Welcome! The 2024 solar eclipse is a special event in the sky across the whole nation. We are glad you chose to experience it in an Arkansas State Park! A little preparation can bring you a lot of security on eclipse day, and help make your Arkansas State Park memories even more meaningful.

WE EXPECT MANY GUESTS TO VISIT FOR THE ECLIPSE. FOR SAFETY, BE AWARE OF THESE POINTS: 

Each park has set maximum capacity levels to ensure guest safety, protection of resources, and stress on infrastructure. For the eclipse event, entry will be first-come, first served. When the park is full, further entry may not be allowed. 

Registered overnight guests have priority entry and will have designated passes. Maximum guest/vehicle limits at camping and lodging sites will be enforced. No non-registered guests are permitted in the park before sunrise. 

Park staff are on duty and making patrols regularly to help answer questions and provide information. 

Contact the visitor center or designated aid station for all emergencies when park staff are not in the immediate area. 

ON ECLIPSE DAY  

Overnight guests: To avoid traffic congestion, we suggest you try to stay in place - view the eclipse from your campsite, cabin, or lodge area, or plan to walk to a viewing area. 

Viewing areas: If you need guidance on where to view the eclipse, check with a park aid station, visitor center, or front desk.

Due to high volume, cell phone service may be interrupted or not available during part of your stay. 

Think “safety first” when planning eclipse-day adventures. Limit recreational activities that have increased risk. Emergency access and our rangers’ capacity to respond could be diminished due to expected increases in visitation. 

Be conscious of the experience of others. We encourage LEAVE NO TRACE outdoor ethics. As totality approaches, and during the moments of total eclipse, be extra mindful of your group’s noise level. Some guests may want to listen to the quiet. 

Plan your exit: Traffic may be congested immediately following the eclipse. Day guests, consider extending your stay to late afternoon or evening so your trip home is less frustrating. 

Check the iDrive Arkansas app or website for statewide traffic updates. 

ENJOY THE PARK! 

Check park bulletin boards and our website at ArkansasStateParks.com/events for a listing of park-focused, ranger-led programs throughout the weekend. Guided programs are not scheduled on eclipse day. 

During your stay, plan time to make special memories with the significant resources and stories of this park. Explore the park on the days leading up to the eclipse, and after. Depending on which park you visit, consider fishing, trails, boating, nature watching, and other self-guided activities. 

Check out our eclipse-related souvenirs and other park-focused gifts and supplies at the visitor center or lodge. 

SUN SAFETY AND THE ECLIPSE VIEWING EXPERIENCE 

Protect your eyes: Do not ever look directly at the sun with the naked eye. View the eclipse safely with official dark-lens glasses. The park is providing glasses for overnight guests. You can also purchase additional glasses in our gift shops. 

For parks in the path of totality: During the moments of total eclipse, expect it to feel like dawn or dusk even though it is mid-day. The temperature may drop 10 degrees. Wildlife may become confused and you might hear calls or see movement that is unusual for daytime. Don’t be alarmed, and avoid disturbing wildlife further; do not chase, call, or taunt animals. 

Totality will last 3.5-4 minutes. Partial eclipse conditions will last about 90 minutes before and after. 

Specific eclipse times for individual parks, and more viewing tips, can be found by clicking here.