The Best Certified Dark Sky Parks for Stargazing

Finding a truly dark sky is becoming rare. Light pollution washes out the stars for most people living in cities and suburbs. If you want to see the Milky Way stretch across the sky or spot meteor showers with absolute clarity, you need to visit a certified dark sky park. North America is home to some of the best stargazing and camping locations in the world.

Here is a detailed guide to the best certified dark sky parks, specific campgrounds to book, and what you need for an unforgettable night under the stars.

What is a Certified Dark Sky Park?

DarkSky International (formerly the International Dark-Sky Association) is an organization that protects the night sky from light pollution. When a location receives a dark sky certification, it means the park has exceptionally dark skies and strict rules about artificial lighting.

Astronomers measure darkness using the Bortle Scale. A Bortle Class 9 is an inner-city sky where you can only see a few bright stars or planets. A Bortle Class 1 is the darkest sky possible on Earth. The parks listed below generally fall between Bortle Class 1 and Class 3, offering views of thousands of stars, the Andromeda Galaxy, and faint meteors.

Top Certified Dark Sky Parks in North America

Big Bend National Park, Texas

Located in remote southwest Texas along the Mexican border, Big Bend National Park has the least light pollution of any national park in the lower 48 states. Because it is hundreds of miles from any major city, the sky here is incredibly pristine.

For the best experience, book a spot at the Chisos Basin Campground. Sitting at an elevation of 5,400 feet, this campground gets you above the desert heat and provides a clear view of the night sky framed by rugged mountain peaks. Winter is the best time to visit Big Bend, as summer temperatures frequently exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania

You do not have to travel out west to find dark skies. Cherry Springs State Park in Pennsylvania is famous for being an East Coast stargazing haven. Surrounded by the 262,000-acre Susquehannock State Forest, this park sits at 2,300 feet above sea level and blocks out light from neighboring towns.

Cherry Springs features two distinct areas for visitors. The Night Sky Public Viewing Area is meant for short visits and casual stargazing. If you want to camp, you must reserve a spot at the Overnight Astronomy Observation Field. This field has strict rules: no white lights are allowed, no campfires are permitted, and you cannot drive in or out after dark. These rules keep the area perfectly dark for serious amateur astronomers.

Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah

In 2007, Natural Bridges National Monument made history by becoming the first certified International Dark Sky Park in the world. The skies here are nearly perfect, often measuring as a Bortle Class 2.

The park is famous for its natural sandstone bridges. Owachomo Bridge is the most popular spot for night photography. You can set up your camera to capture the Milky Way glowing directly behind the rock formation. The park only has a small 13-site campground. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so you need to arrive early in the morning to secure a spot for the night.

Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada

Jasper National Park is the second-largest dark sky preserve in the world. Spanning over 11,000 square kilometers in the Canadian Rockies, this park offers massive open skies and the occasional chance to see the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights).

If you are planning a trip, October is the absolute best time to go. Every October, Jasper hosts the Dark Sky Festival. The event features guided telescope viewings, guest speakers from NASA, and a “Symphony Under the Stars” concert. Wapiti Campground is a great place to stay during the festival, offering easy access to the town of Jasper and nearby viewing sites like Pyramid Island.

Death Valley National Park, California and Nevada

Death Valley is the largest dark sky park in the United States, covering 3.4 million acres. The extreme dry air and lack of nearby cities make it an incredible place to view the stars.

Harmony Borax Works is a highly recommended stargazing spot. It offers a wide-open view of the sky and features historical wagons that make great foregrounds for photography. For camping, Mesquite Spring Campground is a great choice. It is located in the northern part of the park, further away from the light dome of Las Vegas, making the skies even darker. Do not plan a camping trip here in the summer. Visit between November and March for safe and comfortable weather.

Essential Gear for Stargazing and Camping

To get the most out of your trip, you need to bring the right equipment.

• Red Light Flashlight: Your eyes take about 20 to 30 minutes to fully adjust to the dark. A single flash of white light from a phone screen or headlamp will ruin your night vision immediately. Buy a headlamp with a dedicated red light setting, like the Petzl Actik Core.
• Binoculars: You do not need an expensive telescope to enjoy the night sky. A good pair of astronomy binoculars, such as the Celestron SkyMaster 15x70, will let you see the craters on the moon and the moons of Jupiter.
• Star Charting Apps: Download apps like Stellarium or Sky Guide before you leave home. These apps do not require a cell signal once downloaded. You can point your phone at the sky to identify planets, constellations, and satellites. Just remember to turn down your screen brightness and use the app’s red-light mode.
• Warm Clothing: Deserts and mountain regions get very cold at night. Even in the middle of summer, temperatures can drop by 40 degrees after the sun goes down. Bring extra layers, a warm hat, and gloves.

Frequently Asked Questions

What phase of the moon is best for stargazing?

You should always plan your stargazing trip around the New Moon. During a New Moon, the sky is at its darkest because the moon is not visible. If you cannot go during a New Moon, try to go during the days leading up to the First Quarter, and plan to stargaze after the moon sets.

Can I see the Milky Way all year?

No. The brightest part of the Milky Way (the galactic core) is only visible in the Northern Hemisphere from roughly March through October. July and August are the best months to view the Milky Way because the core is high in the sky for most of the night.

Do dark sky parks charge an entry fee?

Most of them do. National Parks like Big Bend and Death Valley require a standard vehicle entrance fee, which is usually around $30 for a seven-day pass. State parks like Cherry Springs may offer free entry to the public viewing areas but require a fee to book a campsite or enter the overnight observation fields.