Can't Make It to the Eclipse? These U.S. Stargazing Campgrounds Are Worth the Trip
- Campspotter
On August 12, 2026, millions of travelers will head to Spain, Iceland, and Greenland for one of the year’s biggest celestial events: a total solar eclipse.
But if an international trip isn’t in the cards, don’t worry. You don’t have to leave North America to experience breathtaking night skies.
In fact, August is one of the best months of the year for camping under the stars. It’s peak Milky Way season, the annual Perseid Meteor Shower reaches its peak around August 11 to 13, and many of the country’s best campgrounds sit just outside certified Dark Sky parks where light pollution is almost nonexistent.
Here are some of the best places to trade eclipse crowds for unforgettable nights around the campfire.
1. Joshua Tree National Park, California
Stay nearby: Joshua Tree RV Campground
Joshua Tree RV Campground
Located in the heart of the beautiful Morongo Basin, sits Joshua Tree RV Campground. If you're looking for a beautiful spot to stay in Joshua Tree, while being near great events and activities, look no further than Joshua Tree RV Campground. Book your spot today!
- Dog Park
- Playground
- Sports Field
- Bathrooms
- Showers
- Dump Station
- Garbage
- Laundry
Few places are as iconic for stargazing as Joshua Tree. Its desert air, dry climate, and minimal light pollution create spectacular viewing conditions year-round. On moonless summer nights, the Milky Way stretches from horizon to horizon, while the Perseids regularly produce dozens of visible meteors each hour.
Don’t miss:
- Milky Way photography
- Hidden Valley after sunset
- Keys View at dusk
- Ranger-led night sky programs
2. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Stay nearby: Desert Bloom Campground
Desert Bloom Campground
Desert Bloom Campground is a one-of-a-kind desert retreat that offers travelers an immersive experience within Southern Utah’s iconic red rock landscape. Located just two miles from the convenience of downtown Kanab, the property serves as a premier basecamp for exploring world-class destinations such as Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Guests can choose fro
New to Campspot!- Hiking
- Bathrooms
- Showers
- Internet Access
- Garbage
- Special Events
Bryce Canyon is home to some of the darkest skies in North America. With elevations exceeding 8,000 feet, visitors can see thousands of stars that simply aren’t visible from cities.
During August, combine sunset over the famous hoodoos with one of the country’s premier stargazing experiences. Check out Desert Bloom Campground for scenic RV sites and unique glamping accommodations for your desert stay.
Don’t miss:
- Bryce Astronomy Festival
- Inspiration Point at sunset
- Milky Way over the hoodoos
- Perseid meteor shower viewing
3. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado
Stay nearby: Riverbend RV Park & Cabins
Riverbend RV Park & Cabins
Riverbend RV Park and Cabins is centrally located between the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, the majestic San Juan Mountains and the beautiful Grand Mesa. It’s the perfect location for you and your family to stay and play every month of the year! Recently purchased and currently under new management, the Park offers shaded sites, walk in river access for fly fishing and floating and
- Waterfront
- Dog Park
- Sports Field
- Showers
- Internet Access
- Laundry
While the canyon is famous for its dramatic cliffs, it’s equally impressive after sunset. Thanks to minimal light pollution and high elevation, visitors can enjoy brilliant views of the Milky Way and countless constellations. It’s an ideal alternative for travelers who want spectacular scenery both day and night.
Don’t miss:
- South Rim overlooks
- Painted Wall
- Ranger-led astronomy nights
- Perseid meteor viewing
4. Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania
Stay nearby: Austin Campground
Austin Campground
Experience all the best of Pennsylvania at Austin Campground. Leave the hustle and bustle behind and enjoy 28 gorgeous acres of scenery, relaxation, and reconnecting in Potter County. With over 125 sites to choose from, Austin Campground is sure to deliver an experience that will keep you coming back year after year. Whether you enjoy partaking in special events, playing volleyball, or simply rela
- Playground
- Volleyball
- Bathrooms
- Showers
- Internet Access
- General Store
- Pavilion
- Special Events
Cherry Springs is legendary among amateur astronomers. Recognized as one of the darkest places east of the Mississippi, it’s specifically designed for night sky observation, complete with astronomy fields and minimal artificial lighting.
Don’t miss:
- Public observing field
- Astronomy events
- Milky Way photography
- Overnight telescope viewing
5. Glacier National Park, Montana
Stay nearby: Glacier Campground
Glacier Campground
Located just one mile from the west entrance of Glacier National Park. This campground covers 40 wooded acres and is surrounded by Flathead National Forest. Every site is nestled within the timber providing a wonderful feeling of privacy. The village of West Glacier is just a mile away with many activities including golf, mini golf, shopping, rafting, horseback rides and helicopter tours. There ar
- Hiking
- Restaurant
- Playground
- Internet Access
- General Store
- Dump Station
- Laundry
By day, Glacier is all alpine lakes and dramatic mountain scenery. By night, it transforms into one of the country’s most spectacular places to watch stars emerge above rugged peaks.
Late summer offers excellent Milky Way visibility before cooler fall temperatures arrive.
Don’t miss:
- Going-to-the-Sun Road sunsets
- Lake McDonald reflections
- Perseid meteors over mountain peaks
- Glacier’s exceptionally dark skies
6. Big Bend National Park, Texas
Stay nearby: Around the Bend RV Park
Around the Bend RV Park
If a peaceful atmosphere, great sunsets, and local hiking sounds like a dream getaway, then you're definitely going to want to stay at Around the Bend RV Park in Terlingua, Texas. This historic mining town offers an old western backdrop with several interesting attractions. From ghost towns to dance clubs, you can truly get a well-rounded vacation in this area. Book your spacious spot today!
- Hiking
- Bathrooms
- Showers
- Internet Access
- Garbage
Big Bend boasts some of the darkest measured skies in the lower 48 states. The remote Chihuahuan Desert offers incredible visibility for planets, constellations, and the Milky Way.
It’s one of the few places where the sky truly feels three-dimensional.
Don’t miss:
- Santa Elena Canyon
- Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
- Chisos Basin sunsets
- Milky Way rising over the desert
7. Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
Stay nearby: Aspen Acres Campground
Aspen Acres Campground
Aspen Acres Campground in Rye, Colorado is a peaceful mountain retreat tucked into the San Isabel range at about 9,200 ft elevation. It offers a mix of full-hookup RV sites (with 30- and 50-amp options), cozy cabins, outfitter tents, and shady tent sites nestled in aspen groves. Guests can enjoy amenities like a remodeled shower house, rec room with games, horseshoes and cornhole, WiFi near the lo
- Pool
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Dog Park
- Bike Rental
- Playground
- Ice Cream
- Basketball
- Sports Field
- Volleyball
- Bathrooms
- Showers
- Internet Access
- General Store
- Dump Station
- Garbage
- Laundry
Towering sand dunes by day become one of America’s most incredible stargazing destinations after dark. Designated an International Dark Sky Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park offers remarkably clear night skies where the Milky Way stretches above the tallest dunes in North America. Visit in mid-August and you may catch both the Perseid meteor shower and reflections of the stars across Medano Creek.
Don’t miss:
- Sunset on the dunes
- Sand sledding
- Medano Creek (seasonal)
- Late-night Milky Way photography
8. Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Stay nearby: Westerner RV Park
Westerner RV Park
Located next to the world famous Hideout Golf Course you will be surrounded by the areas luscious trees and bountiful wildlife. Monticello is the center of San Juan County and is home to some of Americas most popular and scenic destinations. National Parks and Monuments, including the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Canyonland's National Park, Arches National Park, Glen Canyon (AKA Lake Powell), Na
- Bathrooms
- Showers
- Internet Access
- General Store
- Dump Station
- Laundry
The vast canyons surrounding Moab create unforgettable foregrounds for astrophotography. Island in the Sky offers panoramic views that become even more dramatic after sunset.
Don’t miss:
- Mesa Arch at sunrise
- Island in the Sky overlook
- Dead Horse Point nearby
- Milky Way over the red rocks
9. Cedar Breaks National Monument, Utah
Stay nearby: Jellystone Park™ Zion
Jellystone Park™ Zion
Located just minutes from the famous Sand Hollow Sand Dunes and only 30 minutes from the breathtaking Zion National Park, **Jellystone Park™ Zion** offers the perfect Southern Utah getaway for families and adventurers alike. With a stunning mountain backdrop and beautiful sunny weather year-round, guests can enjoy easy access to hiking, off-roading, and exploring some of the region’s most iconic n
- Beach
- Waterpark
- Pool
- Hot Tub / Sauna
- Dog Park
- Golf Cart Rental
- Arts & Crafts
- Playground
- Laser Tag
- Ice Cream
- Basketball
- GaGa Ball
- Jumping Pillow
- Volleyball
- Bathrooms
- Showers
- Internet Access
- General Store
- Garbage
- Laundry
- Pavilion
- Special Events
Perched at more than 10,000 feet above sea level, Cedar Breaks National Monument pairs colorful hoodoos with exceptionally clear night skies. As an International Dark Sky Park, it’s a favorite among amateur astronomers thanks to its crisp mountain air, minimal light pollution, and frequent summer astronomy programs.
Don’t miss:
- Sunset Point
- The Alpine Pond Trail
- Ranger-led star parties
- Panoramic Milky Way views above the amphitheater
10. Craters of the Moon National Monument, Idaho
Stay nearby: Lucky Lake 208
Lucky Lake 208
If you're looking for the ultimate Idaho getaway, look no further than Lucky Lake 208 in Heyburn. Spend your day paddling a kayak, trying your luck at fishing, and simply relaxing. When you're ready, be sure to explore the local area for great attractions like museums, delicious restaurants, hiking/biking trails, shopping, and so much more. There is something for everyone at Lucky Lake 208. Book y
- Canoeing / Kayaking
- Beach
- Waterfront
- Fishing
- Internet Access
The volcanic landscape here feels almost extraterrestrial, making it one of the most unique places to spend an evening beneath the stars.
With little nearby development, the skies remain wonderfully dark throughout summer.
Don’t miss:
- Lava fields
- Cave exploration
- Evening ranger programs
- Milky Way over volcanic rock
Bonus: Time Your Camping Trip with the Perseids
Even if you aren’t chasing an eclipse, August 11 to 13 may actually be the better reason to plan a camping trip.
The Perseid Meteor Shower is one of the brightest and most reliable meteor showers of the year, often producing 50 to 100 meteors per hour under dark skies. Pair it with a moonless night at one of these destinations, and you’ll have a front-row seat to one of nature’s most spectacular shows.
Pro Tips for Better Stargazing
- Let your eyes adjust for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Bring reclining camp chairs or a picnic blanket.
- Use a red-light flashlight instead of white light.
- Download a stargazing app before you lose cell service.
- Check the moon phase. A new moon means darker skies and better viewing.
The Best Night Sky Might Be Closer Than You Think
While the 2026 total eclipse may be happening an ocean away, some of the year’s most memorable celestial experiences are right here in the U.S. From meteor showers and Milky Way views to certified Dark Sky parks where the stars steal the show every night, these destinations prove you don’t need a passport to experience something extraordinary. Pack your telescope—or just your camp chair—and let nature put on the show.
Image Credit: Adobe Stock users Katrina Brown, dawn2dawn, wisanuboonrawd, imagoDens, Michael, aheflin, Krzysztof Wiktor, Limario