Solar Eclipse 2017: A Guide to Dispersed Camping Locations

The 2017 total solar eclipse is a once in a life time experience, and watching from the path of totality – where the complete total eclipse is visible – will ensure you get the best possible show. The buzz around is that everywhere in the path of totality will be so congested with expectant onlookers that it’s not even worth the trip. In fact, most reservable campgrounds in the path have been booked for months.

However, Active Junky has put together a list of national forest and recreation areas within the path of totality where you can find a little solitude – places that will draw smaller crowds than national parks and touristy big cities.

Dispersed, or primitive, camping in national forests is free and first-come, first-served, and sites get you away from packed established campgrounds that have been reserved for months. Some recreation areas may require permits for dispersed or primitive camping.

Check out our off-the-grid options below, and use this interactive Solar Eclipse Map from the USDA Forest Service to ensure your location is within the path of totality. And sign up for Active Junky for more articles, product reviews, exclusive deals and cashback on your gear purchases.

Willamette National Forest, Oregon

Willamette National Forest: permit-free dispersed camping

Dispersed Camping in the Path of Totality

• Sweet Home Ranger District: entire district
• McKenzie River Ranger District (North): entire district
• McKenzie River Ranger District (North): entire district

Idaho National Forests

Idaho National Forests: permit-free dispersed camping

Dispersed Camping in the Path of Totality

• Boise National Forest: North of Idaho City
• Sawtooth National Forest: North of Steel Mountain and Two-Point Mountain
• Salmon-Challis National Forest: South of Big Baldy Peak, including Borah Peak

Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming

Shoshone Nation Forest: permit-free dispersed camping

Dispersed Camping in the Path of Totality

• Wind River Range: North of Willow, Soda, and Half Moon Lakes; including and south of Buffalo Plateau

Nebraska National Forest, Nebraska

Nebraska National Forest: permit-free dispersed camping

Dispersed Camping in the Path of Totality

• Nebraska National Forest at Halsey: entire area
• Nebraska National Forest at Chadron: entire area

Missouri National Forests

Missouri National Forests: permit-free dispersed camping

Dispersed Camping in the Path of Totality

• Mark Twain National Forest: Hazel Creek Campground
• Shawnee National Forest: entire forest

Land Between the Lakes, Kentucky

Land Between the Lakes: $7 for three-day permit available online

Dispersed Camping in the Path of Totality

• Land Between the Lakes: full area but the southern-most portion

Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina

Nantahala National Forest: permit-free dispersed camping

Dispersed Camping in the Path of Totality

• Nantahala National Forest: South of Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Georgia border

Chattahoochee National Forest, Georgia

Chattahoochee National Forest: permit-free dispersed camping

Dispersed Camping in the Path of Totality

• Chattooga River District: Northeast of Hwy. 60; Tallulah River Road, Wildcat Creek

Francis Marion National Forest, South Carolina

Francis Marion National Forest: permit-free dispersed camping

Dispersed Camping in the Path of Totality

• Francis Marion National Forest: entire forest

Looking for more options? Check out our Active Junky Solar Eclipse Vacation article.