As the world gets better connected through technology, we keep filling the night sky with light. This RV travel guide will point you to the best “Dark Sky” areas in America so you can witness the beauty of the universe from the top of your RV.
The Hawaiian island of Mauna Kea hosts the world’s largest celestial observatory for good reason. Surrounded by ocean and cut off from major cities, Hawaii offers one of the best dark sky areas the world has to offer. If you can get there on a clear evening away from the urban bustle, it’ll be hard to beat the sight of staring up into the heavens from Hawaii.
Beyond the Hawaiian islands, the least populated regions of the country will provide darker skies - which means heading out West. Remember to always stay safe and travel together when exploring unknown areas at night.
Your first round of RV trip planning for star gazing should include Tuscon, Arizona to get a good long look beyond our planet from the Sonoran Desert. Home to the International Dark Sky Association, the desert skies in this area of the southwest are unparalleled. Public viewings are available at the Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter and the Kitt Peak National Observatory, but on a clear night there is plenty to marvel at from the top of your RV with nothing but your eyes and perhaps a pair of binoculars.
Lake Tahoe should definitely be another top contender for star gazing in any RV travel guide. Any of the forested areas away from the main loop around the lake will afford a stunning show of stars and planets, but if you really want to get the view of a lifetime, take a kayak (and a friend) to paddle to the middle of the lake. Lay back and be amazed by a spectacular full moon or on a moonless night to see into deeper space.
Natural Bridges National Monument in Utah is an American leader in dark sky protection, being the first International Dark Sky Park in the country and including astronomy programs during the summer led by park rangers. Utah has another great star gazing destination in Bryce Canyon where over 7,500 stars can be seen on a moonless night. If you can get there in late June to early July you can enjoy the annual Bryce Canyon Astronomy Festival where you can be educated and delighted by presentations, constellation tours, workshops, 50+ telescopes and, of course, night after night of premium star gazing!
Above all things, be cautious when going somewhere you’re not familiar with, go with another traveler, and bring everything you need to get back out of the dark safely. At Gilbert RV Insurance, crossing t’s and dotting i’s to keep you and your family safe for another adventure is our priority. Learn more about how to keep you and your assets secure on the road by visiting the Gilbert RV Insurance Products page, and for additional RV travel guides and help with RV trip planning, explore our blog!