If the stars are lit, then you need to look at them: the best places in the USA to watch the night sky

Where are the best places in the US for stargazing? OnlyInYourState.

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Nothing fuels and fanns the flame of wanderlust quite like stargazing. Gazing at the big, beautiful universe with its twinkling stars and distant galaxies is an incredibly inspiring experience. Across the country, there are dedicated dark-sky parks and remote locations that offer visitors a glimpse into space. And while access to many of these places requires some effort and careful planning, the reward - a heavenly realm full of endless possibilities and wonders - is well worth it. So grab your telescope and hit the road; Here are the best, darkest and most beautiful stargazing spots in the US.

Crater Lake National Park - Oregon

Not only is Crater Lake the largest and cleanest body of water in the country, it's also a spectacular place for stargazing. Listed by the National Park Service's Dark Sky Team as one of the top 10 dark-sky destinations, the beauty of the night sky in Crater Lake is extraordinary. Because the caldera is so isolated, there is little to no light pollution to compete with the night sky, which in turn allows visitors to see literally millions of distant stars... without a telescope.

Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve - Idaho

This is the only international dark sky reserve in the United States, covering 13884,98 square kilometers of land in the scenic mountains of Idaho, which makes it an amazing place for lovers of the starry sky. The first and only reserve of its kind in the US, it is a Gold Level Dark Sky Reserve, the highest rating available. In fact, it is one of 12 dark sky reserves worldwide and the third largest on the globe. With 80% of Americans living in cities with light pollution blocking out the night sky, visiting a dark sky preserve is an amazing adventure, and there's no better place to do it than this Idaho treasure.

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Redwood National and State Parks - California

Redwood National and State Parks in California is one of our nation's gems, home to some of the oldest and most magnificent trees on the planet. These parks are also an amazing conservation success story, with the California Redwood Save League and other organizations working to protect and preserve these great giants for generations to come. And the conservation work continues. The National Park Foundation recently partnered with National Parks and Redwood State Parks to raise public awareness of light pollution by retrofitting existing fixtures and hosting innovative events to educate youth on best lighting practices. As a result, today park visitors can enjoy stunning starry skies above this fantastic fairytale forest.

Death Valley National Park - California and Nevada

One of the most majestic and intriguing places in the country, Death Valley National Park is an otherworldly wonder. Located on the border of California and Nevada, Death Valley is a land of extremes: it is the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the country. Unique geographic features such as 500 square km of salt marshes, seemingly endless sand dunes and badlands shape the landscape of Death Valley, creating a completely unique and uncanny landscape. His sky is also excellent. With little light pollution, Death Valley is an amazing place for stargazing - and, in fact, this national park is the third recognized International Dark Sky Park in the country. The vast desert horizon provides a great view of the Milky Way, as well as occasional meteors that streak across the sky.

Great Basin National Park—Nevada

Great Basin National Park is one of Nevada's greatest treasures. It is not only a place of incredible natural beauty and diverse geography, but also one of the darkest places in the country. In 2016, the International Dark Sky Association awarded the reserve the status of "Dark Sky", and if you have ever visited this park at night, you know that it is well deserved. At nightfall, the deep blackness of the onyx seems to cover the desert landscape, illuminated only by the radiance of an endless starry sky. This is what the night sky might have looked like before electric lighting was invented, and stargazing here is a real experience for your wish list.

Canyonlands National Park - Utah

While Utah may be best known for its unusual winter getaway when the sun sets and the moon rises, this state puts on quite a show. Considered arguably the best stargazing spot in Utah, Canyonlands National Park offers an amazing experience. For those looking for adventure, there are two campsites in the park. Known as The Needles and Island In The Sky, these sites offer some of the most impressive stargazing in the state, as well as the chance to watch the sun rise over the canyons in the morning.

Grand Canyon National Park - Arizona

In addition to being one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon is also a Certified Dark Sky Park, possibly the best place in the US for stargazing. As night falls over the deserts of Arizona, trillions of stars and celestial bodies shine brightly, creating a sublime scene that doesn't look real. The best part is that you can observe this dazzling spectacle with the naked eye – no special equipment is required. Stargazing at the Grand Canyon is definitely a must when exploring this park.

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument - Arizona

The vast desert skies of Arizona were created for stargazing, offering some of the deepest views into space. Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument makes the infinite universe accessible to visitors; offering the public summer night sky activities, including astronomical presentations, telescope viewing and even constellation tours. When the sun comes up, stay and walk along this dormant volcano which is one of the most interesting places to explore in the country.

Capulin Volcano National Monument - New Mexico

The sky above Capulin Volcano National Monument is truly dazzling: this park in New Mexico received Dark Sky status in 2016. At nightfall, the park comes alive and offers an atmosphere of wonder that you simply cannot experience in daylight. Although close to major cities such as Albuquerque and Denver, Capulin remains a source of true darkness unmatched in the West. From nearby planets to meteors to distant galaxies, you'll see the stars twinkle like never before in this beautiful and remote location.

Big Bend National Park - Texas

When Gene Autry sang about Texas stars, he definitely had Big Bend in mind. With one of the darkest skies on Earth, Big Bend gives visitors the chance to see over 2000 stars with the naked eye. Located hundreds of miles from the nearest civilization, Big Bend is one of the most remote and least visited national parks in the Lower 48. Its remote location makes it suitable for stargazing. In 2012, the park received Dark Sky stars; more impressively, the organization ranked Big Bend at number four on their list of the top seven stargazing spots in the world. The Hot Springs Canyon Trail and the Rio Grande Village Nature Trail provide some of the least sheltered views, and three different campsites in the park give lookouts a place to sleep after their out-of-this-world adventure.

Stephen C. Foster State Park - Georgia

Stephen C. Foster State Park is well known for its outdoor activities - kayaking, hiking, bird watching and canoeing - but this natural wonder takes on a different personality as dusk falls. One of Georgia's greatest natural wonders, this remote park and its 1 sq km Okefenokee Swamp boast some of the darkest skies in the South. Stephen C. Foster State Park, approved by the International Dark Sky Association, is one of the most famous places to see the stars clearly and unhindered. Plan an after-hours adventure in the Georgia swamps to watch stars that are truly out of this world.

Mammoth Cave National Park - Kentucky

Mammoth Cave National Park has recently been officially designated a Dark Sky Park. Stargazing here is nothing short of an extraordinary adventure. The park received its certification after a rigorous application process that took several years. In short, this certification recognizes the exceptional quality of Mammoth Cave's night sky and the ability to enhance the visitor experience through astronomy-based interpretive programming.

The John Glenn Astronomy Park - Ohio

Who would have thought that the humble state would become one of the best stargazing destinations in the US? But superb stargazing is an absolute treat at The John Glenn Astronomy Park. Opened just a few years ago, the park was built as a place for inspiration. You see, Ohio loves the stars; it has produced more astronauts than any other state (the park's John Glenn is a beloved state hero!), and Buckeye State researchers have logged more than 22 hours in space. With little light pollution, this astronomy park provides incredible views of the Milky Way galaxy, nearby planets, and other cosmic wonders. Come and be inspired to dream big; you will be in legendary company.

Cherry Springs State Park - Pennsylvania

This Pennsylvania park might seem like a hidden gem, but Pennsylvanians have long known Cherry Springs State Park as the darkest place on the East Coast and the perfect spot for stargazing. Cherry Springs State Park, perched atop a 762m mountain and surrounded by undeveloped forest land, promises stargazing without light pollution; and at certain times of the year (usually September to March) you can even see the Northern Lights!

Katahdin Woods & Waters - Maine

Declared a Dark Sky Park in 2016, Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument is one of the most beautiful and unspoiled places in Maine and all of America. It is home to many wild animals and many amazing landscapes can be seen. But what we love most about this beautiful park can only be seen after sunset. Since this is an international dark sky reserve, you can see the stars here. If stargazing is your thing, every year the park hosts the Stars Over Katahdin celebration which returns this October and is one of the best stargazing events in the country!

Denali National Park - Alaska

A region of rugged and unspoiled beauty, Denali National Park is one of the best places to see the beauty of the Alaskan night sky. There are several year-round campgrounds in the park where you can stay and look up at the sky all night long - at any time of the year. But Denali takes it to another level. This park is one of the best stargazing spots where you can see some of the most amazing sights on the planet, including, if you're lucky, the elusive Northern Lights.

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These beautiful dark-sky parks and remote locations are the best places for stargazing in the US. So grab your telescope and hit the road - the endless universe is waiting for you!

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