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Best National Parks for Stargazing & Night Sky Photography (2025 Guide)

Posted on by National Park Store

Introduction

If you’ve ever dreamed of witnessing the Milky Way in all its glory, few places in the U.S. offer better views than our national parks. With low light pollution, high elevations, and vast open landscapes, national parks provide some of the best stargazing and astrophotography opportunities in the world.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best national parks for stargazing and night sky photography, what gear you’ll need, and expert tips to capture breathtaking celestial shots.

 

 

 

 

What Makes a National Park Great for Stargazing?

Before diving into the best parks, here are the key factors that make a location ideal for stargazing:

  • Low Light Pollution – Far from city lights, these parks allow for clearer skies.
  • High Elevation – Less atmospheric interference for sharper star views.
  • Clear, Dry Air – Reduces haze and enhances night sky visibility.
  • Minimal Obstructions – Open landscapes make it easier to capture wide sky views.

 

 

 

 

Top 10 National Parks for Stargazing & Night Photography

1. Big Bend National Park, Texas ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • Why It’s Great: One of the darkest skies in the U.S. with minimal artificial light.
  • Best Viewing Spots: Chisos Basin, Santa Elena Canyon.
  • Photography Tip: Capture the Milky Way over desert landscapes with a wide-angle lens.
  • Gear Recommendation: Check out our top-rated stargazing binoculars.

2. Great Basin National Park, Nevada

  • Why It’s Great: Home to the Great Basin Observatory, offering some of the clearest night skies.
  • Best Viewing Spots: Mather Overlook, Wheeler Peak.
  • Photography Tip: Use a tripod and long exposure to enhance star trails.

3. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

  • Why It’s Great: Famous for its red rock hoodoos, which create an epic foreground for astrophotography.
  • Best Viewing Spots: Inspiration Point, Sunset Point.
  • Photography Tip: Capture star trails over Bryce’s iconic hoodoos.

4. Death Valley National Park, California/Nevada

  • Why It’s Great: Recognized as a Gold Tier Dark Sky Park with zero light pollution.
  • Best Viewing Spots: Badwater Basin, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.
  • Photography Tip: Visit in winter when the air is clearest.

5. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

  • Why It’s Great: The Canyon’s vastness creates stunning night photography compositions.
  • Best Viewing Spots: Desert View Watchtower, Yaki Point.
  • Photography Tip: Use the canyon’s edge as a foreground element.

6. Acadia National Park, Maine

  • Why It’s Great: One of the best East Coast locations for dark skies.
  • Best Viewing Spots: Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond.
  • Photography Tip: Capture the Milky Way’s reflection over the Atlantic.

7. Joshua Tree National Park, California

  • Why It’s Great: Joshua Trees create otherworldly nightscapes.
  • Best Viewing Spots: Arch Rock, Skull Rock.
  • Photography Tip: Use light painting techniques to illuminate the foreground.

8. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

  • Why It’s Great: High elevation means ultra-clear night skies.
  • Best Viewing Spots: Trail Ridge Road, Bear Lake.
  • Photography Tip: Visit in summer for the Galactic Core of the Milky Way.

9. Glacier National Park, Montana

  • Why It’s Great: One of the best places to see the Northern Lights in the U.S.
  • Best Viewing Spots: Logan Pass, Lake McDonald.
  • Photography Tip: Use an ISO setting of 3200-6400 for Aurora Borealis shots.

10. Arches National Park, Utah

  • Why It’s Great: Natural rock formations make for amazing foreground elements.
  • Best Viewing Spots: Delicate Arch, Balanced Rock.
  • Photography Tip: Use a fast-aperture lens (f/2.8 or lower) for better light capture.

 

 

 

 

Best Times to Stargaze in National Parks

  • Summer (June-August) – Best for Milky Way photography.
  • Winter (December-February) – Clear air, better star visibility.
  • New Moon Nights – Avoid full moons for darker skies.
  • Late at Night (After Midnight) – Less atmospheric disturbance.

 

 

 

 

Essential Gear for Stargazing & Astrophotography

✔ Trekking Poles: Relieve stress of hiking in dark conditions (our favorite poles)

✔Camera: DSLR/Mirrorless with manual settings
✔ Lens: Wide-angle, low aperture (f/2.8 or lower)
✔ Tripod: A sturdy tripod to prevent camera shake
✔ Star Tracker: Helps with long-exposure shots
✔ Binoculars/Telescope: Enhances naked-eye stargazing
✔ Headlamp: Red light mode to preserve night vision

 

>>> Shop the Best National Park Stargazing Gear here

 

 

 

Pro Tips for Night Sky Photography

✅ Use Manual Focus – Autofocus struggles in low light.
✅ Increase ISO (3200-6400) – Capture more light without overexposing.
✅ Use Long Exposure (15-30 sec) – Allows for more light capture.
✅ Shoot in RAW Format – Gives more editing flexibility.
✅ Find a Foreground Element – A tree, rock, or mountain enhances depth.

 

 

 

Best National Park Stargazing Events

📅 Bryce Canyon Astronomy Festival (June)
📅 Great Basin Astronomy Festival (September)
📅 Grand Canyon Star Party (June)
📅 Death Valley Dark Sky Festival (February)

 

 

 

 

Conclusion

America’s national parks are some of the best places in the world for stargazing and night sky photography. Whether you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime view of the Milky Way or want to capture stunning celestial landscapes, these parks offer unmatched opportunities.

🛒 Ready to gear up for your next stargazing trip?

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