Many who come to enjoy Colorado’s great outdoors often overlook another incredibly beautiful sight – our night skies. On your next camping trip, consider staying at one of Colorado’s best campgrounds for stargazing.
With an average elevation of 6,759’ and hundreds of days of sunshine every year, the night skies all over the state offer some of the best views of the stars and planets in the U.S. As long as you get outside the city limits, you’ll likely be granted a spectacular view of the cosmos. Typically, the higher you get up in elevation and further away from light pollution, the clearer the stars will be.
Whether you’re an avid astronomer or simply love gazing at the stars, the following is a list of camping sites that offer some of the best stargazing experiences in the state. From Dark Sky-certified parks to remote campgrounds, here are our top picks for campsites with amazing views of the stars.
Morefield Campground – Mesa Verde National Park
Located in a wooded canyon, Morefield Campground is just four and a half miles from the Mesa Verde National Park entrance. With 267 sites surrounded by native Gambel oaks and wildflowers, this campground offers a serene setting for stargazing. The park’s remote location ensures minimal light pollution, making the stars shine brightly.
Mesa Verde National Park | Reservations can be made through Visit Mesa Verde
Elk Creek Campground – Curecanti National Recreation Area
Located on the north shore of Blue Mesa Reservoir, Elk Creek Campground is part of the Curecanti National Recreation Area. This campground offers stunning views of the night sky, especially over the expansive reservoir. It’s a perfect spot for water-based activities during the day and stargazing at night.
102 Elk Creek, Gunnison | Reservations can be made through Recreation.gov
Black Canyon of the Gunnison Campgrounds
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison offers three campgrounds: South Rim, North Rim, and East Portal. Each provides incredible vantage points for stargazing. The canyon’s dramatic depths and narrow openings create a stunning contrast against the night sky, making it a must-visit for stargazing enthusiasts and astrophotographers alike.
10346 Hwy 347, Montrose | Reservations can be made through Recreation.gov
Jackson Lake State Park Campgrounds
As the first state park in Colorado to be certified by Dark Sky International, Jackson Lake State Park is a prime destination for stargazers. The park’s 2,700-surface-acre lake provides a beautiful backdrop for nighttime sky watching and astrophotography. Come enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming during the day and marvel at the stars by night.
26363 County Rd 3, Orchard | Reservations can be made through CPW Shop
Great Sand Dunes NP – Pinyon Flats Campground
Pinyon Flats Campground, located within Great Sand Dunes National Park, offers incredible views of the dunes and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The park’s remote location and high elevation make it an excellent spot for stargazing. Campsites book up quickly, so be sure to reserve in advance.
11500 Hwy 150, Mosca | Reservations can be made through Recreation.gov
Ridgway State Park Campgrounds
Located in the Dark Sky certified community of Ridgway, this state park offers a variety of camping options. The park’s commitment to preserving its dark skies ensures an exceptional stargazing experience. Enjoy the diverse recreational activities during the day and the stunning night sky after sunset at Ridgway State Park.
28555 Hwy 550, Ridgway | Reservations can be made through Reserve America
Alvarado Campground – Westcliffe
Alvarado Campground is situated at an elevation of 9,000 feet, offering access to the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. The campground features sites for tents, RVs, and equestrian campers. With nearby trails leading to high-elevation lakes and scenic overlooks, it’s a perfect spot for both daytime adventures and nighttime stargazing.
Co Rd 140, Westcliffe | Reservations can be made through Recreation.gov
Ute Campground – San Juan National Forest
Ute Campground is located just north of Highway 160 and offers 26 campsites shaded by Ponderosa pines. The campground provides easy access to Chimney Rock National Monument, which is a well-known dark sky treasure with plenty of events and programs for astronomy fans. There are also other dispersed camping locations scattered around the San Juan National Forest where you can truly get away and enjoy even darker skies.
US-160, Pagosa Springs | Reservations can be made through Recreation.gov
Curated by your friends at Sky View Tents in Buena Vista
For the perfect dark-sky experience, consider bringing along a stargazing tent from your friends at Sky View Tents. Built with the clearest roof mesh on the market, these tents provide the clearest view of the night sky while keeping you protected from the elements with our patent-pending internal rainfly.
A portion of Sky View tent sales goes to fund DarkSky Colorado and the amazing work they do to protect and reclaim our dark skies across our great state.
Any plans to visit Buena Vista soon? Stop by their retail shop at 109 Cottonwood Avenue to see all kinds of dark sky-themed merchandise. You can also get a first-hand experience of the crystal clear views of our tents from inside our dark sky demo room.
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