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Arizona · stargazing

Dark-sky camping in Arizona

522 camps in Arizona under the darkest skies (class 1–2 on our 9-step scale, from NASA night-lights).

Photo: Pexels
522camps for stargazing
160free or dispersed
39reservable

Best areas for stargazing

  1. Around Arivaca94 camps for stargazing within 25 miles
  2. Around Grand Canyon Village75 camps for stargazing within 25 miles
  3. Around Fort Valley70 camps for stargazing within 25 miles
  4. Around Young66 camps for stargazing within 25 miles
  5. Around Eagar44 camps for stargazing within 25 miles

Questions

How many campgrounds in Arizona are good for stargazing?

522 camps under the darkest skies (class 1–2 on our 9-step scale, from NASA night-lights); 160 of them are free.

When is the best time to go?

The best camping months are Apr–May & Aug–Oct, judged from 30 years of weather at a typical camp: comfortable days, mild nights, little rain. In August expect highs near 85°F and lows near 58°F.

What else can you do there?

Of these camps, 15% also offer hiking, 14% also offer wildlife & birding, 12% also offer fishing.

See them on the map

Every camp, with a 3D fly-over, weather, cell signal and the drive.

Open stargazing in Arizona

This week's picks

A different handful each week.

  • Cave SpringFederal campground · Reservable · Cell signal

    Cave Springs sits in the scenic Oak Creek Canyon and is one of Coconino National Forest's most popular campgrounds.

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  • BrookcharFederal campground · Reservable · 9,062 ft · No cell signal

    Brookchar Campground is tucked on the banks of Big Lake in the White Mountains of eastern Arizona. The campground is a small, tent-only facility comprised entirely of walk-in sites. Of the…

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  • WinnFederal campground · Reservable · 9,321 ft · Cell signal

    Winn Campground is situated near the Mt. Baldy trailheads and the East and West Forks of the Little Colorado River, making it an excellent choice for anglers and hikers. The facility offers…

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  • Lakeview CampgroundFederal campground · First come, first served · Cell signal

    **Lakeview Campground** is located near Upper Lake Mary with easy access to the water via the **Wood Memorial Trail** (0.5 miles) or by car. Many other lakes such as **Ashurst Lake**…

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  • Rainbow (Az)Federal campground · Reservable · 9,062 ft · No cell signal

    Rainbow is the largest campground in the Big Lake Recreation Area in eastern Arizona. Because of its proximity to the lake, size and the many amenities it offers, Rainbow is a favorite for…

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  • HoyerFederal campground · Reservable · 8,307 ft · Cell signal

    Hoyer Campground is situated among the ponderosa pine forests of eastern Arizona, and is one of the most popular campgrounds in the area for families and seniors. Is is less than a mile…

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  • PinegroveFederal campground · Reservable · Cell signal

    Pinegrove Campground sits in the lush Coconino National Forest of northern Arizona, offering visitors countless recreation opportunities set in a stunning landscape.

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  • Upper ArcadiaFederal campground · Reservable · 6,644 ft · Cell signal

    Upper Arcadia sits along Swift Trail in southeastern Arizona, providing an escape from desert heat and a pleasant place to take in the high desert scenery in spring and fall. Visitors enjoy…

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Free camps for stargazing

  • FR 689Dispersed / primitive · Free · Cell signal

    Forest Road 689 provides dispersed campers with convenient access to popular destinations like Jerome and Sedona while still offering a more secluded outdoor setting.

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  • 13 Mile Camp (Ledge Camp)Dispersed / primitive · Free · Cell signal

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  • 21.7 Mile CampDispersed / primitive · Free · Cell signal

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  • Wing Mountain Dispersed CampingDispersed / primitive · Free · Cell signal

    Looking for a camping spot in the woods with easy access to some of the Flagstaff area's fantastic trails and recreation opportunities along US 180? The Wing Mountain area southwest of the…

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