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There’s something magical about standing beneath a sky packed with stars, seeing the Milky Way trail across the heavens, or capturing those perfect star trails with your camera. National parks across the U.S. offer some of the best spots for stargazing and night photography, from their pristine dark skies to the unique backdrops of nature.
But where to start? Whether you’re an experienced astro photographer, a stargazing enthusiast, or just someone who loves a scenic adventure, this guide has you covered. We’re talking the best of the best national parks for unbeatable night skies, along with tips to get you there, gear must-haves for stunning shots, and even a few camping spots to keep you cozy under the stars.
What Makes These Parks Perfect for Stargazing?
Here’s what I looked for when narrowing down the list to these six incredible parks:
Dark Skies: Low light pollution and remote locations make for skies packed with stars.
Accessibility: You shouldn’t have to trek for days to reach the best spots! These parks offer accessibility for both beginner explorers and seasoned adventurers.
Photographic Hits: Iconic landscapes, natural features, and conditions that make for jaw-dropping photography.
1. Big Bend National Park, Texas
Why It’s Amazing
Big Bend boasts some of the darkest skies in the U.S., thanks to its remote location, minimal development, and strict light pollution controls. Located in southwest Texas, this national park spans over 800,000 acres of rugged desert landscapes, dramatic canyons, and towering mountain ranges. At night, the clear, dry air and absence of light pollution create perfect conditions for stargazing and astrophotography. Visitors can capture stunning views of the Milky Way, constellations, and even distant galaxies with incredible clarity. Big Bend has also been designated an International Dark Sky Park, making it a haven for astronomy enthusiasts and photographers alike. Pair the dazzling night sky with the park’s unique desert terrain, and your photos will have both striking depth and character. Whether you’re an amateur stargazer or a seasoned astrophotographer, Big Bend offers an unforgettable experience.
Best Stargazing Spots
Panther Junction: Perfect for beginners with easy access.
Chisos Basin: Offers dramatic vistas with mountain backdrops.
Sotol Vista Overlook: Iconic for Milky Way views.
Photography Tips
Grab your wide-angle lens and embrace the opportunity to experiment! The rugged landscape is rich with foreground details, perfect for adding depth and perspective to your shots.
Where to Stay
Camping: Chisos Basin Campground, Rio Grande Village Campground, Cottonwood Campground
Lodging: The Chisos Mountains Lodge, Terlingua Ranch Lodge, Lajitas Golf Resort
Book spots nearby at Recreation.gov or Booking.com.
2. Death Valley National Park, California
Why It’s Amazing
Notorious for its extreme daytime conditions, Death Valley National Park transforms at night into a tranquil haven, offering some of the darkest skies in the United States. As an International Dark Sky Park, it boasts exceptionally low light pollution, making it a prime destination for stargazing and astrophotography. The vast, open landscapes, like the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and Badwater Basin, provide stunning foregrounds for capturing the Milky Way, constellations, and meteor showers. During moonless nights, the clarity of the stars is unparalleled, creating a magical experience for astronomy enthusiasts and photographers alike. Whether you’re a professional or a beginner, Death Valley’s night skies promise an unforgettable celestial spectacle.
Best Stargazing Spots
Badwater Basin: The vast, flat salt flats reflect the starry sky beautifully.
Zabriskie Point: Great for combining landscapes and stars.
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes: Contrast the stars with the sweeping desert dunes.
Photography Tips
Focus on capturing Milky Way shots and experiment with long exposures for star trails.
Where to Stay
Camping: Furnace Creek Campground, Mesquite Spring Campground, Stovepipe Wells Campground
Lodging: The Ranch at Death Valley, The Inn at Death Valley, Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel
Book camping or rooms at Recreation.gov or Bookings.com.
3. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Why It’s Amazing
Bryce Canyon’s distinctive hoodoos (those unique sandstone formations) take on a surreal, almost otherworldly vibe under the night sky, creating a stunning backdrop for stargazing and astrophotography. As one of the few certified International Dark Sky Parks, Bryce Canyon offers some of the clearest, most breathtaking night skies in the country. With minimal light pollution and high elevation, the park is an ideal spot to admire the Milky Way, spot constellations, and even glimpse celestial events like meteor showers. Bonus? The park’s incredible night sky programs, including ranger-led astronomy sessions and telescope viewings, make it a must-visit destination for night sky enthusiasts.
Best Stargazing Spots
Bryce Amphitheater: Iconic views with plenty of open space.
Sunset Point: Not just for sunsets, but perfect for moonlit hoodoo shots.
Rainbow Point: Offers high elevation and fewer crowds.
Photography Tips
Use star photography to highlight the hoodoos. A flashlight or small LED panel can help gently light up formations in the foreground without losing that nighttime magic.
Where to Stay
Camping: North Campground, Sunset Campground
Lodging: Bryce Canyon Lodge nearby, Ruby’s Inn, Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel
Find availability through Recreation.gov or Booking.com
4. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Why It’s Amazing
The towering Tetons juxtaposed against a starry sky? Chef’s kiss. Grand Teton National Park offers some of the most breathtaking nighttime views in the country, thanks to its high elevation, low light pollution, and dry, crisp air. These ideal conditions make it a haven for stargazing and astrophotography. On a clear night, you’ll see the Milky Way stretching across the sky, countless constellations twinkling brightly, and even the occasional meteor. The park also offers ranger-led astronomy programs during the summer, where you can learn about the stars, planets, and the unique celestial features visible from this pristine wilderness. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or simply love the magic of the night sky, the Tetons provide an unforgettable experience under the stars.
Best Stargazing Spots
Jenny Lake Overlook: Great for reflections of the Tetons and night skies.
Signal Mountain: Gives a vast, sweeping view of the stars.
Snake River Overlooks: Combine iconic landscapes with star photography.
Photography Tips
Focus on reflections of the Milky Way off Jenny Lake’s waters for ethereal results.
Where to Stay
Camping: Signal Mountain Campground, Colter Bay Campground, Jenny Lake Campground, Gros Ventre Campground.
Lodging: Jackson Hole offers plenty of cozy options, including The Wort Hotel, Amangani, Teton Mountain Lodge, and Four Seasons Resort. For those looking to stay within the park, consider lodges like Jackson Lake Lodge or Colter Bay Village for a more immersive experience.
Reserve at Recreation.gov or Booking.com
5. Glacier National Park, Montana
Why It’s Amazing
Glacier National Park offers a remote wilderness feel with high elevation, making it perfect for spectacular stargazing unhindered by light pollution. As one of the few officially designated International Dark Sky Parks, Glacier boasts some of the clearest night skies in the country, where you can gaze at countless stars, constellations, and even the Milky Way with stunning clarity. The park’s vast open spaces, such as Logan Pass and the shores of Lake McDonald, provide ideal locations for astrophotography, offering dramatic landscapes to pair with celestial phenomena. Visitors may also catch glimpses of meteor showers or even the northern lights during certain times of the year, making Glacier a dream destination for astronomy enthusiasts.
Best Stargazing Spots
Logan Pass: Incredible high-elevation views.
Lake McDonald: Capture star reflections on its calm waters.
Many Glacier Area: Dramatic peaks and ideal dark skies.
Photography Tips
Pack some patience and be ready to stay late. Use a headlamp with a red light setting to prevent losing your night vision during setup.
Where to Stay
Camping: Apgar Campground, Rising Sun Campground, Fish Creek Campground
Lodging: Many Glacier Hotel, Lake McDonald Lodge, Swiftcurrent Motor Inn
Make your reservations at Recreation.gov or Booking.com
6. Joshua Tree National Park, California
Why It’s Amazing
Known for its unique desert trees and dreamy landscapes, Joshua Tree’s remote location offers pristine, unpolluted skies, making it a haven for astro enthusiasts and photographers alike. Designated as an International Dark Sky Park, Joshua Tree boasts minimal light pollution, allowing for breathtaking views of the Milky Way, countless constellations, and even meteor showers. The park’s rugged terrain, with its striking boulders and iconic Joshua trees, provides a stunning foreground for night photography. With several stargazing spots like Hidden Valley and Keys View, and regular astronomy programs hosted by the park, it’s an ideal destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of the night sky.
Best Stargazing Spots
Hidden Valley Campground: Easy access with excellent views.
Keys View: Great for sunrise-to-star views in one visit.
Arch Rock: Iconic foreground for capturing star trails.
Photography Tips
Shoot during new moon phases for the darkest skies, and consider venturing out after midnight to avoid any remaining crowds.
Where to Stay
Camping: Hidden Valley Campground, Jumbo Rocks Campground, or Indian Cove Campground
Lodging: Palm Springs, Yucca Valley, Joshua Tree Village, or Twentynine Palms offer great accommodations.
Bookings are available at Recreation.gov or Bookings.com.
Essential Gear for Astrophotography:
Check out my full blog for recommended gear here
- Tripod
- Avoid shaky shots with a steady tripod.
- Recommendation: Peak Design Tripod for durability, portability, and advanced design features.
- Camera
- Capture stunning night skies with a professional camera.
- Recommendation: Sony a7IV for exceptional performance.
- Wireless Remote Shutter Release
- Perfect for long-exposure star photos.
- Recommendation: Pixel TW-283 for reliable performance at a great price.
- Wide-Angle Lens
- Ideal for expansive night sky shots with stunning clarity.
- Recommendations:
- Headlamp with Red Light Mode
- Illuminate your surroundings without affecting your night vision.
- Recommendation: Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
- Star Tracker
- For advanced astrophotography, a star tracker ensures crisp, detailed images of celestial objects.
- Recommendation: Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer 2i
- Extra Batteries and Memory Cards
- Long nights require extra power and storage. Always carry spares to avoid interruptions.
- Recommendation: SanDisk 256GB Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-II Memory Card
Tips for Stargazing and Night Photography
Plan Ahead
Check weather conditions, moon phases, and ensure you have park permits, if needed. Apps like Stellarium can help with star charting.
Bring the Right Gear
Pack a sturdy tripod, wide-angle lens, and remote shutter release for the best results.
Scout the Location
Visit the spot during daylight to find the best angles and avoid surprises at night.
Adventure Awaits Under the Stars
Each of these parks offers something uniquely magical, from breathtaking mountain silhouettes to alien-like desert landscapes. Whether you’re looking to capture the Milky Way in all its glory or simply enjoy the beauty of untouched night skies, these national parks are perfect for your next adventure.
Book your trip at Recreation.gov and start planning your next stargazing adventure!
Don’t forget to check out my blog on Top Astrophotography Gear to capture the perfect night sky shot.