For avid stargazers and astronomers, there’s nothing quite like the experience of gazing at a starry night sky. Luckily for RV’ers, these locations are perfect for dark sky RV parks and dispersed camping.
Ask anyone who has camped in a remote area about their favorite part, and they’ll likely mention the amazing night sky views.
While light pollution from cities often obscures our view, designated Dark Sky Communities prioritize preserving natural darkness for a celestial spectacle.
These special places offer some of the most breathtaking stargazing opportunities in the world.
Dark Sky Communities in the US
As of October 2023, the International Dark-Sky Association has certified 131 areas in the United States as Dark Sky Communities.
These communities lie in dark sky areas, leading to less development.
This limits established campgrounds for RV camping. However, plenty of dispersed camping opportunities exist.
This post offers suggestions for RV camping in the USA’s top Dark Sky Communities.
Options include private campgrounds, BLM lands, US Forest Service campgrounds, or dispersed camping.
A map of location of International Dark Sky Sanctuaries in the United States is below.
More details about each location with links to RV camping options for each is also provided below each Dark Sky Community later in the post.
- Black Gap Wildlife Management Area, Alpine, Texas
- Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Minnesota
- Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky Sanctuary, Gila National Forest, Glenwood, New Mexico
- Devils River State Natural Area – Del Norte Area, Del Rio, Texas
- Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, Stacyville, Maine
- Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge, Marion, Montana
- Massacre Rim Wilderness Study Area, Massacre, Nevada
- Medicine Rock State Park, Ekalaka, Montana
- Rainbow Bridge National Monument, Powell, Utah
What are Dark Sky Communities?
Dark Sky Communities are locations dedicated to preserving natural darkness and reducing light pollution. This helps with optimal stargazing and astronomical observation.
The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) certifies Dark Sky Communities. This leading organization aims to preserve natural darkness and reduce light pollution worldwide.
(Did you know that better sleep is one of 14 health benefits of RV camping identified by science (partially due to dark skies)? 50+ research studies on the health benefits of camping back this up!)
The IDA has established a rigorous certification process that involves assessing and verifying a community’s efforts to protect and promote dark skies.
Criteria for Dark Sky Community Certification
To become certified as a Dark Sky Community, several criteria must be met:
- Lighting Ordinances: Communities must implement and enforce strict lighting ordinances that regulate outdoor lighting to minimize light pollution.
- Public Outreach: They need to actively engage in public outreach and education to raise awareness about the importance of preserving dark skies and reducing artificial light.
- Fixture Compliance: Communities must ensure that outdoor lighting fixtures comply with dark sky-friendly standards, using shielded fixtures that direct light downward, reducing light spill.
- Night Sky Monitoring: Regular night sky monitoring and measurements are necessary to assess and document the levels of light pollution and the quality of the night sky.
- Community Support: Local residents, businesses, and government authorities must support and actively participate in dark sky preservation efforts.
- Documentation and Application: Communities must provide detailed documentation of their efforts, along with a formal application to a recognized dark sky organization, such as the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA).
- Verification and Designation: An independent organization, like the IDA, reviews the application and assesses the community’s compliance with dark sky criteria. Upon verification, the community may receive official designation as a Dark Sky Community.
Once a community meets the IDA’s criteria and requirements, it can receive official designation as a Dark Sky Community.
This certification raises awareness about preserving natural darkness. It encourages other communities to reduce light pollution in their efforts.
Dark Sky Classifications
The International Dark-Sky Association designates different classifications for areas based on their level of light pollution and their commitment to preserving natural darkness.
These classifications help to raise awareness about the importance of dark skies and encourage communities and organizations to take action.
They include:
- International Dark Sky Sanctuary: These are remote and pristine locations recognized for their exceptional natural darkness and are often dedicated to astronomical research and observation. There are nine in the USA.
- International Dark Sky Park: These are public or private land areas that have exceptional quality for stargazing and astronomy. They are actively managed to minimize light pollution and promote dark sky preservation. Examples include national and state parks, as well as protected natural areas. There are 86 in the USA.
- International Dark Sky Reserve: These are dark core areas, encircled by a populated periphery, which employ policy measures to safeguard the core’s pristine darkness. There are two in the USA.
- Urban Night Sky Place: These are urban locations that promote an authentic nighttime experience, even amidst substantial artificial light. There are five in the USA.
- International Dark Sky Community: These are urban or suburban areas where residents and authorities have taken measures to reduce light pollution through lighting ordinances and public outreach. They commit to preserving dark skies while balancing the needs of the community. There are 29 in the USA.
The criteria for each classification may vary, but the main goal remains. It aims to reduce light pollution and preserve natural darkness.
This supports stargazing, astronomical research, and the health of the environment and humans.
International Dark Sky Sanctuaries and Dark Sky RV Parks in the United States
Using the classifications above, we searched for International Dark Sky Sanctuaries in the US, as these are the areas recognized for exceptional dark skies perfect for stargazing.
There are nine areas that fit this classification. These are each listed below, along with dark sky RV parks and other camping options.
1. Black Gap Wildlife Management Area, Alpine, Texas
Located in the remote western Texas desert, Black Gap Wildlife Management Area spans 100,000 acres. The land is arid terrain with desert plains, rugged canyons, and mesas.
The management area extends along 25 miles of the Rio Grande, forming a border with the Mexican State of Coahuila along its southern and eastern perimeters.
This area is home to animals like desert mule deer, bighorn sheep, and other desert wildlife. If you’re into the great outdoors, this place is perfect for hiking, checking out the wildlife, and stargazing.
Black Gap WMA is all about preserving the beauty of the Chihuahuan Desert. To get there, you’ll drive on rough roads and facilities are pretty basic. But it’s a great opportunity to really get in touch with nature and help keep the environment healthy.
Black Gap Wildlife Management Area RV Camping Options
This area has limited camping options available, with two dark sky RV park and campground options:
- Black Gap Wildlife Management Area: Camp within the Black Gap Management Area at one of 51 designated campsites. All but two of the campsites require a high clearance RV and none have hookups.
- Stillwell Store and RV Hookup: Located about 10 miles from the Black Gap Ranger Station. Full hookups are available.
2. Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Minnesota
Located in Minnesota, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is a wilderness area in the northern part of the Superior National Forest. Moose, wolves, and bald eagles live in this area.
Motorized vehicles, including RVs, are not allowed in the BWCAW. This is to help protect the land for the next generation.
Since you can’t bring your RV in here, you’ll have to camp outside the wilderness area. There are more than 2,000 campsites in the area, so it is not difficult to find a place to camp.
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Dark Sky RV Park and Camping Options
There is no RV camping allowed in the wilderness area. There are many other dark sky campground options located nearby for RVs, including:
- Birch Lake Campground: This campground in the Superior National Forest offers 29 campsites for RVs. Pump water and a vault toilet is available, but there are no hookups.
- Canoe County Outfitters: In addition to outfitting services, they offer camping for RVs with full hookups.
- Crescent Lake Campground: This is a USFS campground in the Superior National Forest that has RV campsites. Pump water and a vault toilet is available, but there are no hookups or a dump station.
- Fall Lake Campground: Provides direct access into the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area. Some pull-through sites are available for RVs. Maintained by Superior National Forest.
3. Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky Sanctuary, Gila National Forest, Glenwood, New Mexico
Ever heard of Cosmic Campground? It’s a campground located in the Gila National Forest in southwestern New Mexico.
The Cosmic Campground if officially recognized as a Dark Sky Sanctuary. The skies here are some of the darkest in the USA, making it a magnet for astronomers, astrophotographers.
With hardly any lights to spoil the view and sitting at around 6,000 feet up, Cosmic Campground gives you a clear shot at all the celestial wonders in the sky – from the Milky Way to galaxies and a gazillion stars.
There are some basic camping facilities, so you can really make the most of your stargazing adventure in this special place.
Cosmic Campground Dark Sky RV Camping Options:
- Cosmic Campground: This campground is designated as a Dark Sky Sanctuary. RV sites are available, but there are no hookups. A vault toilet is the only amenity. The Cosmic Campground does not accept reservations. It is first come, first served. This is a popular dark sky RV park, so plan accordingly.
4. Devils River State Natural Area – Del Norte Area, Del Rio, Texas
The Del Norte Area within the Devils River State Natural Area sits in southwest Texas, right by the Devils River. It has canyons, rivers, and desert landscapes, making it a hotspot for hikers, paddlers, and all sorts of outdoor enthusiasts.
It isn’t easy to get there, which helps protect its natural environment.
Devils River State Natural Area RV Camping Options
Camping options are limited in this area.
- Devils River State Natural Area Primitive Campsites: There are eight campsites available that are suitable for RVs. Reservations must be made at least one day in advance. This is boondocking style camping, not an official dark sky RV park. There are no facilities available.
5. Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, Stacyville, Maine
The Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is located in northern Maine. It spans 87,500 acres.
One of the most popular attraction is Mount Katahdin. It is the tallest peak in Maine and also where the Appalachian Trail ends (or starts, depending on your perspective).
There are a lot of outdoor activities here, including hiking, camping, paddling, and wildlife watching.
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument RV Camping Options
- Sandbag Stream Campground: This small campground offers only a pit toilet and picnic tables. Hookups are not available.
- Pine Grove Campground & Cottages: This privately run campground has 43 sites, some of which are big rig friendly. Full hookups are available.
6. Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge, Marion, Montana
The Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge includes 8,800 acres in northwest Montana.
The refuge was established in 1999 as a sanctuary for wildlife. Residents include elk, deer, moose, and many different bird species.
The Refuge gets its name from the historic Lost Trail Pass, an important route that was used by early travelers and settlers in the area.
Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge Dark Sky RV Park and Camping Options
The refuge is located in a remote area, so there are few camping options nearby.
These campgrounds will require a drive to the refuge. There are full hookup dark sky RV park options, as well as dry camping options.
- Logan State Park Campground: There are 22 developed campsites, located on Middle Thompson Lake, that work well for RV camping.
- McGregor Lakes RV Park: This is a privately run campground with full hookups located on McGregor Lake. There are several pull-through sites.
- McGregor Lake Campground: Located in the Kootenai National Forest, some of the sites in this campground can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 32 ft. max in length. Hookups are not available, but vault toilets and drinking water are available.
- Ashley Lake North Campground: Located in the Flathead National Forest, this small campground with six campsites is for dry camping only. It is located along the shore of Ashley Lake.
7. Massacre Rim Wilderness Study Area, Massacre, Nevada
The Massacre Rim Wilderness Study Area covers 100,000+ acres in Nevada. The land has been protected since 2000 and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
The Study Area is popular for a cliff edge that gives amazing views of the Nevada desert.
Massacre Rim Wilderness Study Area Dark Sky RV Camping Options
There are no privately run dark sky rv parks or campgrounds in the area. Your best bet will be dispersed camping on BLM land.
8. Medicine Rock State Park, Ekalaka, Montana
The 330 acre Medicine Rock State Park is located in southwestern Montana. Montana made it into a state park to protect its importance for Native American history.
Medicine Rock is a large sandstone rock that has ancient petroglyphs created by indigenous people who lived in this area for centuries. The Crow Nation considers this site to be sacred.
Medicine Rocks State Park RV Camping Options
- Medicine Rocks State Park Campground: There are 12 campsites in this campground. Hookups are not available, but there is a vault toilet and water faucet available for campers.
9. Rainbow Bridge National Monument, Powell, Utah
Rainbow Bridge National Monument is located in the desert of southern Utah.
The natural bridge is formed from erosion over time. It spans 290 feet and is one of the world’s largest natural bridges.
The arch it is sacred to several Native American tribes. The arch is only accessible by boat on Lake Powell or by a long hike.
You might also enjoy our post on RV Camping at the Majestic Great Sand Dunes National Park, a remote Colorado area popular for stargazing.
Rainbow Bridge National Monument Dark Sky RV Park and Campground Options
Camping within Rainbow Bridge National Monument is not allowed.
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is nearby in Page, Arizona and offers many camping options, including dispersed camping on the shore of Lake Powell.
Listed below are a few of the many campground options, including full-hookup dark sky RV parks and dry camping campgrounds.
- Antelope Point RV Campground: This large private campground offers full hookups.
- Beehive Campground: This small campground in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area has 6 campsites is right on the lake. Hookups aren’t available, but there is a vault toilet.
- Lees Ferry Campground: We camped here and wrote a blog post about Lees Ferry Campground with the details and photos. There are 54 designated sites, but no hookups. There is a dump station, bathroom, and potable water. This is one location where rafts launch for trips on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon.
- Wahweap Campground & RV Park: This large campground has over 250 campsites. Full hookups are available.
Final Words about Dark Sky RV Parks and Camping
Stargazing is a perfect antidote to today’s busy lifestyles.
Dark Sky Communities around the world actively commit to preserving opportunities for stargazing.
Enjoy your RV adventure to a Dark Sky Sanctuary!
