There is something truly special about a night camping under the stars, but did you know that some places are deemed better than others? The International Dark Sky Association inspires the world to preserve the night sky by eliminating light pollution. It is with that inspiration that the Association has named several award-winning destinations to see the stars. Whether you are camping alone or with friends or family, a night under the stars is a must.
These award-winning International Dark Sky Places have great camping resorts within an easy drive.
Cottonwood, AZ
Cottonwood, Arizona is an International Dark Sky Community. Not too far away you can find great stargazing at Village of Oak Creek and in Sedona, both also named award-winning places. Conveniently located in Cottonwood is Verde Valley RV Campground, the perfect place to camp out under the stars.
Curecanti National Recreation Area, CO
Home to beautiful reservoirs in Colorado is Curecanti National Recreation Area, an International Dark Sky Park. Not only can you stargaze here, but you can also go fishing, hiking and camping too. Located on one of the reservoirs is Blue Mesa RV Recreational Ranch, the perfect place to camp out, see the stars, and enjoy the outdoors during their camping season, May to October.
Joshua Tree National Park, CA
Joshua Tree National Park is not only known for its breathtaking desert landscapes that are home to many Joshua Trees, but also for stargazing. Just half an hour away is Palm Springs RV Resort. Whether you want to see the stars from the resort or make the short drive to the National Park, you can’t go wrong.
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, CO
Home to some of the most exceptional fossils is Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument. It is one of the perfect places to check out some of these geological rarities and see the stars. Just over 30 minutes away you can find Garden of the Gods RV Resort, where not only can you enjoy the stars but also find another geological gem, the Garden of the Gods rock formations.
Beverly Shores, IN
Located just over a half an hour away from Lakeside RV Resort is Beverly Shores, IN. Beverly Shores is found on the coast of Lake Michigan and is designated a dark-sky city, making it perfect for stargazing. Whether you are looking to spend a day by the beach in the summer, or gaze at the stars year-round, this small town is one that you will remember.
Tumacacori National Historical Park, AZ
Less than an hour away from Voyager RV Resort is Tumacacori National Historical Park. Packed with history, this National Park is known as a “cultural crossroad.” Presumably this park has traditionally been a breathtaking place to stargaze.
Dr. Lawless County Park, MI
Dr. Lawless County Park is open on weekends until 2 a.m. for some of the best stargazing in the state of Michigan. Not only can you gaze at the stars here, but you can also enjoy a variety of activities offered, that are great ways to spend the day, until nightfall arrives. Located under an hour away from the park you can find Bear Cave RV Campground, which offers attractions of its own during camping season (April through October), including a cave that served as part of the Underground Railroad.
During this time of year not only can you see thousands of stars at these beautiful destinations, but you can typically find planets: Mars, Jupiter and Saturn along with several well known constellations. To make for the ultimate stargazing experience, there are several mobile apps that you can download that will help you find and identify stars, planets, and constellations.
Be sure to book your next camping trip nearby or at one of these International Dark Sky Places for a perfect night under the stars. It is recommended that you visit each Dark Sky Place’s website prior to visiting so that you come prepared.
If you are looking to camp just an hour outside of some of these award-winning places, you are still sure to see some beautiful stars.
Big Cypress National Preserve, FL
If you are looking to be situated between the city and some of the most beautiful parks and preserves you need to check out Miami Everglades RV Resort. Just an hour away you can find Big Cypress National Preserve which is sure to dazzle you with some of the best stargazing in Florida. Be sure to check out the stunning vistas during the day as well.
Borrego Springs, CA
Borrego Springs is centrally located in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, both named award-winning places. You cannot go wrong visiting either but be sure to stay just over an hour away at Oakzanita Springs Campground. If you choose to visit the beautiful town of Borrego Springs, you will find several local establishments to enjoy until the stars are shining.
