Sleeping outside may mean you always have incredible sky views, but not all spots are created equal when it comes to stargazing. Factors like light pollution, elevation, and clear weather all play a role in the quality of the night sky. These five states stand out for their exceptionally dark skies, world-class observatories, educational programs, and incredible views day or night.
Arizona
As of January 2025, Tucson, renowned for its dark sky policies, is now home to the brand-new Astro Trail. A series of stops near Tucson (including state parks, four observatories, a planetarium, Saguaro National Park, and more), the Astro Trail guides enthusiasts around the skies. The free sign-up is quick and can be completed on your mobile phone, and gives you access to the trail guide and other perks.
If you’re looking for a place to camp, Kartchner Caverns State Park is part of the Astro Trail. It’s also a recognized Dark Sky Park and offers exceptionally clear and dark skies that are ideal for night-time viewing or photography.
New Mexico
New Mexico boasts expansive dark skies, open spaces for viewing them, and numerous observatories around the state. Some top spots to visit are Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, which offers Dark Sky events throughout the summer, Clayton Lake State Park, which has an on-site observatory, and Capulin Volcano National Monument, which hosts a Dark Sky Festival in mid-September.
For camping, there is no place better than the International Dark Sky Sanctuary of Cosmic Campground in Gila National Forest. With clear views of the skies and the nearest urban light source over 40 miles away, visitors have unparalleled views of the Milky Way.
Oregon
When you think of Oregon, you might not immediately consider it a prime location for night sky viewing. However, numerous dark spaces exist beyond the boundaries of Portland and the West Coast! Oregon Outback International Dark Sky Sanctuary near Lakeview offers probably the darkest skies in the state. The terrain is quite rugged, with limited cell service. But the remoteness is part of its charm, and the views of the night sky are unparalleled.
For a dark sky site with full-hookup or tent camping options, consider visiting Prineville Reservoir Campground in Prineville Reservoir State Park. The park offers numerous dark sky programs every weekend throughout the summer.
Kansas
With flat terrain and small communities, there are plenty of places to enjoy expansive views of the night sky in Kansas. Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve offers exceptional night sky viewing and extensive hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities. There are also several observatories around the state, most of which host public events!
If you want a place to dive into astrotourism, while camping, consider visiting Casner Creek Campground at Fall River State Park—every year, the Kansas Astronomical Observers hosts a Star Party and educational Program.
Texas
With so much open land, it’s easy to imagine Texas as a stargazing hotspot. Big Bend Ranch State Park and Big Bend National Park are well-known Dark Sky Parks and offer great camping and educational opportunities. Big Bend National Park, in particular, has quite a few events throughout the year, and Chisos Basin and Cottonwood campgrounds have limited light pollution and are great places to relax in the evening and look up.
Just a few hours north, the McDonald Observatory is well worth the trip. With Star Parties, special viewing nights, and workshops, the observatory is a great place to learn more about our solar system. Consider visiting the area in May for the annual Texas Star Party!
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