2026 marks a huge year for eclipse tourism, with the total lunar eclipse and accompanying ‘Blood Moon’ gracing the skies on 2 – 3 March, followed by the total solar eclipse on 12 August. With accommodation rates in prime viewing locations set to capitalise on these celestial occasions, it’s worth looking beyond the conventional to make your trip even more memorable, and to secure the best deal.
Max Schmidt, chief adventurer at CamperDays, Europe’s leading campervan and motorhome tour operator, says: “The significance and elusiveness of these celestial events means that eclipse tourism can quickly become costly, with some eclipse tours running into the tens of thousands of pounds. Alternatively, choosing a campervan holiday means you can visit the 2026 eclipse hotspots all the while having accommodation and in-destination travel wrapped up in one nifty vehicle – the only thing left to purchase is the flights. Campervanning also gives you the unique opportunity to situate yourself as remotely as possible, far away from light pollution to optimise your view of these incredible spectacles.
“To beat demand and secure a campervan for the best rate, I’d advise booking as early as possible to avoid disappointment for popular eclipse dates. The ability to park-up in spots that ensure the best viewing experience with no need to worry about relying on local transportation during periods of increased footfall, or local accommodation price hikes, encapsulates the perfect combination of road tripping and astro-tourism.”
Discover Max’s most recommended routes for chasing a lunar and solar eclipse…
2-3 March – The ‘Blood Moon’
Characterised by a deep, coppery red, the ‘Blood Moon’ phenomenon occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon during a total lunar eclipse. With the next occasion to see a Blood Moon set for 2029, this year calls for that long-awaited trip to Australia, New Zealand, or North America.
- Sydney, Australia
Australia presents an array of perfect park-up spots and camper-friendly routes that wind through outback wilderness and along ocean-lined roads. Famous for its vast landscapes and clear night skies, the Blood Moon will be visible here. Pick up a four-person Hippie Endeavour on 27 February and spend a week in and around Sydney for £553 total – or just £20 per person per night – driving up to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park for the best views of the Blood Moon on March 2. This spot has been praised for its dark skies and great western exposure, making for an ideal eclipse set up just a 31-minute drive from the city. For the rest of the week, park up at Sydney’s many stunning beaches, watch the sunsets from ocean lookout car parks, and venture further afield along the Great Pacific Drive, or inland to the Blue Mountains.
- Tekapo, New Zealand
Across the pond in New Zealand, the Blood Moon will also be shining. Plus, a scenic three-to-four-hour road trip from Queenstown will take you to the world’s largest and most recognized stargazing destination, Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. After picking up your four-person Hippie Hitop for £1,275 – or £46 per person per night – spend 27 February to 2 March journeying through the South Island’s bucket list sites including Cromwell, the Lindiss Pass, Mount Cook Village and Lake Tekapo. Arrive at Tekapo Springs on 2 March and opt for a ‘Soak in the Stars’ experience to truly mark the occasion or settle in a freedom camping spot nearby in the Lake Pukaki or Lake Opuha townships.
- Joshua Tree, North America
If you’ve been waiting to embark on a North American road trip, March 2026 is the time to do it as California’s sprawling national parks are far from city light pollution and packed with pre-reservable camper spots. Touchdown in Los Angeles, hop into a four-person Cruise America C-25 – priced at just £298 from 27 February to 6 March or less than £11 per person per night – and make your way to the iconic Joshua Tree National Park, a designated International Dark Sky Park. Located two and a quarter hours inland, you’ll pass through forests and deserts before reaching your pre-booked spot for a night under the Blood Moon. If you’re feeling up to it, continue further the next day to tick off the Grand Canyon, or head down to Laguna Beach and follow the iconic Pacific Coast Highway back up to Los Angeles.
12 August – The total solar eclipse
Occurring only when the Moon aligns perfectly between the Sun and the Earth, a total solar eclipse illuminates the Sun’s outer atmosphere against complete darkness in the specific area covered. This year’s total solar eclipse will grace the skies of Iceland, Greenland and Spain on its narrow path, with the most accessible viewing spots located in the Westfjords of Iceland and along the northern and eastern coasts of the Spanish Basque Country and Iberian Peninsula.
- The Westfjords, Iceland
Providing an equally Nordic but exceedingly accessible experience than Greenland, Iceland’s Westfjords region offers a dramatic geography of waterfalls and seascapes. The renowned Westfjords Way connects Reykjavík airport to the northwest, offering a bucket list roadtrip of two-five hours depending on how far you wish to delve into the unique landscape. After landing in Reykjavík on 9 August, pick up a four-person camper from £112 per person per night and opt to journey to Hólmavík (three-four hours), known as the Gateway village to the Westfjords, or Patreksfjörður (five hours), a large fishing town located deeper into the region. Spend the next few days ticking off iconic spots like the red sands of Rauðasandur Beach, two-tiered waterfall Dynjandi, and Ísafjörðu’s old town. On 12 August, we’d recommend planning a visit to the Látrabjarg Cliffs for sweeping ocean views and prime eclipse visibility – pitch up at the nearby Breiðavík Campsite, as Icelandic law prohibits overnight camping outside designated sites. The next day, continue back to Reykjaví, just a 20-minute drive from Breiðavík. Base yourself here for day trips to the Golden Circle, southern coast and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, where waterfalls, black sand beaches and geothermal await.
- Bilbao to San Sebastian, Basque Country
Distinguished by its ancient origins and world-class culinary scene, the Basque Country is home to the vibrant city of Bilbao, with neighboring foodie destination, San Sebastian, a stone’s throw down the coast. After flying into Bilbao, pick up a four-person Family Standard camper, priced at £2,004 from 8 August to 22 August or just £36 per person per night. With a few days to spare before the solar spectacle, we’d recommend exploring the historic Casco Viejo (Old Town), visiting the famous Guggenheim Museum and observing the Nervión River’s renowned bridges. On 12 August, head to the city’s own mountain range, Mount Artxanda, parking at the Artxanda Funicular before journeying to the top for panoramic vistas and a perfect eclipse viewpoint to the west. Spend the next day road-tripping an hour and a quarter east to San Sebastian, where Michelin star Pintxos bars and promenade lined beaches boast a rich cultural experience, before returning to Bilbao.
- Valencia to Barcelona, Iberian Peninsula
For an east coast roadtrip along the Iberian Peninsula, fly into Valencia and collect your four-person Urban Standard – priced at £1,804 from 8 August to 22 August or just £33 per person per night. This city is lucky enough to sit directly in the path of the total solar eclipse, so stick around until 12 August to enjoy the vibrant cityscape of cathedrals, markets and gardens, as well as the iconic Malvarrosa beach. Choose to park up here for a solar display over the Mediterranean or make the short trip to Albufera Natural Park for an elevated viewpoint. Whilst free camping is not permitted here, there are numerous pre-bookable camping spots located in the park itself, such as Camping Valencia el Saler, providing both nature and beach access. After the eclipse, road trip 350km up the coast to the cultural epicenter of Barcelona, opting for a pit stop in the towns of Tarragona, Peñíscola, or Sitges to break your journey.
For more information or to book your own road trip visit www.camperdays.co.uk
