch the eclipse directly under the center line of the path of totality. As a bonus, Durango is located in cool, high desert terrain, and there will be a new moon at night which means excellent stargazing opportunities. “Durango is not on the center line, but will experience a total eclipse, albeit a minute shorter (than Mazatlan). The center line actually crosses about an hour drive north, through the town of Guadalupe, Aguilera.”
One of the best parts about RVing to Durango for the eclipse is driving over one of the most spectacular and expensive highways on the planet. Beddows says it has over thirty tunnels and thirty bridges, including the second highest bridge in the world.
The 2024 Eclipse of a Lifetime is Almost Here. Are You Ready?
The next solar eclipse is the last full solar eclipse we will see in North America until 2044. If you’re of a certain age, you definitely won’t be alive for to experience that eerie darkness during daylight. Or, you might have already hung up your keys. So if you are thinking about adding it to your RVing bucket list, start your Mexico RV trip planning now before it’s too late.
