A stargazing RV trip offers the best of both worlds: the freedom to roam and experience some of this planet’s darkest, clearest skies.
Imagine escaping the city, parking your RV in a secluded spot, and being greeted by a breathtaking expanse of stars, planets, and galaxies. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or simply a lover of the cosmos, this guide will help you plan the ultimate RV stargazing trip.
We’ll help you figure out where to go, what to pack, and how to find an RV that’s ready to soak in the stars.
RVs For Rent Near You
Stargazing and RVing Make The Perfect Pair
RVs get you a home on wheels that you can take to Earth’s remote locations. Camping also allows you to follow celestial phenomena that are on the move. For example, Milky Way views vary by location. RVing gets you there from all the angles.
International Dark Sky Places are generally in high-altitude zones that get cold at night. RVs with heaters keep you toasty as you take in the stars.
RVs can also feature rooftop platforms and 4×4 to make reaching for the moon easier.
Add that to the fact that RVs usually feature a kitchen for cooking and the ability to boondock without hookups, and you have a combo made for starseeing.
Where to Go – Top Stargazing Destinations
The best places to see the stars belong to an international network called International Dark Sky Places. This program certifies communities, parks, and protected areas worldwide that protect dark sites through responsible lighting policies and public education.
Use this map to find all the Dark Sky Places in the U.S.
Here are some of our favorite examples:
National Parks
Many national parks also do double duty as Dark Sky Places. These are some of our favorites:
–Big Bend National Park, Texas — This desert oasis at the southern tip of Texas combines a huge surface area with spectacular canyon formations. Its remote location and crystal clear air make it an ideal spot to view the night sky.
RVs for rent near Big Bend
–Glacier National Park, Montana — Known as the Crown of the Continent, this alpine national park combines high elevations with remote settings for some of the world’s best night sky viewing.
RVs for rent near Glacier National Park
–Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota — Voyageurs is one of the best places in the country to see the Northern Lights and pristine night skies.
In addition to epic skies, this park packs a web of intertwined waterways to connect you with more nature. Pack your paddleboard or kayak and RV to fully experience this place!
RVs for rent near Voyageurs National Park
–Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado — This park in south central Colorado boasts the tallest dunes in North America and some of the lowest light pollution anywhere in the world.
RVs for rent near Great Sand Dunes National Park
State and County Parks
These parks are oft-forgotten locales that can feature some of the best spots to see stars. Here are some top picks:
–Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania —This is the darkest part of the East Coast. It is accessible to major population centers but far removed from the lights. Its skies are renowned among astronomers and regular campers alike.
Rent an RV near Cherry Springs State Park
–Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, Florida — Famously recognized for its lack of light pollution, it is Florida’s first Dark Sky Park. The park also offers many adventurous outdoor activities, including biking, hiking, stargazing, and wildlife viewing.
RVs for rent near Kissimmee Prairie
Rappahannock County Park, Virginia —This county park is one of the few places on the heavily populated East Coast where you can see shimmering night skies. It’s located at the gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains and close to the Appalachian Trail, making it a must for Dark-Sky RVing.
The destinations above are but a few examples of the sorts of places you can access via RV stargazing. Check out these road trips for stargazers and this full list of Dark Sky national parks to load up your itinerary.
Best Times of Year for Stargazing
Stargazing opportunities change throughout the year, each season providing its special starscape. Understanding the optimal times and locations for stargazing can enhance your experience and ensure you witness the most impressive events.
Stargazing by the Seasons
- Spring (March-May): Spring skies are dominated by prominent constellations like Leo, Virgo, and Bootes. This season is ideal for observing galaxies, as the Virgo Cluster is well-positioned. Notable meteor showers during this period include the Lyrids in late April, which offer about 20 meteors per hour at their peak.
- Summer (June-August): Summer nights feature the Summer Triangle, formed by the bright stars Vega, Deneb, and Altair. The Milky Way’s core is also visible, making this the best time for observing the galaxy’s densest and brightest regions. The Perseids meteor shower in mid-August is a highlight, known for its high meteor count and bright fireballs.
- Autumn (September-November): As the nights grow longer, autumn brings the Andromeda Galaxy into clear view, alongside the constellations Pegasus and Cassiopeia. The Orionids in October and the Leonids in November are two significant meteor showers, with the Orionids offering up to 20 meteors per hour.
- Winter (December-February): Winter offers some of the clearest skies and longest nights for stargazing. The Orion constellation dominates, with its nebula being a prime target for observation. The Geminids in December are often considered the best meteor shower of the year, with rates of up to 120 meteors per hour at their peak. The Quadrantids in early January also provide a spectacular show.
What to Pack for Your Stargazing RV Trip
Stick to this pack list for your star-studded trip:
Stargazing Gear
–Telescopes
–Binoculars
–Star maps
–Stargazing apps
–Red flashlights (to preserve night vision)
–Red headlamps
–DSLR camera
RV Stargazing Essentials
–Warm bedding and blankets
–Outdoor seating
–Toolkit for small repairs (because stargazing spots are in remote areas)
-Optional: RV with a rooftop platform or skylight for elevated viewing
Clothing and Personal Items
–Compact jacket
–Layered clothing
–Stocking hat
–First aid kit
–S’mores kit (for morning and twilight fires so you don’t spoil night vision 🙂
Tips for a Successful RV Stargazing Experience
Here are ways to make the most of your night sky RVing trip:
Park at the Best Viewing Spots
Here’s how:
- Use apps and local resources: Apps like Dark Sky Finder, SkyView Lite, or websites like lightpollutionmap.info to locate areas with minimal light pollution near you.
- Setting up camp: Once you’ve found a promising spot, set your camp away from artificial lights. This includes car headlights and campfires, which can interfere with your night vision and the quality of your stargazing experience.
Weather Considerations
Weather plays a crucial role in stargazing. Be prepared with these tips:
- Checking weather forecasts: Before heading out, check reliable sources for local weather forecasts. Look for clear skies and stable atmospheric conditions, which are best for stargazing.
Download The Weather Channel App to make weather tracking a cinch. - Preparing for unexpected changes: Even if the forecast looks clear, weather can be unpredictable. To guard against sudden changes in weather conditions, pack extra layers, rain gear, and waterproof equipment coverings.
Safety Tips
Exercise these precautions in remote areas:
- Staying safe: Inform someone of your plans and expected return time. Carry a charged cell phone, an extra charge pack, and a basic first aid kit.
- Wildlife awareness: Be aware of wildlife in the area, especially at night. Pack an animal-safe cooler, secure all other food indoors, and avoid leaving trash that could attract animals.
Other Tips to Make The Most of RV Stargazing
Astrophotography
Astrophotography involves capturing breathtaking images of celestial objects. Astrophotography requires mastering techniques such as long-exposure photography, using specialized telescopes or camera lenses, and understanding post-processing methods to enhance your images.
Whether you’re photographing the moon’s craters in intricate detail or capturing the subtle hues of a distant nebula, astrophotography offers a deeply rewarding way to explore the universe through a camera’s lens.
The PhotoPills App is a popular tool for doing all the above – it’s also handy for tracking the path of the Milky Way.
Journaling
Star-focused journaling is different from what you may have done before. Instead of writing exclusively about experiences, you’ll write about what you see in the sky.
By recording your observations, you can track the positions of planets, note changes in lunar phases, or even document the appearance of transient events like meteor showers or comet sightings.
Beyond mere documentation, journaling allows you to reflect on your experiences, jot down hypotheses or questions about what you’ve observed, and create a personal archive that chronicles your quest as an amateur astronomer.
Stargazing Communities
As with any hobby, amateur astronomy has affinity groups, social networking groups, and programs to enhance the experience.
Certain national parks even offer ranger-led stargazing excursions. By joining these group gatherings, you’ll enhance your RV stargazing experience through shared knowledge.
Stargazer RVing is a special way to open the doors to skyscapes that most folks only dream of seeing. The best locales for star viewing also tend to be camping-friendly, meaning you can tote the comforts of home into these remote areas.
Rent a stargazing-ready RV near you
