The Boonies in the Ozarks (April 2024 Eclipse Camping)

Campground Overview

April 2024 Eclipse Camping ONLY! The Boonies in the Ozarks, April 8, 2024, Eclipse Camping open April 5-30.Join us in counting down to the Total Solar Eclipse! Simply click HERE to be a part of this exciting event.If you want to see the Eclipse, come to the Boonies Eclipse in the Ozarks for the Total Solar Eclipse  on the weekend of April 5-8, 2024, here are some things you might want to know:

Boonies Eclipse: The Boonies Eclipse is a gathering or festival that coincides with the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse, the center  occurring in the Ozarks region. Solar eclipses are rare and mesmerizing events where the moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow on the Earth’s surface. Witnessing a solar eclipse in a scenic location like the Ozarks can be a breathtaking experience.

Ozarks: The Ozarks is a beautiful and rugged region located primarily in the central United States, covering parts of Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Kansas. It is known for its stunning landscapes, including forests, mountains, and rivers.

Activities: The Boonies Eclipse events offer a variety of exciting activities such as camping, fishing, hayrides, and games. It’s a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy outdoor recreational activities.

Farm Animals and Hillbillies: The event includes farm animals and activities related to rural life, such as interactions with farm animals or showcasing hillbilly traditions and culture. These aspects add to the charm of the event and provide a unique experience.

Eclipse Safety: If you plan to observe the solar eclipse, remember to do so safely. Never look directly at the sun without proper solar viewing glasses or eclipse glasses. The sun’s rays can cause severe eye damage if proper precautions are not taken.

Prepare for Camping: If you intend to camp at the event, make sure to pack appropriate camping gear, including tents, sleeping bags, and camping essentials. Reserve early  for camping at the camping and event sites. Rough campsites, RV sites and hostel rooms will be available. 

Respect Nature and Wildlife: While enjoying outdoor activities in the Ozarks, it’s essential to be respectful of nature and wildlife. Follow any rules or guidelines set by the event organizers to preserve the natural beauty of the area.

Meet the Locals: Events like the Boonies Eclipse often attract locals from the area. Engaging with them can provide insights into the region’s culture and traditions.

I hope you have a fantastic time enjoying all the activities and experiences the Ozarks has to offer!

Activities:

Prepare for an extraordinary weekend of music, nature, and community at the Eclipse in the Boonies Festival, happening from April 6th to April 8th, 2024. Located at the magnificent 1039 AA Highway, Alton, MO, this festival promises an unforgettable cosmic adventure.

📆 Saturday, April 6th: Games and Outdoor Adventures: Kickstart your festival weekend with a day of games, exploration, and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re into games, hiking trails through fields and woods, thrilling outdoor activities, or hayback rides, Saturday has something for everyone. As the sun sets, get ready for a night of cosmic wonders and music.

🎶 Sunday, April 7th: Rock, Folk and Hillbilly Songs Under the Stars. As the sun sets, we’ll transition to a night of live music celebrating the celestial wonders above. Enjoy songs that echo through the woods and fields. Our local musicians will serenade you with tunes that capture the essence of the Ozarks. Join in the square dancing and singing contests for a chance to showcase your talents and win exciting prizes.

🌞 Monday, April 8th: Eclipse Party Celebration: An eclipse of the Sun takes place when the Moon comes between Earth and the Sun so that the Moon’s shadow sweeps over the face of Earth. Stay for the party afterwards and avoid the traffic jams. This awe-inspiring event occurs at 2:00 pm and covers the earth in darkness for 3-4 minutes. Witness the most impressive phenomena during a total solar eclipse—the prominences and the corona. First, notice the red dots on the edge of the sun, which are prominences, gaseous eruptions on the sun’s surface visible only during a total solar eclipse. Then, once your eyes adjust to the darkness, behold the corona, a white halo that represents the sun’s uppermost atmosphere with heavily thinned gas. The corona extends boundlessly into space, with its density dropping rapidly towards the outside and its temperature reaching 1 million degrees Celsius.

🍔 Food and Entertainment: Indulge in a mouthwatering array of delicious food options including restaurant meals, and be entertained throughout the festival with a variety of activities and performances. From games to hayrides, there’s no shortage of fun to be had.

🌠 Headlining Act Announcement Coming Soon!

🎟️ Ticket Pricing: We’re pleased to offer festival tickets at just $20 per day, making it accessible for all music and nature enthusiasts to join the celebration.

Don’t miss out on this cosmic adventure at the stunning 1039 AA Highway, Alton, MO! Experience the most impressive natural phenomena during the eclipse while enjoying a lineup that includes games, fun, contests, music, entertainment, and mouthwatering food. Stay tuned for more details, including our full lineup and ticket information. Join us at the Eclipse in the Boonies Festival for a celestial celebration like no other!At high altitude, the rapid approach of the moon’s shadow can be followed shortly before the sun is covered completely. The colors in the vicinity and the open landscape begin to dull. Just before totality, so-​called shadow bands – dark, thin strips hurrying across the ground – can be seen on large, even areas. These are formed by irregularities in the earth’s atmosphere.   If a total solar eclipse takes place in a clear sky, lighter stars also become visible. During the full eclipse, planets can even be seen. For around three hours, the sunlight in the totality area is reduced and the air temperature drops by around five degrees Celsius. The heavy reduction in sunlight not only has a considerable influence on the temperature, but also the wind, cloud cover and humidity. An eclipse wind is famous: it has the advantage of still being able to disperse existing cloud fields in time.

Camping during a solar eclipse in the wild and scenic Ozarks will be a fantastic experience! Here are some general tips and information you might find useful for such an event:

Plan Ahead: Eclipse events can attract a lot of people, so it’s a good idea to plan and make reservations well in advance for your campsite.

Safety First: Make sure you have proper eye protection to view the eclipse safely. Regular sunglasses are not enough. You need certified solar viewing glasses to protect your eyes.

Weather Considerations: While you can’t control the weather, it’s important to be prepared for various conditions. Pack appropriate clothing, rain gear, and any camping equipment you might need.

Camping Gear: Bring all the camping essentials, such as a tent, sleeping bags, cooking equipment, and proper camping attire.

Leave No Trace: Practice responsible camping by following the “Leave No Trace” principles. Respect the environment and clean up after yourself to preserve the beauty of the Ozarks.

Local Regulations: Be aware of the camping regulations in the area. Some locations might have specific rules about campfires, waste disposal, and other camping activities.

Traffic and Crowds: Eclipse events can draw large crowds, so be prepared for potential traffic congestion and busy campgrounds. Arrive early to secure a good spot.

Entertainment and Activities: While the main attraction is the eclipse, consider bringing along some entertainment for the downtime. Hiking, stargazing, and exploring the Ozarks can be great activities during your stay.

Emergency Supplies: Have a basic first aid kit and emergency supplies on hand, just in case.

Respect Nature: Remember that you’re in a natural environment. Be respectful of wildlife, avoid disturbing local flora and fauna, and adhere to any guidelines provided by the campground.

Information: Stay informed about the eclipse schedule and any special events or talks that might be happening in the area.

Connect with Others: Camping during a major event like an eclipse can be a great opportunity to meet fellow nature enthusiasts and share the experience.

Boonie Eclipse Fun for All

Booths with local made treats and souvenirs

Art classes & exhibits

Water balloon contests

Trips to the River for fishing and canoeing  and Horse riding camp

Fly Fishing class

Rivers: Fishing stories

Hiking Trails (short)

Throw Contests

Volleyball

Cornhole Games

Pickleball

Midnight pickleball with glow in the dark balls

Eclipse Shot put

Hillbilly Slang & Trivia Contest

Story/History Telling 

Street Guitars, fiddles etc

Hangouts (ClubHouse)

Entertainment (bands, singers)

Best Eclipse Costumes & parade

Visitors from greater distance, oldest, youngest

Cosplay groups

Card Games

Trivia Games

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

Have a question about camping to see the 2024 eclipse? Call 870-907-0697, 417-280-6216 or text us on Facebook: 

REGISTRATION

What information do I need to make a reservation?

You will need your check-in/check-out times and the number of guests staying in your site.

How much do sites cost?

Tent camp sites for 8 people: One night: $200, Two nights: $400, Three nights: $600, Four nights: $800, Four nights perimeters: $900

RV site bookings for 2 people are: One night: $300, Two nights: $600, Three nights: $900, Four nights: $1,200. Additional Vehicle $100.

Hostel bookings per bed are: One night $200, Two nights: $400, Three nights: $600, and four nights: $800.

Pets $10 per pet per day.

Festival: $20 per day (free for campers)

Eclipse Day April 8, 2024 viewing: $50 (free for campers)

Missouri Taxes will be 8.33% in addition to the above fees.

Will I receive a discount for booking multiple sites?

No, but please add a comment to your reservation so that we can ensure your spots are together.

How do I change or cancel my reservation?

There are no refunds. Places are filling up fast.

Is there a waiting list in case of cancellations?

Yes. We will begin notifying the wait list after March 1, 2024 of open spots. 

CAMPING SITES

What are the differences in the types of campsites?

The difference is location. The premier sites are on the perimeter while the standard sites are in the interior. RV sites are in separate areas.

What size are the sites?

20 x 30 ft.

Will hookups and/or charging stations be available?

There are no hookups at sites. There will be a phone charging station available

Are campers allowed? If so, what sizes and types?

RVs or campers are permitted in the designated sites.

What is included in the campsite fee?

Campsite

Parking pass for 1 car

Up to 4 wristbands for guests at your site

Eclipse glasses

What is the number of people allowed per campsite?

You can have up to 8 registered guests at your site.

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Eclipse Dates (Office Hours 8am-9pm)

Friday April 5: Check-in from 3:00-6:00 pm

Saturday/Sunday April 6-7: Check-in from 8:00 am-5:00 pm

Monday April 8: Check-in from 8:00 am-12:00 pm

Tuesday April 9: Must have site cleared and clean by 11:00 am

Other April Dates (Officer Hours 12:00pm-9:00 pm):

April 1-4, 10-30: Check-in from 3:00 to 6:00.

How do we check in on arrival?

There will be a check-in table at the entrance of the site at 1039 CR AA in Alton, MO. You will register your vehicle as well as up to 4 guests. You will receive your parking pass and wristbands. You will park in a designated area and move your gear to your campsite.

CAMPGROUND RULES

Where do we park?

Parking will be adjacent to the camp sites. 

Will we need to display a parking pass?

Yes.

What is the visitor policy?

No unregistered visitors. Each site is allowed up to 4 people, and wristbands will be required to be worn by all guests. Visitors are welcome at the Clubhouse for activities.

Will we have passes to get in and out of the camps?

Yes. Please see details above.

Are alcohol and/or cannabis allowed on the property?

No.

What is the campfire policy?

Campfires will be in designated fire pits only. 

What are the times for lights out/quiet time?

Quiet hours will be observed from 10:00 pm-7:00 am.

What is the pet policy?

Pets are allowed if contained within the campsite at a $10.00 fee per day.

SAFETY AND MEDICAL

What security measures will be in place?

There will be hired security 24/7 throughout the duration of the event, as well as volunteer staff available.

Will there be medical services/EMT onsite?

A nurse and aides will be available at the Boonie Haven Clubhouse.

How do I bring medical supplies that require refrigeration or power?

Public refrigerators and power are available at the clubhouse, and portable refrigerators at the hostels. 

Where do I keep my valuables? Are lockers going to be available?

Valuables should be kept at home or locked in your vehicle. We will not be responsible for lost or stolen property.

Where is the lost and found?

A lost and found desk will be located at the clubhouse.

CAMPGROUND AMENITIES

Prepare for a cosmic adventure at the stunning 881 CR 125, Alton MO. campground and haven. Experience the most impressive natural phenomena during the eclipse while enjoying a lineup that includes games, fun, contests, music, hikes, entertainment, and mouthwatering food

Where are the showers and bathrooms located?

Please see the map for the locations of amenities.

Will food be available onsite?

A restaurant serving three meals a day Friday through Tuesday morning will be available. Food Trucks will be at the festival Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.

Will ATMs be available onsite?

No, and the banks are 5 miles away.

OFF-SITE AMENITIES

Where is the best place to view the eclipse?

We hope you’ll view the eclipse right from your campsite. It is a wide-open field. Traffic could be an issue, and we do not recommend trying to drive off-site to view the eclipse.

Will there be on-site entertainment?

There will be entertainment at the Festival on Saturday and Sunday.

Where can I find more information on events happening in the community?

Will public transportation be available?

There will be limited shuttle service available around the campground. There will be vans to take special trips to the rivers, the springs, the horseback riding facility and the mills for a fee of $30.00 for each trip per person. 

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Check In

Check In Time: 9AM | Please take note that the check-in and check-out times vary depending on your arrival day, so it's essential to carefully review the information to ensure you arrive at the correct time. For all days except Saturday, August 8th, check-in is between 3 PM and 6 PM. However, on Saturday, August 8th, please plan to check in between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., and on the day of the eclipse, check-in will be available from 9 a.m. to noon. Upon Check-In we will assist you with vehicle registration, provide a parking pass and wristband, and guide you to your designated parking area.

Activities

Wildlife Viewing, Historic Sightseeing, Fishing, Horseback Riding, Volleyball, Canoeing, Backpacking