Maybe you’ve been chasing national parks since the National Park Service celebrated its centennial in 2016. But have you ever made it to (or even heard of) Dark-Sky Reserves and Sanctuaries? These little-known protected parcels of land are some of the best places to stargaze in the world.
Best Places to Stargaze
The International Dark-Sky Association protects “land possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and nocturnal environment” from development that causes light pollution. Dark-Sky Reserves and Sanctuaries are like the national parks of the sky. Here’s where to find them.
NamibRand Nature Reserve, Namibia
If you’ve ever longed to see the Milky Way in all its deep, sparkling glory, then add the open-air lodging options at NamibRand Nature Reserve can help. Cross both a safari and stargazing off your bucket list by capping off your nature walks or game drives with sleeping under the stars. NamibRand is one of the biggest and most accessible private nature reserves in Africa, making it one of the top places to stargaze.
Check Prices for Wolwedans Dune Camp in NamibRand Nature Reserve Loading Rates... JS Mont Megantic, Quebec
Now topped with its own astronomical observatory, Mont Megantic became the first designated Dark-Sky Reserve in 2007. The peak is at the center of its namesake national park just north of the Maine/New Hampshire border, making it the perfect place to hike and bike before camping out under the stars. Mont Megantic is one of the best places to stargaze in North America.
Related: Best Family Vacation Destinations Pic du Midi, France
The highest Dark-Sky Reserve you can visit, Pic du Midi sits above the clouds in the French Pyrenees Mountains. It may sound and look like an astronomer-only facility, but it welcomes overnight visitors for “star parties” and even traditional local food offerings. Take the cable car up on a clear day for far-flung views of the snow-capped mountains before turning your eyes to the golden sunset and starry night sky.
Cosmic Campground, New Mexico
Even more remote than Dark-Sky Reserves are Dark-Sky Sanctuaries—these have fewer light sources nearby, making for some of the starriest views on clear nights. New Mexico’s Cosmic Campground near Blue Range Primitive area is more than 40 miles from the nearest major light source, so you better not be afraid of the dark if you’re heading here to rough it in basic camping conditions. The reward: sleeping under an unobscured, 360-degree panorama of constellations.
Moore’s Reserve, England
Not all of the best places to stargaze are isolated. Just an hour south of London is Moore’s Reserve at South Downs National Park, known for its white chalk cliffs and 18th-century
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