In a recent announcement, Governor Kathy Hochul revealed that seven state park campgrounds in New York will be opening early to accommodate the expected influx of visitors for the rare total solar eclipse in April 2024. This celestial event is expected to draw a significant number of visitors to various regions of the state, particularly Western New York, the Finger Lakes, and the Adirondacks.
Governor Hochul expressed her excitement about the upcoming event, stating, “Next year, New Yorkers and visitors alike will have the opportunity to witness an extraordinary, celestial show in our state as the solar eclipse passes over the heart of Western New York, the Finger Lakes, and the Adirondacks in 2024.” She further encouraged those interested to reserve their spots at the campgrounds beginning this week.
The total solar eclipse, scheduled for April 8, 2024, will trace a narrow path of totality across 15 U.S. states, including much of western and upstate New York.
The State Parks will be offering a total of 335 campsites, cottages, and cabins across eight counties in western, central, and northern New York. Visitors with reservations for the night of April 8 will have a check-out time of 11:00 a.m. the following morning, allowing them to avoid traffic and enjoy the attractions of the region after the eclipse.
New York State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid shared his enthusiasm about the event, stating, “Visitors not only will get a chance to see this inspiring cosmic display – which won’t happen again in the continental U.S. until 2044 – they will also be able to enjoy the beauty of early spring in some of our most beautiful State Parks and see how we are continuing to enhance our accommodations.”
The outdoor recreation industry stands to benefit significantly from this event. The early opening of the campgrounds and the expected influx of visitors will likely boost local businesses and tourism in the areas surrounding the state parks. This event is a prime example of how natural phenomena can stimulate economic activity in the outdoor recreation industry.
Reservations can be made nine months in advance for a minimum of two nights through ReserveAmerica.com.
Sites will be available April 4-8 at the following State Parks:
- Allegany State Park, 2373 ASP, Rte 1, Salamanca, NY 14779 (Allegany County), for 165 sites, including campsites, cabins, cottages, and a group camp. New reservations open July 4.
- Fair Haven Beach State Park, 14985 State Park Road, Fair Haven, NY 13064 (Cayuga County) for 29 cabins and one cottage. Reservations open July 5.
- Letchworth State Park, 1 Letchworth State Park, Castile, NY 14427 (Livingston/Wyoming counties) for 19 cabins and cottages. Reservations open July 5.
- Evangola State Park, 10191 Old Lake Shore Road, Irving, NY 14081 (Erie County) for 25 campsites. Reservations open July 5.
- Four Mile Creek State Park, 1055 Lake Road, Youngstown, NY 14174 (Niagara County) for 50 campsites. Reservations open July 5.
- Golden Hill State Park, 9691 Lower Lake Road, Barker, NY 14012 (Niagara County) for 25 campsites. Reservations open July 5.
- Wellesley Island State Park, 44927 Cross Island Road, Fineview, NY 13640 (Jefferson County) for 21 cabins and cottages. New reservations open July 5.
The total solar eclipse is a rare event where the moon passes between the sun and earth, completely blocking the face of the sun. Those viewing the eclipse from locations where the moon’s shadow completely covers the sun – known as the path of totality – will experience a total solar eclipse. The sky will become dark as if it were dawn or dusk.
Weather permitting, people along the path of totality will see the sun’s corona, or outer atmosphere, which is usually obscured by the bright face of the sun.
Safety is paramount during such events. It is unsafe to look directly at the sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing. According to NASA, viewing any part of the sun through a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the optics will instantly cause severe eye injury. The partial phases of the solar eclipse can only be safely observed directly with specialized solar viewing glasses (“eclipse glasses”) or a handheld solar viewer.
For more information about the 2024 Total Eclipse in New York State, visit www.iloveny.com.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which in 2022 were visited by a record 79.5 million people.
For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit www.parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer mobile app, or call 518-474-0456. Also, connect on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
The 2024 total solar eclipse presents a unique opportunity for New Yorkers and visitors to witness a rare celestial event in the beautiful natural settings of the state parks. The early opening of the campgrounds for this event is a testament to New York’s commitment to enhancing outdoor recreation and providing unique experiences for its residents and visitors. This event is expected to boost local tourism and the outdoor recreation industry, further highlighting the importance of these sectors to the state’s economy.
