Last updated: August 17, 2023
Article
Sleep Under the Stars

NPS/Hannah Schwalbe
Look up! Many of our national parks provide the best opportunity for seeing starry night skies — some dazzlingly so. Whether you camp in a tent, RV, campervan, or hammock, your views to the stars, Milky Way, meteors, Aurora Borealis, and other celestial bodies are a "Wow!" way to end your day. Relax. Be inspired. Can you find the Big Dipper? What constellations do you know? Enjoy the night alone, or with a group: many parks offer stargazing, interpretive programs. Ask a park ranger.
Look around you. The natural features of land and trees take on a unique appearance under the powerful glow of a full moon or twinkling starlight. Let your eyes adapt to the dark. Soon unexpected patterns and images will emerge. Individual objects will begin to set themselves apart from the surrounding darkness. Notice how they emit light and cast shadows from these natural light sources.

NPS
Use your judgement and stay safe. Research and learn about possible risks with the park environment and your camping trip before you go. The NPS Camping website is a good resource for planning your next adventure! And visit the NPS Night Skies website to learn about night skies and what the NPS is doing to preserve night viewsheds and habitat for future generations.
Julie West, Communications Specialist, Natural Sounds and Night Skies Division