13 of the Darkest Places in the U.S. for Incredible Stargazing

Your stargazing experience can differ greatly based on where you are in the world. That’s due in part to light pollution, which can drown out all but the brightest stars and satellites in densely populated areas. For truly unforgettable celestial views, you’ll need to visit one of the darkest places in the U.S. on a clear night.

DarkSky is an Arizona-based nonprofit with the mission “to restore the nighttime environment and protect communities and wildlife from light pollution.” Through its International Dark Sky Places program, the organization recognizes sites worldwide that use education and responsible lighting practices to preserve and protect the night atmosphere. There are over 200 certified International Dark Sky Places worldwide, which are further categorized as International Dark Sky Parks, Sanctuaries, Reserves, Communities, or Urban Night Sky Places. Below, we’ve narrowed down the list to the best spots for stargazing in the U.S.

Great Basin National Park, Nevada

This International Dark Sky Park is also one of the least-visited national parks in the country. Great Basin encompasses more than 77,000 acres of stunning wilderness, including a cave system, alpine lakes, pinyon-juniper forests, and high altitude peaks. The Mather Overlook, situated along the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, is a great place to stop and admire the nighttime spectacle.

Oregon Outback International Dark Sky Sanctuary, Oregon

The portion of southeastern Oregon known as the Oregon Outback, largely centered on eastern Lake County, was designated an International Dark Sky Sanctuary in 2024—the biggest in the U.S. By day, visitors can hike, cycle, and view ancient petroglyphs left behind by the area’s Indigenous Northern Paiute people, before spending the night gazing up at the twinkling canopy.

Glacier National Park, Montana

One of the most beautiful national parks in the country, Glacier is known for its rugged Rocky Mountains and pristine lakes. It shares its International Dark Sky Park title with Waterton Lakes National Park, located just across the U.S. border in Alberta, Canada; collectively, the area is known as Waterton–Glacier International Peace Park. We recommend staying overnight at one of the park’s excellent campgrounds to enjoy those dazzling sky views at your leisure.

Big Bend National Park, Texas

Known for its breathtaking vistas and hiking trails, Big Bend National Park is one of the most remote places in the U.S. This International Dark Sky Park, located in southwest Texas, is about a six-hour drive from San Antonio, the nearest city, so there won’t be much light pollution obscuring your views of the constellations.

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado

Spend your days exploring North America’s tallest sand dunes at this under-the-radar Colorado national park. The area’s naturally dry climate, high elevation, and little light pollution make it one of the darkest places in the U.S. and an ideal place to see the stars.

Death Valley National Park, California

See the universe stretch out above you from California’s Death Valley National Park. Explore its extreme landscapes during the day on a scenic drive before watching the stars put on a show at night. Try to plan your visit during the Dark Sky Festival, held annually in the late winter or early spring, to meet up with fellow stargazing enthusiasts and hear astronomy talks by park rangers.

Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, Idaho

One of only two International Dark Sky Reserves in the U.S., this area encompasses more than 1,400 square miles of land. This part of the state is known for its hiking trails and vast open wilderness, particularly in Sawtooth National Forest, home to one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the U.S., and the perfect place for a stargazing road trip.

Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, Maine

Located about a 90-minute drive north of Bangor, this International Dark Sky Sanctuary is the perfect stargazing destination for outdoor lovers, with plenty of hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, and kayaking opportunities for visitors. Plan some time for a scenic drive along the Katahdin Loop Road while you’re there, and make sure you stay after sundown for great stargazing.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

One of the country’s most iconic natural landmarks, Grand Canyon National Park is already a must-visit for its scenic trails and incredible vistas. But this International Dark Sky Park should also be on every stargazer’s itinerary. Could there be a more picturesque place to take in views of the night sky? We don’t think so.

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Avid stargazers should make a pilgrimage to Utah, which has the most DarkSky-certified places in the world. Known for its spire-shaped rock formations called “hoodoos,” Bryce Canyon National Park has been awarded DarkSky’s “Gold Tier” status thanks to its remote location and clear air. Night-sky programming includes ranger-guided telescope viewing on select summer nights (typically Fridays and Saturdays) and the Astronomy Festival each June, which features workshops, viewings, and constellation tours.

Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania

Cherry Springs State Park is set atop a 2,300-foot-high mountain, making it an ideal destination for stargazing enthusiasts in the northeast. Head to the Astronomy Observation Field for incredible 360-degree night-sky views, and see if you can spot the Milky Way from one of the darkest places in the U.S. Lucky stargazers might also be able to view the elusive northern lights in this International Dark Sky Park during the fall and winter months.

Stephen C. Foster State Park, Georgia

Stargazing fans in the southeast will want to head to Stephen C. Foster State Park, about an hour’s drive from Valdosta, for an incredible evening under a twinkling sky. With few nearby cities and little on-property lighting, there’s not a lot of light pollution obstructing your view of the stars from this International Dark Sky Park.

Beaver Island, Michigan

Lake Michigan’s Beaver Island is home to the state’s first International Dark Sky Sanctuary, designated in 2024. This remote spot can be reached by ferry (April through December) or plane from Charlevoix, Michigan. Explore tranquil marshland trails or relax on white-sand beaches. Mt. Pisgah, a massive sand dune overlooking Donegal Bay on the island’s northwest shore, is a prime vantage point for the celestial display. Visitors may spot meteor showers, comets, and even the northern lights, which are most visible from late August to early April. You can sleep under the stars year-round at the nearby St. James Township Campground or, for more creature comforts, including an on-site bar, book a luxury tent at the Beaver Island Retreat. Both are open from late May to early October.