The most popular destinations on a stargazing road trip in the US have been revealed.
Astrotourism is one of the biggest travel trends of 2024, but with so many of America's best stargazing spots in the West Country, a road trip is the easiest way to visit them.
Check with the Moon
Timing is everything. One of the most important factors to remember when planning your stargazing trip is the phase of the moon. Don't arrive in a dark place the week before the full moon and expect to see stars. The night sky is by far darkest the week before a new moon and for about four evenings afterward, giving you a two-week window for a fabulously dark holiday. You can check the moon phase here.
Most Popular Parks for Stargazing
Camping world recently analyzed online search activity around more than 50 stargazing sites in the United States to identify the 15 most popular. It's a good list, but it could be better. In fact, for almost everyone, there is a darker alternative nearby that will help you see more stars – mainly because there will be fewer people – and where it will likely be more accessible to book a campsite. One could easily argue that famous places are the ones to avoid, because wherever there are people, there is light.
So here are the top five and an alternative suggestion.
1. Glacier National Park, Montana
Google searches per month: 368,000
Suggested alternative: Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge (Dark Sky Park)
2. Acadia National Park, Maine
Google searches per month: 246,000
Suggested alternative: Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument (Dark Sky Sanctuary)
3. Big Bend National Park, Texas
Google searches per month: 201,000
Suggested alternative: Big Bend Ranch State Park (Dark Sky Sanctuary)
4. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Google searches per month: 201,000
Suggested alternative: Curecanti National Recreation Area (Dark Sky Park)
5. Arches National Park, Utah
Google searches per month: 165,500
Suggested alternative: Dead Horse Point State Park (Dark Sky Park)
Camping World examined more than 50 U.S. destinations to reveal the 15 most sought-after U.S. road trips … (+)
Book early
The best way to stargaze in any U.S. national park is by camping or RVing, but book as early as possible because campgrounds are booked months in advance. Some of them have hotels and lodges, but by their very nature they pollute light and are almost always far from the darkest skies.
I wish you clear skies and wide eyes.
