Top 20 RV Campsites & Dark Sky Parks for Unforgettable Stargazing

The romance of an RV trip is that you can park almost anywhere in the country and enjoy the natural surroundings, including a gorgeous starry sky. Here are some campsites that offer spectacular views of thousands of stars in the night sky.

Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania

This state park features campsites that are particularly appealing, but it is the dark skies that attract stargazers. You will often find plenty of fellow enthusiasts here, drawn by the beautiful night skies. With its elevation of over 2,300 feet above sea level, it’s a perfect location for both hiking during the day and observing wildlife during the night.

Clayton Lake State Park, New Mexico

Situated high in the hills of New Mexico, this park enjoys dark skies and is home to an observatory near the lake. There are lovely campsites where visitors can relax while enjoying the stellar views. Additionally, the preserved tracks of dinosaurs in prehistoric mud can be admired here, making it a unique destination.

Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New Mexico

This historical park encompasses the ruins of an indigenous civilization, showcasing iconic structures and fascinating petroglyphs. The night skies here are exceptionally dark and clear, ideal for stargazing, although it is crucial to note that only RVs up to 35 feet can be accommodated.

Gilbert Bay Campground, Kitt Peak National Observatory, Arizona

While Kitt Peak does not allow camping, the nearby Gilbert Bay campground offers excellent stargazing opportunities. To maintain the dark skies, wood fires are prohibited, but electricity hook-ups and water are available on site, ensuring a comfortable stay.

Black Rock Campground, Joshua Tree National Park, California

The campsites at Joshua Tree accommodate RVs of 25 feet or less, and while there are no electrical hook-ups, the campground does provide flushing toilets and potable water. With an elevation of over 4,000 feet and the nearest city more than 300 miles away, this site promises minimal light pollution and exceptional stargazing.

Schoodic Woods Campground, Acadia National Park, Maine

This coastal area is blessed with stunning cliffs and majestic mountain peaks, providing excellent exploration opportunities during the day. The campground offers good sites for RV travelers, and its remote location helps reduce light pollution, although cloudy nights are not uncommon here.

Mackinaw City / Mackinac Island KOA, The Headlands, Michigan

While this rural coastal park does not offer camping, the nearest RV spot is located less than five miles away. The national stargazing area is accessible 24/7, making it convenient for visitors to enjoy the breathtaking night sky, unmarred by light pollution.

Furnace Creek Ranch, Death Valley National Park

With outstanding views of the Milky Way, the park also provides stargazing programs led by park rangers during the winter and spring. RV sites range from basic amenities to those with water and electrical hook-ups, and visitors can take advantage of activity packages with the ranch’s resort for daytime enjoyment.

Point Supreme Campground, Cedar Breaks National Monument, Utah

This stunning area is ideal for hiking among spruce and rocky landscapes, and as a designated Dark Sky Park, it provides excellent stargazing conditions. Ranger-led educational programs run during the summer from Fridays to Sundays at 9 PM, offering insights into the cosmos as well as the natural environment.

Borrego Palm Canyon Campground, Borrego Springs, California

Located in a vast desert area consisting of over 600,000 acres and 500 miles of desert roads, this campground provides a prime location for enjoying a dark night sky. Local authorities actively work to minimize light pollution, enhancing the stargazing experience. The campground has running water and showers for visitor convenience.

Big Pine Key Fishing Lodge, Big Pine Key, Florida

This unique location is one of the few in the United States where observers can see the Southern Cross constellation. As a stunning spot for stargazing, it also offers beautiful scenery during the day. The campground’s waterfront sites are particularly appealing to fishing enthusiasts.

Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah

The park features 13 campgrounds, each accommodating RVs up to 26 feet in length. At approximately 6,500 feet above sea level, this area provides exceptional atmospheric views. As the first International Dark Sky Park, it offers premier stargazing opportunities alongside remarkable natural rock formations suitable for photography.

Riley Creek Campground, Denali National Park And Preserve, Alaska

This national park presents excellent stargazing opportunities, particularly for viewing the Northern Lights, which are more visible here than in any other state. The campground is free during winter, and the surrounding woods lend privacy to many sites.

Chisos Basin Campground, Big Bend National Park, Texas

This campground, nestled in a basin surrounded by towering cliffs at an elevation of 5,400 feet, is excellent for both daytime hiking and night sky observation. Known for its low light pollution, visitors are often treated to breathtaking views of the Milky Way.

Sunset Campground, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Patience pays off for stargazers at Bryce Canyon, where observers have counted over 7,500 individual stars on moonless nights. Astronomy Rangers of the park host regular educational events for those interested in expanding their stargazing knowledge. While there are no RV hook-ups available, potable water and a dump station are provided.

Rocky Knob Campground, Blue Ridge, Virginia

Located along a scenic road stretching over 450 miles, numerous excellent stargazing spots exist where the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye. The journey from Virginia into North Carolina offers ample opportunities to marvel at the night sky.

Many Glacier Campground, Glacier National Park, Montana

Near the Canadian border, this area suffers minimal light pollution, with strict local regulations in place to maintain these conditions. Visitors can enjoy a clear night sky that unveils numerous constellations, alongside a network of 700 miles of hiking trails. The campground accommodates RVs up to 33 feet and provides potable water and flushing toilets.

Parashant National Monument, Arizona

As the newest Dark Sky Park in the U.S., this location near the Grand Canyon provides spectacular surroundings for stargazing, featuring over 150 clear nights annually. While camping is primitive, visitors can select their campsites, ensuring tranquility and solitude.

Cedar Pass Campground, Badlands National Park, South Dakota

This campground offers electrical hook-ups alongside showers and toilets, making it a comfortable place to unwind in a remote setting. Stargazing is exceptional, and the park runs programs that allow visitors to join groups for telescope usage, perfect for those without their own equipment.

Great Basin National Park, Nevada

The park features five campgrounds, all equipped with basic sites but lacking hook-ups. These sites provide excellent views for enjoying the night sky. Regular astronomy events are held, making it a communal experience for those eager to share their stargazing adventures.