If you’re a fan of camping under the stars, then you know that finding the perfect spot for stargazing can make all the difference in your outdoor experience. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie to camping, there’s nothing quite like sleeping under a blanket of twinkling stars.
To help you find the best camping spots for stargazing, we’ve put together a list of some of the most picturesque and awe-inspiring locations across the globe. So pack your gear, grab your telescope, and get ready for a night of stargazing like you’ve never seen before.
1. Joshua Tree National Park, California, USA
Located in southern California, Joshua Tree National Park is a popular destination for stargazers due to its dark skies and stunning landscape. With over 800,000 acres of protected wilderness, the park offers plenty of opportunities for camping under the stars.
One of the best spots for stargazing in Joshua Tree is the Jumbo Rocks campground, where you can set up your tent among the giant boulders and cacti. The park also offers ranger-led astronomy programs, where you can learn about the constellations and planets visible in the night sky.
2. Mauna Kea, Hawaii, USA
For a truly unforgettable stargazing experience, head to the summit of Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaii. At an elevation of over 13,000 feet, Mauna Kea is one of the best places in the world for stargazing, thanks to its clear skies and minimal light pollution.
While camping is not allowed on the summit itself, there are several campgrounds located at lower elevations where you can stay overnight before heading up to the summit for a night of stargazing. Be sure to bring warm clothing, as temperatures can drop below freezing at night.
3. NamibRand Nature Reserve, Namibia
If you’re looking for a remote and pristine stargazing destination, then NamibRand Nature Reserve in Namibia is the perfect choice. This privately-owned reserve covers over 200,000 hectares of desert wilderness, making it one of the largest private nature reserves in Southern Africa.
Camping is available at several designated sites within the reserve, where you can set up your tent and enjoy uninterrupted views of the night sky. With no light pollution to obscure your view, you’ll be able to see thousands of stars and even the Milky Way with the naked eye.
4. Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, New Zealand
For stargazing enthusiasts, there’s no better place to camp than the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve in New Zealand. Designated as a Dark Sky Reserve in 2012, this area is one of the best spots in the world for stargazing, thanks to its incredibly clear and dark skies.
Camping is available at several campgrounds within the reserve, where you can pitch your tent and enjoy stunning views of the night sky. The reserve also offers guided stargazing tours, where you can learn about the constellations and planets visible in the southern hemisphere.
5. Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada
Located in the Canadian Rockies, Jasper National Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and stargazers alike. With its wide-open spaces and lack of light pollution, the park offers some of the best stargazing opportunities in North America.
Several campgrounds within the park are ideal for stargazing, including the Wapiti and Whistlers campgrounds. Be sure to bring a pair of binoculars or a telescope, as you’ll be able to see planets, galaxies, and even the Northern Lights on clear nights.
6. Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve, Ireland
For stargazers in Europe, the Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve in Ireland is a must-visit destination. Designated as a Dark Sky Reserve in 2014, this area is one of the few places in Europe where you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye.
Several campgrounds within the reserve offer camping facilities, where you can pitch your tent and enjoy stunning views of the night sky. The reserve also hosts regular stargazing events, where you can learn about the stars and planets visible in the Irish sky.
7. Atacama Desert, Chile
For a truly otherworldly stargazing experience, head to the Atacama Desert in Chile. As one of the driest places on Earth, the Atacama Desert offers incredibly clear and dark skies, making it one of the best spots in the world for stargazing.
Several campgrounds in the Atacama Desert offer camping facilities, where you can set up your tent and enjoy uninterrupted views of the night sky. Be sure to visit the ALMA Observatory, where you can see some of the most powerful telescopes in the world.
8. Galloway Forest Park, Scotland
For stargazers in the UK, Galloway Forest Park in Scotland is the perfect spot for camping under the stars. As the first Dark Sky Park in the UK, Galloway Forest Park offers some of the best stargazing opportunities in Europe.
Several campgrounds within the park offer camping facilities, where you can pitch your tent and enjoy stunning views of the night sky. The park also hosts regular stargazing events and workshops, where you can learn about the constellations and planets visible in the Scottish sky.
9. Kruger National Park, South Africa
For a unique stargazing experience, head to Kruger National Park in South Africa. Located in the heart of the African bushveld, Kruger National Park offers some of the best opportunities for camping under the stars in the Southern Hemisphere.
Several campsites within the park offer camping facilities, where you can set up your tent and enjoy incredible views of the night sky. Be sure to bring a pair of binoculars, as you’ll be able to see the stars and planets in the African sky like never before.
10. Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
For a truly immersive stargazing experience, head to Torres del Paine National Park in Chile. Located in the Patagonian region of Chile, this park offers some of the most breathtaking views of the night sky in the world.
Camping is available at several campgrounds within the park, where you can pitch your tent and enjoy uninterrupted views of the Milky Way. Be sure to bring a camera, as you’ll want to capture the beauty of the night sky in this remote and pristine location.
In conclusion, camping under the stars is an experience like no other, and choosing the right spot can make all the difference in your stargazing adventure. Whether you’re in North America, Europe, Africa, or beyond, there are plenty of incredible camping spots around the world that offer stunning views of the night sky. So pack your gear, grab your telescope, and head to one of these incredible destinations for a night of camping and stargazing that you’ll never forget.
