There’s something truly special about a night spent camping under the stars, but did you know that some places are deemed better than others?
With dark skies being one of 2025’s top travel trends of the year, you won’t want to miss a trip to these award-winning International Dark Sky destinations. Stay tuned to see where you should go and where to stay to enjoy all the beauty of dark skies.
Cottonwood, AZ – Verde Valley RV Campground
Cottonwood, Arizona is one of 56 International Dark Sky communities in the US. Conveniently located in Cottonwood is Verde Valley RV Campground, the perfect place to camp out under the stars. While at Verde Valley, guests can choose to stay in their RV, or in a cottage or tiny house vacation rental for the full glamping experience. Regardless of your preferred accommodations, you’ll delight in the campground’s starry night sky.
Curecanti National Recreation Area, CO – Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch
Home to beautiful reservoirs in Gunnison, Colorado is Curecanti National Recreation Area, an International Dark Sky Park. Not only can you stargaze here, but you can also go fishing, hiking, or camping. Located on one of the reservoirs is Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch in Gunnison, CO – the perfect place to camp out, see the stars, and enjoy the outdoors. Guests can choose to stay in their RV or in a cabin – it’s the perfect place to enjoy the Colorado skies!
Joshua Tree National Park, CA – Palm Springs RV Resort
Joshua Tree National Park is not only known for its breathtaking desert landscapes that are home to many Joshua Trees, but also for stargazing. Just half an hour away is Thousand Trails Palm Springs, located in Palm Desert, CA. Whether you want to see the stars from the resort, or make the short drive to the National Park, this spot is a must.
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, CO – Garden of the Gods RV Resort
Home to some of the most exceptional fossils is Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument in Florissant, CO. It is a perfect place to check out some of these geological rarities and see the stars. Just over 30 minutes away you can find Garden of the Gods RV Resort in Colorado Springs, CO, where not only can you enjoy the stars but also find another geological gem, the Garden of the Gods rock formations. Bring your RV, pitch a tent, or rent a cabin to make the most of your stay.
Dr. Lawless County Park, MI – Bear Cave RV Campground
Dr. Lawless County Park in the town of Jones is open on weekends until 2 a.m. for some of the best stargazing in the state of Michigan. Not only can you gaze at the stars here, but you can also enjoy a variety of activities offered, that are great ways to spend the day, until nightfall arrives. Located under an hour away from the park you can find Bear Cave RV Campground in Buchanan, which offers attractions of its own during camping season (April through October), including a cave that served as part of the Underground Railroad.
Tumacacori National Historical Park, AZ – Voyager RV Resort
Tumacacori National Historical Park is packed with history and known as a “cultural crossroad,” protecting the ruins of three Spanish mission communities dating back to the late 1600s. Accredited as an International Dark Sky Place, this park is a breathtaking place to stargaze. Less than an hour away is Voyager RV Resort in Tucson, where RVers can enjoy amenities like tennis and pickleball courts, a swimming pool, golf course, and more.
Be sure to book your next camping trip near one of these International Dark Sky destinations for a perfect night under the stars. Which one are you most excited about?
