Planning an adventure takes you only so far. Eventually you just need to get behind the wheel and go, especially when it comes to astrotourism. Here are the six best campgrounds to base your next stargazing adventure.

　　Cape Lookout National Seashore, North Carolina Wild horses roam the shores of Cape Lookout, one of the most undeveloped stretches of coastline in the Southeast. This place is truly remote—to access car-camping sites on the beach, you’ll need a 4WD vehicle and an off-road beach driving permit. But with International Dark Sky status and more than 56 miles of shoreline to explore, it’s worth jumping through the extra hoops. Pitch a tent among the dunes, watch the sunset gild the Atlantic, and view the stars as they come out above the historic Cape Lookout Lighthouse. 

　　Buffalo National River, Arkansas Surrounded by wilderness and surging with whitewater, the Buffalo is one of America’s wildest rivers. By day, it attracts kayakers and rafters. But by night, it attracts adventurers in search of the stars. Established an International Dark Sky Park in 2019, the Buffalo River’s pebbled banks are among the best places in the Ozarks to see planets, constellations, meteors, and other celestial events. Target the Ozark Campground for access to a quiet swimming hole and unobstructed views of the sky.

　　The sunrise over the Buffalo National River in Northern Arkansas. (Photo: Getty Images)

　　Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, Idaho The Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve is home of the darkest skies in the world. It’s also huge, encompassing the turquoise lakes and snow-streaked summits of the White Clouds Wilderness and the craggy jaws of the Sawtooth Mountains. To see the ridges silhouetted in starlight, grab a campsite along Redfish Lake. Be sure to keep your wishes at the ready: shooting stars abound.

　　Death Valley National Park, California California’s deepest valley might be best known for its sweltering summer heat, but visit Death Valley National Park in fall or winter and you’ll be treated to cool nights, clear skies, and a heart-stopping celestial show. Grab a primitive site at Eureka Dunes Campground (only accessible with a high-clearance vehicle), and hike up into the dunes after sunset for a front-row seat.