Eclipse Viewing

A total solar eclipse is coming to Texas!

What’s an Eclipse?

A solar eclipse occurs when the sun, moon and Earth are lined up in space, with the moon between the earth and the sun.

Total eclipse – Monday, April 8, 2024

During the total eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024, the moon will blot out the entire sun. For a few minutes, it will look and feel like twilight. You will be able to see this rare event along a line across Texas from Del Rio to Texarkana.

What to Expect

The moon will start to block the sun around noon on April 8. Totality will begin at 1:30 p.m. near Del Rio and trace a line northeast across Texas.

Totality will last from a few seconds to about 4.5 minutes depending on where you are along the path. Only those in the path of totality will get the full eclipse experience.

You will see a partial solar eclipse before and after the time of greatest coverage. If you’re outside of the eclipse’s path of totality, you will see a partial eclipse.

These parks are in the path of totality for the April eclipse: 

• Atlanta (sold out)
• Blanco (sold out)
• Bonham (sold out)
• Cedar Hill
• Cleburne (sold out)
• Colorado Bend (sold out)
• Cooper Lake (sold out)
• Daingerfield (sold out)
• Devil's Sinkhole (limited capacity, first-come, first served)
• Dinosaur Valley (sold out)
• Enchanted Rock (sold out)
• Fort Parker (sold out)
• Garner (sold out)
• Government Canyon (sold out)
• Guadalupe River (sold out)
• Hill Country (sold out)
• Inks Lake & Longhorn Cavern (sold out)
• Kickapoo Cavern (sold out)
• Lake Bob Sandlin (sold out)
• Lake Tawakoni (sold out)
• Lake Whitney (sold out)
• Lost Maples (sold out)
• Lyndon B. Johnson (limited capacity, first-come, first served)
• McKinney Falls (sold out)
• Meridian (sold out)
• Mother Neff (sold out)
• Old Tunnel (limited capacity, first-come, first served)
• Pedernales Falls (sold out)
• Purtis Creek (sold out)
• South Llano River (sold out)
• Tyler

A partial eclipse will be visible in all other state parks. 

How to See the Eclipse

Solar eclipses are magical experiences. Ensure you have a memorable day by planning.

First, and most importantly, protect your eyes. Purchase eclipse glasses or use an indirect observation method, like a pinhole viewer.

It’s only safe to look directly at the sun during the few minutes of totality. Otherwise, you’ll need to use eclipse glasses or a pinhole viewer.

Other considerations

• Make a reservation: You won’t be able to enter any of the state parks listed above on eclipse day without a pre-purchased day pass or camping permit. We recommend reserving day passes for any state park on this day, even those not in the path of totality.
  • Reserve day passes up to a month before your visit.
  • Reserve campsites up to five months before your visit.
  • A state park pass does not guarantee your entry!
  • Passes are not transferable. 
• Come early and stay late: Expect traffic delays across the state. We anticipate visitors from across the state and nation for the eclipse.
• Pack more than a snack: Be sure you have extra food, water and fuel in case of delays.
• Park in designated areas only. Stay off roadways for your safety. Don't park off the pavement unless directed by park staff.
• You may not be able to connect. In some areas of totality, cell phone networks and the internet might be jammed.
• Read through our Eclipse FAQs for more information on viewing the eclipse at one of our parks.