Best Stargazing Destinations on Earth

Looking up at the night sky isn’t just something to do; it’s become a tourism trend!

Stargazing is a wonderful activity to do with your family on vacation or in your backyard. It can be an extravagant trip to the edge of civilization, or a short jaunt onto the patio.

Here’s some inspiration for hitting the road and soaking in the stars at select destinations known for stargazing. 

Meet the Stargazers

Erin Stender is the CMO at Campspot, a leading outdoor travel brand that leverages technology to improve the camping experience for travelers and operators alike. 

Elliot Schoenfeld and Jen Johnson from Scho and Jo have been traveling the U.S. in their campervan, intending to visit every national park with their dog, Ollie. Elliot shares, “Along the way, we’ve had some pretty incredible stargazing experiences.”

Austin Rulfs is Director of Wealth at Zanda Wealth Mortgage Brokers. He says, “Being a person who spends a lot of time outdoors for real estate ventures and investment purposes, I have been fortunate to see some wonderful stargazing spots.” 

Dr. Chad Walding is Co-Founder and Chief Culture Officer at NativePath. Interests in physical therapy and nutrition led him to study ways that nature supports recovery, energy, and clarity. “I find stargazing part of that rhythm,” Chad says.

Isheeta Borkar and her husband Shrey are The Travelicious Couple. Isheeta beams, “We’ve traveled to some of the darkest skies on Earth just to witness the magic of the cosmos.”

Planning a Trip Around Stargazing

Preparing for a stargazing trip is much like planning for other trips. You need to think about where you want to be, where you want to stay, and what time of year you’ll be traveling.

Because stargazing is an outdoor activity, it pays to be prepared, come what may, weather-wise. Even hotter places can get chilly at night! 

Where To Stay

Elliot usually plans his trips with stargazing in mind, especially in more remote parks like Big Bend National Park in Texas.

He recalls, “On this visit, we camped all six nights inside the park to maximize time under the stars. Some of our favorite moments were just hanging out with mugs of tea, watching the stars appear once it got dark enough.”

Austin is always on the lookout for starry skies.

He states, “When choosing a campsite or holiday rental, having access to stargazing is always something I consider. I don’t always use it as a deciding factor, but it’s a major bonus. For example, I recently booked a small rural house in the countryside of New South Wales, and the night skies were some of the best ever.“

Isheeta and Shrey take their proximity to dark skies seriously.

She says, “When we are going to areas famous for stargazing, we actively seek out Airbnbs or campgrounds in dark sky zones. Proximity to open skies and minimal artificial lighting is a must.”

Erin advises, “Clear skies are key, and many campers seek out areas with minimal light pollution. Locations like Dark Sky Parks or areas certified by the International Dark-Sky Association are especially popular since they provide an unobstructed view of the heavens.”

Dark Sky Bylaws

You may notice that in some cities or townships, bylaws are in place to preserve the night sky.

The Township of Muskoka Lakes’ Dark Sky By-law, last updated in 2023, requires that outdoor lights be low-wattage and directed downward to limit light pollution.

Additionally, on waterfront properties, all outdoor lights must be turned off after 11 pm.

These strategic measures help to keep Muskoka Lakes dark at night while letting the stars shine bright!

Muskoka Lakes is also home to a dark sky preserve called the Torrance Barrens. You can see Torrance Barrens in the photo above, just as the sun was setting.

We’ve been there before, and it is quite the light show! Thankfully, there were no bears afoot, and the weather was quite lovely in mid-August.

When To Go

From one season to the next, the elements change, and you need to be prepared.

Erin offers, “While stargazing is wonderful year-round, fall and winter tend to offer longer nights and clearer skies, particularly in more temperate climates.

“Summer heat can actually sometimes obscure the dark skies, making winter or shoulder months ideal and a sustainable option, as these areas often see less crowds.

“And while stargazing is always magical, planning around specific celestial events (like eclipses) can make your experience even more special.”

Isheeta relates that they love to stargaze in “Late summer to early fall in most places, especially in the Pacific Northwest. Skies are clearer, nights are longer, and it’s not freezing cold yet.

“For the Southern Hemisphere, winter is actually ideal. That’s when we planned our Atacama and New Zealand trips.”

Typical Stargazing Day

For Isheeta and Shrey, a typical stargazing day looks like this: 

“We check the weather forecast, moon phase, and light pollution map ahead of time. We pack warm clothes (even in summer), hot drinks (Shrey loves hot chocolate), our binoculars, red light headlamps, and a cozy blanket or chairs.

“We usually leave before sunset to pick the right spot and stay until midnight or beyond. Some of the best views happen after 11 PM once the sky is fully dark.”

Best Stargazing Destinations

What makes for a great stargazing destination? Can you guess which elements need to come together to create the optimal stargazing experience?

North America

Big Bend National Park, Texas, USA

“Along the way, we’ve had some pretty incredible stargazing experiences. The best, by far, was just last month in Big Bend National Park, in West Texas. It’s a designated Dark Sky Park, and it seriously lives up to the title. There’s virtually no light pollution out there, so the stars are unreal.

“We managed to snag a camping spot off Old Maverick Road and basically had the desert to ourselves. The Milky Way was crystal clear, and we spent hours just sitting outside the van, gazing up and snapping photos.” – Elliot

“I’m drawn to destinations like Sedona, Arizona, or Big Bend in Texas, where altitude and minimal light pollution intersect; the sky out there feels so expansive. I look for vacation rentals that are off the grid and in/near nature preserves.” – Chad

Death Valley National Park, California/Nevada, USA

Deemed a “Low humidity and zero light pollution made this an excellent stargazing spot,” Isheeta and Shrey went here on a no-moon night, where rangers had set up red lights and telescopes for people to look through. – Isheeta

Fun fact: Big Bend National Park ranked 15th and Death Valley National Park ranked 17th on Lake.com’s Best National Parks for Stargazing report!

Mauna Kea, Hawaii, USA

“It felt like being on another planet. We didn’t get to use the big telescopes, but even the naked-eye view from the visitor center was unforgettable.” – Isheeta

South America

Atacama Desert, Chile

“Hands down, the clearest skies we’ve ever seen. Observing from the high-altitude plateaus with no light pollution was surreal,” Isheeta notes.

Oceania

New Zealand’s South Island (Lake Tekapo)

“Part of the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, where we saw constellations we had never even heard of!”

“More locally, we often go camping in the Pacific Northwest, Mount Rainier, Olympic Peninsula, and central Oregon are our favorites. That said, we always have to be wary of clouds here. Even the darkest places can be ruined by a single layer of overcast skies!” – Isheeta

Aoraki Mackenzie, New Zealand

Chad seconds a visit to Aoraki Mackenzie in New Zealand.

He writes, “It is a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, so you will get some of the clearest skies for stargazing in the southern hemisphere. I have seen the Southern Cross and the Magellanic Clouds from here.

“If you want a really serene and unique stargazing experience, Aoraki Mackenzie will make you feel like you are seeing the stars for the first time.”

Uluru in Australia

“The best place I’ve ever done stargazing was in the middle of the outback in Uluru. The air was so pure that you could see not only the Milky Way in all its beauty but also lots of constellations, satellites, and shooting stars. It was just another experience that I will never forget.” – Austin

You can see Uluru (Ayers Rock) pictured at the top of this section. Isn’t it amazing?

Africa

Namib Desert, Namibia

Chad also champions another exotic location to stargaze, this time in Africa.

He relates, “The Namib Desert not only happens to be one of the oldest in the world, but has some of the clearest skies. Its combination of arid air and little light disturbance creates the opportunity to see the Milky Way in an incredible way, especially because of the remote location and huge stretch of uninterrupted sky. I have been to a few dark sky locations, but the sheer size and peacefulness of Namibia offers an exclusive stargazing experience.”

Scoping Out the Best Stargazing Spots

Now you know where to go, but where do you get the best views?

“The best stargazing spots for us are either up high or out in the open desert, with clear skies and as little light pollution (or other people) as possible.

“In Big Bend, the night sky is quite visible from anywhere in the park and the surrounding areas, but for us, being alone in the desert is the best place if you can snag a spot there.” – Elliot

“To me, spots like the Southern Highlands or outback regions in Australia are ideal for stargazing.

“The secret to a good location is being remote enough to stay away from light pollution, but close enough to be accessible for a safe and comfortable experience.” – Austin

Our Fascination With The Night Sky

There’s something very primal about a dark sky with no artificial lamps in sight.

It’s like how it was in the beginning, with the sun, the greater light, created first to rule the day, followed by the moon, the lesser light, tasked with ruling the night.

The pristine beauty of the starry host on display is captivating. No wonder humans have sought opportunities for thousands of years to enjoy the stars, study them, and praise God for the works of His hands.

To quote the psalmist,

When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers,

The moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;

Psalm 8:3 (ASV)

And again, 

He counteth the number of the stars;

He calleth them all by their names.

Psalm 147:4 (ASV)

Lastly,

The heavens declare the glory of God;

And the firmament showeth his handiwork.

Psalm 19:1 (ASV)

It’s natural to stand in awe of the beauty of creation, and if you’re looking on the right day, you may witness events that happen with great irregularity, some even every hundred years.

Dark Sky Love

Speaking of loving dark skies, here’s why our stargazers find dark skies so attractive.

“Stargazing is an experience beyond just observing the sky—it’s an experience of reconnecting with nature and clearing our minds of the stresses of day-to-day life.

“One of my favorite nights was during a meteor shower in Montana near Flathead Lake, where I just lay flat, breathed with the night.

“Dark skies can strip distractions, and you can shift your attention from your daily stressors to movement versus stillness above; that will change your body’s state. You can feel your heart rate slow and tension release.” – Chad

“Dark skies are soothing. That sensation of being underneath such a burdened star-studded sky is one that evokes a sense that you are a part of the universe in a very real way.

“I think it’s the peace and quiet of being in the middle of nowhere, with only the stars for company, that makes it so captivating. Gives you the chance to unwind, unplug from it all, and just appreciate the pure, unadulterated beauty of nature.” – Austin

“For me, this is one of the few experiences that forces us to be truly present. Quiet, still, and in awe. There’s something deeply humbling about looking up and realizing how small we are. But also, looking at the bright white patch of stars (seeing the Milky Way) is such a beautiful sight to behold. Hence, we recommend people go in the summertime for star gazing!” – Isheeta

What Makes a Great Stargazing Destination?

Many elements make a stargazing destination truly remarkable.

Erin’s work at Campspot provides her with a unique view of how the night skies serve not only as a beautiful backdrop but also as a miraculous sight to behold.

She writes, “Stargazing has always been a favorite outdoor activity for many, and it’s becoming even more popular as people seek out dark skies and celestial events.

“At Campspot, we’re seeing more campers looking for the perfect location to enjoy the night sky, whether it’s for meteor showers, eclipses, or a good old supermoon.

“In fact, our recent survey data found that 62% of campers believe having a clear view of the night sky is important when choosing a campground.

“For many, stargazing isn’t just about being outdoors—it’s about finding the right place to truly experience the beauty of the stars.”

For Isheeta, there are mainly three criteria for remarkable stargazing destinations, including:

• Minimal light pollution
• High elevation (especially for planetary and deep-sky objects)
• Dry air and clear skies

She points out, “But what many people forget is timing. Moonrise and moonset can make or break your stargazing experience. A full moon can drown out even the Milky Way, so we always aim for new moon nights.”

Most Amazing Sights in the Heavens

What’s the most amazing sight you’ve beheld in the heavens? Maybe you planned a trip around a shooting star or better visibility of a planet.

For Isheeta and Shrey, watching the Milky Way rise in New Zealand was an unforgettable experience, “But the moment we realized that the stars in the Southern Hemisphere are completely different than the ones we see at home, that blew our minds.

“It was like discovering a whole new sky! Also, we were being led by some astronomers and astrophysicists on this star safari, and that was very informative.”

Special Equipment for Stargazing

What sort of gear do people bring stargazing with them?

Elliot remarks, “We’re not overly technical about stargazing—we don’t have a telescope or a list of constellations we’re tracking—but we’ll check for moon phases, weather, and make sure we’ve got a charged camera and tripod ready as we love documenting our travels for Scho&Jo.

“That night in Big Bend, we watched the Milky Way stretch across the sky and even caught a few shooting stars.”

Photos: Courtesy Scho&Jo

What To Bring For Better Stargazing Sessions

Given you could be out for hours, you’ll want to bring some creature comforts along with food and water.

“I usually bring some collagen protein, water, and my mat, and arrive before dusk to observe the sky’s transition.” – Chad

“We’ve used star maps and the SkyView app to identify specific constellations, especially the Southern Cross, which we were seeing for the first time in the Southern Hemisphere. We’re not hardcore checklist stargazers, but we always try to spot seasonal constellations, planets, and meteor showers like the Perseids or Geminids.” – Isheeta

Erin says, “If you’re heading out to enjoy the stars, a few things can make the experience even better: a comfortable blanket or chair, a red flashlight (to keep your night vision intact), and apps like SkySafari or Star Walk to track constellations and planets.

“Pro tip: give yourself some time to let your eyes adjust to the dark—it’s the best way to truly appreciate the stars!”

Tips For Stargazing 

Elliot says, “Our tip for anyone new to stargazing would be to bring something warm and comfortable to sit on or lie back in. You’ll end up staying longer than you think, and being comfortable makes a big difference.”

Isheeta recommends, “Check the moon phase before planning a trip. A no-moon night (new moon) gives you the darkest skies and the richest star fields. And if you’re in a cloudy region like the Pacific Northwest, have a backup night or flexible itinerary.”

Erin offers, “For newcomers to stargazing, I’d recommend keeping it simple—find a quiet, dark spot, away from streetlights, and let your eyes take in the night sky. Don’t worry about specific stars at first—just let the experience wash over you. When all else fails, just start with the moon! It’s incredibly peaceful and one of the best ways to enjoy the outdoors.

“And if you want to dive in a little deeper, many campgrounds cater specifically to stargazers. Some even offer guided events, telescope rentals, or expert-led stargazing sessions to create truly unforgettable experiences under the stars.”

Book That Starry Night Vacation

Once you’ve figured out where the best places are for stargazing that you’d like to stay, see about finding vacation rentals on Lake.com close to those destinations so you can enjoy dark skies and a symphony of stars!

Discover properties in rural areas far away from the city’s glaring, artificial lights and take in the night sky with minimal obstruction. Your stargazing adventure awaits!