Spacious Skies Balsam Woods, located in Abbot, Maine, is gearing up for a unique celestial event. From April 5 to April 11, the campground will open 18 RV sites, offering electricity and cable to guests eager to witness the solar eclipse in the path of totality on April 8. The campground’s normal operations are expected to resume on May 17.
The campground, known for its scenic beauty and outdoor amenities, will also make rustic cabins available for the event. To accommodate the needs of its guests, one bathroom in the main office will be open, and a water spigot at the main office will provide water for tank refills.
Earning the title of Eclipse Ambassador Partner, Spacious Skies Balsam Woods is committed to educating guests about the eclipse. General Manager Bobbie Seiler, having completed a specialized three-week online course, is prepared to share knowledge and tools regarding the eclipse with both the local community and campground visitors.
“This is such a great opportunity for our ‘cosmic campers’ to view and learn about the eclipse at the same time. There will also be plenty of local attractions and activities to make this a multi-day event. The solar eclipse will take place on Monday, April 8. In Abbot, Maine, it begins at 2:19 p.m. and ends at 4:40 p.m., reaching its maximum at 2:32 p.m. Totality will last for one minute, 57 seconds,” Seiler said in a press release.
To enhance the experience, Seiler advises guests to plan for early arrival and late departure to manage the expected traffic increase. Recommendations for campers include bringing sufficient water and propane and ensuring their black water tanks are empty, with the campground’s dump station available for use.
The event is not just limited to the campground; numerous towns and cities along the path of totality will host their activities and events. A comprehensive list of these can be found at maineeclipse.com.
Spacious Skies Balsam Woods offers a variety of accommodations, including 84 RV sites, deluxe and rustic cabins, and tent sites. Its location near Moosehead Lake and Mt. Katahdin adds to the appeal, offering access to outdoor activities such as ATV trails, whitewater rafting, and historical sites.
For those interested in staying at Spacious Skies Balsam Woods, reservations for sites and cabins can be made online or by phone.
In addition to Balsam Woods, the Spacious Skies network includes 15 campgrounds across the eastern United States. Nine of these will offer views of the partial eclipse, with details on maximum view and timing available online.
The Spacious Skies Campgrounds network provides a range of accommodation options beyond RV sites, including cabins and glamping accommodations. The Spacious Skies Loyalty Program, “Cosmic Campers,” offers up to 12 percent savings on accommodations, with an annual membership fee of $31.90.
To enjoy the maximum view and timing, click here. For other campgrounds on the path, visitors can check below.
- Spacious Skies Belle Ridge, Monterey, Tenn., 2:05 p.m.
- Spacious Skies Savannah Oaks, Savannah, Ga., 3:08 p.m.
- Spacious Skies Hidden Creek, Marion, N.C., 3:10 p.m.
- Spacious Skies Bear Den, Spruce Pine N.C., 3:10 p.m.
- Spacious Skies Peach Haven, Gaffney, S.C., 3:10 p.m.
- Spacious Skies Sandy Run, Fayetteville, N.C., 3:14 p.m.
- Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views, Luray, Va., 3:18 p.m.
- Spacious Skies Country Oaks, Dorothy, N.J., 3:23 p.m.
- Spacious Skies French Pond, Henniker, N.H., 3:29 p.m.
When you’re gearing up for the April 8 solar eclipse at Spacious Skies Balsam Woods, make sure to grab those special eclipse glasses for a safe cosmic view. And hey, joining the guided session with the staff can really up your eclipse game!