Russellville church offers free camping to eclipse watchers

City Church in Russellville has 26 acres of undeveloped property in the path of Monday’s total solar eclipse and it’s allowing people to pitch tents on the site — free of charge.

Even without GPS, it shouldn’t be difficult for motorists to find.

“We’re located right on Interstate 40, right between two of the main exits about half a mile from the college,” said David Howell, the congregation’s executive and network pastor. “It’s a prime location.”

Thus far, more than 50 campers have signed up, and they’re coming from north, south, east and west.

“California, Florida, Mississippi … Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma — really all over to be honest,” Howell said.

Camper trailers and RVs aren’t allowed.

Above Russellville, the moon’s shadow will obscure the sun for 4 minutes and 11 seconds, making it one of the best places in the country to see it happen — assuming the weather cooperates.

As of Wednesday, hotel rooms were still available in Russellville, but the rates were astronomical — $533 at the Hampton Inn; $300 at a Motel 6.

Rather than viewing this as a potential windfall, City Church saw it as a chance to serve.

“I don’t have issues with people making money in this, but we just we felt like that wasn’t what the Lord told us to do. He told us to give it away,” Howell said.

Security, including lighting, will be provided. Portable toilets have been secured. They also intend to have water available.

Howell anticipates thousands of visitors will converge on his community.

“This is a big event, and we’re talking about CNN, ABC, CBS, the Weather Channel [and] NASA [coming] … so the eyes of our nation will be on Russellville that day,” Howell said.

City Church aims to offer hospitality.

“What a wonderful opportunity for us just to love them and serve them and hopefully have an encounter with the Jesus that we know and the Jesus that loves them,” he said.

There are rules.

Only tents are allowed. Campers must sign a liability waiver.

No alcohol, drugs, firearms or open flames are allowed.

Visitors can arrive as early as noon today. They must vacate the property by noon Tuesday.

Campers will receive wrist bands so that they can come and go without losing their spots.

There will be music and some concession stands. A movie, “The Jesus Revolution,” will be shown one night.

Howell anticipates there will be plenty of space available, even for stragglers.

“We still have room for probably about 200 tents. And if we run out of room, we’ll make room,” he said.

More information about City Church’s eclipse outreach is available at city-church.tv/ eclipse2024.