Frequently asked questions

A total solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and the earth, blocking the face of the sun. The sky will appear as if it is dusk or dawn.

During a total eclipse, the corona – or outer atmosphere – of the sun becomes visible. The corona is usually not visible because of the brightness of the sun.

During totality, changes can occur in wildlife, such as disruption in sleeping patterns. Nocturnal animals have been known to wake up because they think it’s nighttime, and non-nocturnal animals think it’s time to go to sleep. 

Reservations for camping at an IDNR-managed campground during the April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse can be made by going to https://camp.exploremoreil.com or by calling 866-716-6550.

Not all campgrounds within the line of totality will be available for reservations. For campgrounds that are reservable, reservations can be made 180 days out from the guest’s anticipated arrival date. Guests can reserve up to 13 days beyond 180 days as long as one day is within the 180-day window.

For example, guests who plan to camp overnight April 7, 2024, departing on April 8, 2024, may make a reservation as soon as Oct. 10, 2023.

Reservations can be modified or cancelled up to three days before the arrival date through the customer’s account at https://camp.exploremoreil.com or by calling 866-716-6550. Reservations cancelled within three days of arrival will invoke a penalty fee of one night stay and must be handled through the support line or the park office. Cancellations made the day of arrival must be handled through the park office.

For campgrounds that do not take reservations, campsites will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis and will likely fill up fast. 

Below is a list of campgrounds within the path of totality and whether they accept reservations: 

Reservations accepted
 

• Dixon Springs State Park https://camp.exploremoreil.com/location/214
• Eldon Hazlet State Park https://camp.exploremoreil.com/location/201
• Ferne Clyffe State Park https://camp.exploremoreil.com/location/216
• Fort Massac State Park https://camp.exploremoreil.com/location/218
• Giant City State Park https://camp.exploremoreil.com/location/224
• Hamilton County State Fish and Wildlife Area https://camp.exploremoreil.com/location/227
• Kinkaid Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area: Visit https://kinkaidmarina.com/search/ or call 618-687-4914 for information
• Lake Murphysboro State Park https://camp.exploremoreil.com/location/242
• Randolph County State Recreation Area https://camp.exploremoreil.com/location/258
• Red Hills State Park https://camp.exploremoreil.com/location/259
• Sam Dale Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area https://camp.exploremoreil.com/location/213
• Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area https://camp.exploremoreil.com/location/264
• Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area https://camp.exploremoreil.com/location/217
• Washington County State Recreation Area https://camp.exploremoreil.com/location/274
• Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area https://camp.exploremoreil.com/location/260
• World Shooting and Recreational Complex IL Campground Reservations - Location Details - World Shooting Complex (exploremoreil.com)

No reservations needed; first come first served campsites
 

• Beall Woods State Park 
• Cave-In-Rock State Park 
• Lincoln Trail State Park
• Pyramid State Recreation Area 
• Saline County State Fish and Wildlife Area 
• Trail of Tears State Forest 

• Traffic: In some parts of southern Illinois, campers and park visitors may experience heavier-than-usual traffic congestion. Please remember to be patient. Better yet, plan to stay an extra night to help cut down on vehicles on the highways. Staying an extra night also means extra time to explore Illinois’ beautiful state parks and historic sites in southern Illinois.
• Parking: Each state park will have limited parking available. Please be sure to park only in designated areas, and carpool if possible. Please keep in mind that during this time of year, fields and grassy areas at state parks may be too wet for parking.
• Weather: Early April weather in southern Illinois is somewhat unpredictable -- expect anything from cloudy with snow flurries to thunderstorms to sunny and warm. Monitor the weather and plan accordingly.
• What to bring: Dress for the weather, and be sure to pack chairs, blankets, food, water or beverages, eclipse viewers, bug spray,
• Cell service: Please be aware that some state parks in or near the path of totality have limited or no Wi-Fi connection or cell service. Plan accordingly and consider bringing printed maps and driving directions.
• Camping: Camp only at designated campsites. Do not set up tents and makeshift campsites in areas that are not designated camping areas.
• Litter: Please be a good park visitor by planning to pack out anything you pack in. Please use designated garbage cans or bring garbage bags for carrying out trash. Plan to tidy up your campsite and pick up any litter you created before leaving the park. This keeps the parks clean and creates less work for limited volunteers and park staff.
• Trails: When exploring state parks and historic sites, please stay on designated trails and pathways. 

The spring turkey season begins in southern Illinois on April 8, 2024, coinciding with the total solar eclipse. Public land turkey hunters and eclipse watchers should be aware of other uses on the day of the eclipse.

The eclipse will be visible around 2 p.m. Legal hunting hours are a half hour before sunrise until 1 p.m. Please note:
 

• Public land turkey hunters should be aware that there may be more people than usual out and about in state parks on the day of the eclipse. Scout and hunt in remote, designated areas of the park if needed.
• Mushroom hunting is only allowed after 1 p.m. on Illinois Department of Natural Resources sites that are open to turkey hunting.
• Eclipse watchers are urged to be mindful that hunters may be afield.
• Eclipse watchers should park in designated parking spots.