When darkness falls many of us start thinking of sleep, but for the stargazing enthusiast the curtain of night falling marks the start of a great celestial adventure. Join us as we chart a course through some of the most awe-inspiring stargazing destinations across the United States. Each location brims with its own allure and cosmic marvels, eagerly awaiting discovery by an adventurous traveler. With an RV as your trusty companion, it’s time to set sail on a cosmic odyssey across this nation, where endless skies beckon RV enthusiasts to an extraordinary stargazing adventure.
Big Bend National Park, Texas
Big Bend National Park boasts the least light pollution of any national park in the lower 48 states, thanks to its remote location. With minimal light pollution and unparalleled stargazing, it earned International Dark Sky Park status in 2012. At Big Bend National Park, nightly visitors can expect exceptionally clear and dark skies perfect for observing celestial wonders including breathtaking views of the Milky Way as well as countless stars in this pristine natural setting.
Death Valley National Park, Nevada
Experience spectacular stargazing at Death Valley National Park, awarded Gold Tier Dark-Sky status by the International Dark-Sky Association. The best night-sky viewing spots in the park include Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Harmony Borax Works, Badwater Basin, and Ubehebe Crater. With no closing time, the park offers an exceptional, all-night stargazing experience for visitors.
Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
Great Sand Dunes National Park is a magnificent destination for stargazing located in the San Luis Valley in southern Colorado. With its dry air, minimal light pollution, and high elevation, the Great Sand Dunes are a certified International Dark Sky Park, offering breathtaking views by day and night. Less than 30 minutes away from the dunes stargazers can explore the one-and-only UFO watchtower, a fun side trek for those looking for more than stars in the sky.
Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania
See up to 30,000 stars on a clear night at Cherry Springs State Park just outside Coudersport, Pennsylvania. Visitors to this state park can marvel at celestial wonders like asteroids, the Milky Way, Aurora Borealis, the Omega Nebula and observe meteor showers here, so it’s no wonder this destination consistently makes top ten lists for the best places on Earth for stargazing.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Grand Canyon National Park, an International Dark Sky Park since 2019, offers incomparable nightly vistas with educational programs by the Grand Canyon Conservancy. Visitors can enjoy the popular night sky interpretative programs where they’ll learn about light pollution and its mitigation, which helps to make Grand Canyon National Park a premier destination for celestial enthusiasts interested in preserving the night sky for generations to come.
Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, Idaho
Located in one of the darkest regions of the continental US, Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is a bucket-list location for stargazing enthusiasts. As an International Dark Sky Park since 2017, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the night sky from locations all around the preserve but some of the most popular spots for stargazing are Devil's Orchard, Inferno Cone, and the Spatter Cones.
Headlands International Dark Sky Park, Michigan
Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, visitors are welcome to explore throughout the night at the Headlands International Dark Sky Park for an unforgettable stargazing experience. This must-visit destination offers astronomy enthusiasts a serene, immersive dark sky viewing adventure. Witness the seasonal change of constellations, the Milky Way, and even the Northern Lights across the Michigan sky at the Headlands.
Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New Mexico:
Free from urban light pollution, visitors to Chaco Culture National Historical Park will enjoy clear, dark skies that reveal the celestial wonders once observed by the Chacoan people a thousand years ago. Engage in interpretive programs that blend ancient astronomical practices with modern technology to offer a unique glimpse into the timeless beauty of the night sky.
Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah
At Natural Bridges National Monument in Utah, visitors can see up to 15,000 stars illuminating the night sky above them. As the first International Dark Sky Park, certified in 2007, Natural Bridges National Monument offers a pristine nightly view and is proud to lead the way in prioritizing the protection of nocturnal environments.
Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, Montana
Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park offers incomparable nighttime vistas with its pristine dark skies, free from light pollution. Nestled in the northern Rocky Mountains, this destination inside an International Dark Sky Park provides breathtaking celestial views, fostering a unique cross-border collaboration dedicated to preserving the natural night sky.
Light Pollution Map of Continental USA
Setting up a Stargazing Station at your Campsite
Once you’ve reached your stargazing destination, the next step is to set up a stargazing station at your RV campsite. Start with warm clothing and blankets because even in summer, nights can get chilly. Next, set up comfortable seating whether that means the latest hammock chairs to relax in or a family-favorite blanket to lie on. Comfort is key for a long night of stargazing. You’ll also want to equip yourself with a star map or a stargazing app on your smartphone to help identify constellations and planets visible from your specific location and of course turn off any outside lights that might pollute your view. Finally, set the mood with “Cosmic Melodies: Classical Music for the Night Sky” on Spotify, and let the universe serenade you.
When setting up for a night of stargazing, you’ll also want to make sure that your awning is in top shape so you can easily retract or deploy it for a full view of the night sky or partial protection if needed. The Velocity Switch can nearly double awning speed, meaning you spend less time setting up for stargazing and more time enjoying the experience. For those who prefer an indoor adventure, you can still stargaze through your RV's windows or skylights. Just make sure you have good window shades and skylight shades for privacy and solar protection during daylight hours as you embark on this cosmic journey.
Now it’s time to pack your cozy blankets, your sense of wonder, and perhaps a telescope if you have one, and set out on a cosmic road trip. Let the stars guide your way and may each stop on your journey shine as brightly as the night sky above. Happy stargazing, fellow RV adventurers!