About the Author: Sara is a freelance writer and designer who travels part-time with her husband and dog. Elevation Gain: 700 feet. Darkness Rating: 9.5 out of 10. [+] Penobscot River, in this time exposure at the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument near Patten, Maine. The Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky Sanctuary is easily accessible from U.S. Highway 180 between Alma and Reserve. Help your local parks apply and achieve this designation. In Florida, you can make your way to Big Cypress National Preserve, just north of Everglades National Park, to get a different type of stargazing than watching for the glitterati on the Miami Beach boardwalk. Sleep under the stars at the park's campground. Out of the 63 International Dark Sky Places, America by far has the most certified locations in the world. Here are some campsites that offer spectacular views of thousands of stars in the night sky. The big draw for this national park is that not only is it great for stargazing, but the chance to view the Northern Lights in the sky in Alaska is much better than the chances of seeing the lights in the other forty-nine states. At … Tricky to get to and absolutely worth the trip, Chaco is a special place not only for the sky but for the well-preserved dwellings that the park protects. You don't have to hike all the way into the canyon to take advantage of the night sky. Visitors can enjoy sweeping, rich views of the night sky similar to those found in many of the Western states. There are great views of the Milky Way to be enjoyed from the park, and there are stargazing programs offered by park rangers during the winter and spring when the sky is at its best from the park. Massacre Rim Wilderness Study Area was certified as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary on March 18, 2019. Tucked close to the UK's designated Dark Sky Sites, from wild forests to national parks, they are a stargazer's paradise and totally free from light pollution. This was the first International Dark Sky Park in the world, and provides world-class stargazing, with the rocky surroundings providing some great photographic opportunities too. L.L. This lava-filled landscape will have you not sure whether to look up or down. Located in a basin surrounded by high rocky cliffs at 5,400 feet above sea level, this campground is near some great hiking trails if you are here for the day and night, along with being great for stargazing. Canyonlands National Park is a dark sky park located in Utah. T. H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, located in Gulf County, is the perfect north Florida park to stargaze. Since many of the best sites are at or near parks and protected wilderness, star gazing in New England can be paired with other activities, like hiking and camping. When not on the road, she lives in the mountains of Sun Valley, Idaho. This site is actually located on a road section of over 450 miles with several great stargazing outlooks where the Milky Way can be seen with the naked eye on a good night, and passing from Virginia into North Carolina there are plenty of places to enjoy the sky here. Viewing a pure dark sky on a clear, moonless night is truly an amazing experience. We’re quite sure, though, that you won’t regret the effort. International Dark Sky Park. Natural dark sky areas are decreasing across the United States and around the world. Designated in 2015, the park attracts thousands of visitors who wish to enjoy an unpolluted night sky. To keep the surroundings dark, there are no wood fires allowed. Dead Horse Point State Park, Utah. Last, but most certainly not least, Cherry Springs State Park in Pennsylvania has earned a reputation as one of the darkest night skies on the eastern seaboard, so bring your telescope to check out planets, nebulae, and other astronomical wonders. There’s something about seeing the Milky Way rise or watching meteor showers streak across the sky that reminds us of our small place in this vast universe. From the quiet Four Corners to the stunningly deep gorges in the Black Canyon, you’ll find a diverse mix of landscapes in Colorado. Far away from the lights of towns or other developments, St. Joseph gives campers an incredible view of the night sky, and an experience they won’t forget! All our parks offer many ways to enjoy nature, both in the daytime and at night. Grab your binoculars and watch the heavens put on a show at these Dark Sky campsites! We are Dark Sky RV Campground offering a new way to RV. COVID update: Dark Sky RV Campground has updated their hours and services. This 500-acre state park has hardwood forests, an 80-acre lake, and plenty of camping for a weekend of dark skies. Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania. More than 60 campsites offer anything from primitive camping to full-service RV hookups. Here’s where you’ll find the best of Dark Sky Park camping in the United States: It should come as no surprise that southern Utah has a wealth of Dark Sky camping. An ever-increasing number of our visitors appreciate and seek out the pristine night skies and after-dark programming we offer. The RV sites range from the basic ones to those with water and electrical hook-ups, while there is a package that you can take with the ranch's resort for access to activities and facilities during the day too. Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky Sanctuary (CCIDSS) is the first International Dark Sky Sanctuary located on National Forest System lands and also in North America. This map shows the positions of locations designated as part of the International Dark Sky Places Program only. High in the hills of New Mexico, this state park benefits from dark skies and an observatory near the lake itself, and there are some lovely campsites for you to relax and enjoy the skies above. It became the first state park in the Southeast to gain this prestigious recognition. Most of these spots are a little bit off the beaten path—places where you’ll want to stock up, settle into your campsite, and spend a while. Middle Fork River Forest Preserve hosts the darkest sky in Champaign County and now has made protecting its dark sky a priority so that people can enjoy the thousands and thousands of stars in the sky. Wave after wave of deep canyons, towering mesas, pinnacles, cliffs and spires stretch across 527 square miles. Home to the newest Dark Sky Park in the United States, this site near the Grand Canyon offers some spectacular surroundings from which to enjoy fabulous stargazing, with over 150 clear nights every year. Campendium is an Amazon Associate site and earns from qualifying purchases. All Florida State Parks close at sunset; however, we offer several ways to gain after-hours access to the preserve to enjoy the dark skies. 13 campgrounds are located around the park, with each having a maximum size of 26 feet for any RVs staying here, and at an average of around 6,500 feet above sea level, provides a good spot to get a look into the atmosphere. Surrounded by a state forest and being above 2,300 feet above sea level on a plateau, this is ideally located for those looking to go hiking during the day, while there is plenty of wildlife in the area too. If you've never seen the full brightness of the Milky Way, these are the holiday spots for you. Home / Blog / The Best Campgrounds to Experience a Dark Sky Park. Go online to r eserve a campsite in either our family campground or equestrian campground or call ReserveAmerica. It is also one of only 14 certified IDA Sanctuaries in the world. Kanopolis State Park provides a great place to throw down a tent and sit out under the stars to admire the meteor shower. Location: Central Washington--Yakima. You’re going to mean it when you say you’re “sleeping under the stars” in a Dark Sky Place. Not only is this area free of pesky light pollution, but no more than 10 people are issued a camping permit for any three-day span—so your odds of bumping into another group are pretty slim. This beautiful area is great for hiking in spruce forests at lower areas and in open rocky areas higher up, while the presence of a Dark Sky Park means this is ideal for those looking to enjoy some great stargazing conditions. In Tennessee, Pickett CCC Memorial State Park honors the history of the Civilian Conservation Corps and was the first park in the southeast to be designated as a Dark Sky Park. In central Virginia, both James River State Park and Staunton River State Park are a haven for dark skywatchers, and both offer on-site RV parks. There are no hook-ups for RVs available in the park, but there is potable water and a dump station. This photo is the winner of the June KLM Monthly Photo Contest. Ready to hit the road? You won’t drive past Great Basin National Park by accident; you’ll need to seek it out. Our favorite spot is right on quiet, white sands of the beach! This park is mainly located around the ruins of an indigenous civilization where you can see some of the historic buildings and the petroglyphs on the rocks surrounding the campsite. The stars shine brightly over many Texas state parks. Camping here is primitive, but visitors can choose their own campsite, meaning true peace and quiet in the spots that you can find. 3 Take a Closer Look at the Dark Sky. It’s hard to imagine anything more beautiful than watching the Milky Way rise over Delicate Arch in Arches National Park or gazing at your favorite constellation from the remote Natural Bridges National Monument. Dark Sky Camping in Oklahoma Clayton Lake State Park is a Dark Sky Park that is located an easy drive from Dallas, Oklahoma City, and Shreveport, Louisiana. Near the border with Canada, light pollution is almost eliminated, and even the nearest town has rules about light pollution to maintain the conditions here. Utah has several certified Dark Sky Parks, with Bryce Canyon being Utah's fourth national park, and 13th location altogether, to receive dark sky certification from the International Dark-Sky Association. This coastal area of Maine enjoys beautiful coastal cliffs and some great mountain peaks that make exploring during the day a great experience, while the campground offers some good sites for those traveling with RVs. Talk about centrally located! $15/night. Internationally recognized for great stargazing, the minimal light pollution and quiet surroundings make for a magical place to enjoy the stars. The park’s management has established conservation measures such as the use of night-sky friendly lights in the night. Find campsites in places where dark sky experts predict the least amount of light pollution.. Sure, California has a lot of people in it, but it has a lot of wide-open spaces, too. Why not do both? Michigan is lucky to play host to both dark sky preserves and parks that offer stellar celestial landscapes. Dark Sky Camping near Wimberley. About two hours south of Stanley, you’ll find another Dark Sky Park, Craters of the Moon National Monument. 100% — 2 Reviews. If you’re looking for that perfect spot to name every constellation above, look no further than these destinations. If you’re a lover of astronomy, or simply want to see the incredible beauty of a star-filled night, then it’s time to plan a trip to one of the United States’ Dark Sky Places. Set up camp at one of these three parks, and you’ll be guaranteed of a starry show so bright that you’ll forget all about those far off city lights. During the day, you can explore the park’s ancient bristlecone pines and hike in the South Snake Mountains, and at night you can sit by the campfire and gaze at the heavens. Don’t worry too much about the terminology, because here’s the crux of the designation: in Dark Sky Places, you’re going to see a lot—and we mean a lot—of stars. There are five campgrounds within the park, all of which have simple sites but no hook-ups, with all of them offering good options for enjoying the night sky. I know that I sure have. Located in northern Washoe county, the Sanctuary sits in the middle of one of the darkest regions in the United States. However, there are electricity hook-ups and water available on site. On November 19, 2018, Middle Fork River Forest Preserve became the first International Dark Sky Park in Illinois. The park has one of the lowest rates of light pollution in the country, and the view of the Milky Way on a clear night makes this a stunning place to enjoy the night sky. For this reason, the Rose City Astronomers frequently hold star parties at this location. Utah State Parks have some of the darkest night skies in North America. Big Bend National Park - Photo by: Joe Hendricks. Sure, there’s more humidity than the southwest, but for those who can’t get to the desert, the northeast is dotted with dark sites with no light pollution. Places to Enjoy Nevada’s Starry Skies. Error: the map with ID 7 could not be loaded. Dark Sky Parks are a little harder to come by in the populated East, but they definitely exist, and you should absolutely check them out. The romance of an RV trip is that you can park almost anywhere in the country and enjoy the natural surrounding, including a gorgeous starry sky. Another benefit of visiting the park is there are actually the tracks of dinosaurs that have been preserved in prehistoric mud that can also be seen here. The campsites in this state park are nice, but it is the dark skies here that make it attractive to stargazers, and you will often find plenty of others coming here for the beautiful night skies too. The night skies here are dark and clear for stargazing, although it is worth noting that only RVs up to 35 feet can be accommodated on this rural site. Isolation Camping with Dark Skys. https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/CherrySpringsStatePark https://www.visitpa.com/article/7-epic-stargazing-spots-pennsylvania To see a full list of Dark Sky Places and to learn more about Dark Sky Parks, Reserves, Communities, and International Dark Sky Sanctuaries in the United States, including popular Headlands International Dark Sky Park in Michigan, head to the International Dark-Sky Association. © 2021 Campendium Inc. All rights reserved. Massacre Rim Wilderness Study Area/Dark Sky Sanctuary. Dark Sky Places are “land possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights,” according to the International Dark-Sky Association, and you’re unlikely to find them near big, bright cities. Deer, coyote, armadillo, raccoons, and other critters share this space with us so please be alert! As the name of the campground suggests, plenty of people also come here for the fishing, with the waterfront sites here being particularly nice. In Georgia, Stephen C. Foster State Park is an island park inside the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. Most of Death Valley National Park. Here at Campendium, we love nothing more than a great American road trip, and it’s hard to think of a better place to start than the southwest. One of the more accessible of the beach stargazing locales in North Carolina, Oak Island, a barrier island just southwest of Southport has over 65 miles of sandy beaches to explore. Burnsville See on map. In south-central Florida, Kissimmee Prairie Preserve Park is known for its spectacular stargazing and birdwatching. We were SO IMPRESSED with the grounds, the camping options as well as RV spots DOG PARK unfortunately they aren't open yet but the people that run it are doing a fantastic job and were SO NICE took their time to help explain lots … There are regular astronomy events held in the park if you would prefer to share your stargazing, while the panoramic views of the sky are truly spectacular. Visit these parks. Although Kitt Peak itself doesn't allow any camping, the Gilbert Bay campground is a great option nearby that has the benefit of good stargazing surroundings. The park occupies an area of 527 square miles. Central Idaho was recently named an International Dark Sky Reserve, one of only 16 spots in the world, and the only location in North America to receive that distinction. The remote location provides good low levels of light pollution, although the coastal location means that there are quite a few cloudy nights here. She loves dirt roads, alpine meadows, hot springs, and powder days. Along this byway, a few of the great state parks of Kansas can make for some great dark sky viewing as well. We are just 3 miles from the center of town in Kanab, Utah and our campground is a natural, quiet, … They also offer great stargazing programs and star parties (check with the Visitor Center for details). 32 reviews of Dark Sky RV Campground "Can't wait to stay here when they open!! Canyonlands National Parkis home to many different types of travel experiences, from sublime solitude in the more remote stretches of the park to moderate hikes through the Needles district to the … Become a night hiker. Want even more? Clayton Lake State Park is a Dark Sky Park that is located an easy drive from Dallas, Oklahoma City, and Shreveport, Louisiana. Why Go: A local favorite, the steep walls of Umtanum Canyon make a great screen for light pollution from the cities on the plateau. One of the only places in the United States where you can see the Southern Cross constellation, this is a wonderful spot for stargazers and is in a location that is beautiful both day and night. In 2015, Pickett CCC Memorial State Park and Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area earned Silver-tier International Dark Sky Park designation. Go online … The campground is free in winter, and the woods in the area offer some privacy to most of the sites here. This rural coastal park doesn't have any camping, but the nearest RV spot is less than five miles away, and you can enter this national stargazing area 24 hours a day, so camping a short distance away isn't too much of a problem. The campsites in this state park are nice, but it is the dark … It is not a comprehensive map of dark sites generally. East coasters, don’t you dare think that we forgot about you. 2 Copper Breaks State Park is an International Dark Sky Park, near Quanah. Filled with iconic landscapes and plenty of room to explore, a trip to the southwest deserves a place on your bucket list. It also gets quite dark here at night, making it an excellent spot for stargazing. Stargazing in Texas State Parks. The park offers ranger-led stargazing programs, or you can make your own magic, simply studying the stars above your campsite. The campground has some running water and showers and provides a nice spot to park up your RV. Offering electrical hook-ups and with showers and toilets available, the campground is a nice place to relax in a very rural area. Truth be told, this large stretch of the California desert is part of … Those who have the patience have counted over 7,500 individual stars visible from Bryce Canyon on a moonless night, and there are regular nights hosted by the Astronomy Rangers of the park if you are looking to learn more about stargazing. The skies are amazing on a clear night, and reveal many constellations, while there are also 700 miles of hiking trails. These locations are specially designated because they have qualities that complement nighttime viewing, such as the ability to limit the amount of artificial light. Stargazing is great here, and there are even programs run by the park that will allow you to join a group and use their telescopes if you do not have your own available. Antelope Island State Park. Have you ever gazed up at the stars and gaped in wonder? Across U.S. Highway 180, an orange cattle guard begins the 1.3-mile, hard-surface road to the Cosmic Campground. Please contact the site owner. https://thedyrt.com/magazine/local/dark-sky-map-stargazing-oregon Cherry Springs State Park: The Complete Guide, Where to Find California's Gorgeous Hidden Red Rocks, Death Valley National Park: The Complete Guide, Use These Tips to Plan Your Stargazing Road Trip, The Best Places to Go Camping in New Zealand, Mother Nature Exposed: How to Explore Joshua Tree, These are the 7 Best Places to Go Camping in Colorado, Dark Skies: A Visitor's Guide to Colorado Astronomy Sites, New Mexico Dark-Sky Astronomy Sites for Visitors, Full-time adventure traveler, blogger, and freelance writer, photographer, and videographer, Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New Mexico, Gilbert Bay Campground, Kitt Peak National Observatory, Arizona, Black Rock Campground, Joshua Tree National Park, California, Schoodic Woods Campground, Acadia National Park, Maine, Mackinaw City / Mackinac Island KOA, The Headlands, Michigan, Furnace Creek Ranch, Death Valley National Park, Point Supreme Campground, Cedar Breaks National Monument, Utah, Borrego Palm Canyon Campground, Borrego Springs, California, Big Pine Key Fishing Lodge, Big Pine Key, Florida, Riley Creek Campground, Denali National Park And Preserve, Alaska, Chisos Basin Campground, Big Bend National Park, Texas, Sunset Campground, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, Rocky Knob Campground, Blue Ridge, Virginia, Many Glacier Campground, Glacier National Park, Montana, Cedar Pass Campground, Badlands National Park, South Dakota. If you’ve never spent a night viewing the night sky above Chaco Culture National Historic Park, get that booked as soon as possible. Utah has both state parks and national parks that have been designated as International Dark Sky Parks. International Dark Sky Places are spots across the globe that are recognized not only for their exceptionally clear skies, unfettered by artificial light pollution, but also as locations where community or park leaders are dedicated to “excellent stewardship of the night sky.”. Make your way to the adventurous mountain town of Stanley to be in the thick of one of the darkest skies in the country. Take a Closer Look at the Dark Sky. The campsites at Joshua Tree will only accommodate RVs of 25 feet or less, and there are no electrical hook-ups here, but this campground does have flushing toilets and potable water. Sites can deal with RVs up to 33 feet in length, and there is potable water and flushing toilets available. The Stub Stewart State Park is a park that’s popular for hiking, horseback riding, and camping. The park has been recognized by the International Dark-Sky … Another park with pristine night skies is in the Texas Panhandle Plains. Hike through trees laced with Spanish moss, paddle through the Okefenokee Swamp, and snag a campsite to watch the stars and planets blink to life at night. We all know that Texas has some serious sky that feels a little bit larger-than-life…just like everything in Texas. When you’re at the Grand Canyon, it’s tempting to spend all your days looking down into the canyon’s beautiful layers, but once the sun goes down, be sure to look up. A typical suburban view may reveal 500 stars, but visit a gold-tier dark sky park like Stephen Foster, and you may see upwards of 5,000 stars! Ready to get planning? Dark Sky Preserves. Length: 6.5 miles, roundtrip. Get away from the city lights and take in some of the best night sky views around! Grand Canyon National Park is just one of Arizona’s four designated Dark Sky Parks. Over the summer, the campground also has ranger-led educational programs between Fridays and Sundays at 9 pm, which can include a guide to the astronomical sights as well as the natural surroundings.. Stub Stewart State Park, Buxton, OR 97109, oregonstateparks.org Click on any location to see camping in and near the park: You need to get a bit off the main highways of 25 and 70 in Colorado to get to those pitch-black skies, but it’s worth the journey. Although the park itself is tiny, its position above a gooseneck in … Find a Dark Sky Place. Located in an area of California which has over 600,000 acres of desert, and 500 miles of desert roads, this is certainly a good spot to get a dark sky at night, and even the local authorities try to minimize light pollution with dimmed road lights too. While many will advise you to avoid Antelope Island State Park during … The altitude of over 4,000 feet makes for a good stargazing spot, and with the nearest city over 300 miles away, there is very little light pollution to impair the view. Designated International Dark Sky Places include International Dark Sky Communities, Parks, Sanctuaries, and Reserves. This 500-acre state park has hardwood forests, an 80-acre lake, … The sky over these locations, on a clear night, will be like nothing you’ve seen before. Another great spot in New Mexico is El Morro National Monument, a short drive off Highway 40 between Albuquerque and Flagstaff, which offers unobstructed views of the sky.
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