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Contact: Dena Matteson, 573-323-4814
VAN BUREN, Mo - With less than 3 weeks left until the total eclipse, Ozark National Scenic Riverways (ONSR) reminds visitors to finalize their plans and be prepare for crowds using local services.
Now is probably the last chance to lock in reservations for the eclipse! Most national park campgrounds along the path of totality are fully booked. The Ozarks are no exception! Keep in mind that there will be no totality at or north of Pulltite. Consult a map of the eclipse path before planning any activities for the day of the eclipse. ONSR will host a viewing event at Big Spring from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. with almost 4 minutes of totality and free eclipse glasses (for visitors to the event, while supplies last).
Camping reservations at ONSR campgrounds are now full for the weekend of the eclipse, though the park’s first-come, first-served sites may be available. Those sites could start filling up as early as two weeks before the eclipse. There are first-come, first-served sites in the campgrounds at Big Spring, Alley Spring, Pulltite, and Two Rivers. You can see the location and quantity of these sites on www.recreation.gov Backcountry campgrounds also offer first-come, first-served sites. For more information on campgrounds within the park, visit our website at www.nps.gov/ozar or call (573) 323-4236.
Privately-owned campgrounds and vacation rentals are another option for lodging. You can support local business by staying at one of the many campgrounds or rentals in Shannon County, Carter County, or beyond. The park encourages anyone without a reservation to “shop local” and make plans as soon as possible!
In addition to camping, anyone planning to float the river should finalize reservations as soon as possible. Staff is limited this time of year, meaning last-minute rentals might not be available.
Next, no trip is complete without good food and plenty of supplies. While local towns have great food options, they could be in high demand around the day of the eclipse. Large crowds may overwhelm regular services. Pack food for your group and plan to prepare some meals at your campground/lodging.
If camping, consider bringing water for your group. Water spigots will be available at developed campgrounds, but lines could be long. Avoid dehydration: fill your own water bottles ahead of time! As always, be sure to bring proper containers for food and drinks. Coolers with ice are recommended, and food should be secured within a locked container or vehicle. Don’t let your Sunday dinner get stolen by a raccoon!
Finally, patience is a must for events of this size. Towns in the path of the eclipse will see thousands more people than usual, and heavy traffic is inevitable. There will also be heavier than normal usage on local cell phone networks, which could lead to diminished quality or availability of service.
So, the National Park Service recommends “making a day of it!”
“How early do I need to show up?” The total eclipse occurs around 1:55 pm at ONSR. To get the best spot for you and your car, plan to arrive in the morning. This will give you plenty of time to park or use the shuttle at the Big Spring eclipse event, stress-free!
Once the total eclipse ends, there will be a rush of cars exiting the area. This will be the height of traffic for the day. To avoid the headache of waiting in line, plan to wait it out! The park will be hosting booths and activities at Big Spring until 4 p.m. Bring a comfy camp chair, plenty of snacks, and something to keep busy while cars exit the area.
With these last-minute tips in mind, we look forward to seeing everyone! A day full of fun and amazement awaits. For more information and planning advice, visit our website at www.nps.gov/ozar or call (573) 323-4236. You can also follow us at facebook.com/ozarkriverways or on Instagram @ozarkriverwaysnps.
Ozark National Scenic Riverways preserves 134 miles of the free-flowing Current and Jacks Fork rivers, the surrounding resources, and the unique cultural heritage of the Ozark people. Learn more at www.nps.gov/ozar. Find us on Facebook @ozarkriverways and on Instagram @ozarkriverwaysnps.
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 429 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
Last updated: March 21, 2024