Camping › California › Stargazing
Dark-sky camping in California
1,497 camps in California under the darkest skies (class 1–2 on our 9-step scale, from NASA night-lights).
Best areas for stargazing
- Around Weaverville122 camps for stargazing within 25 miles
- Around Bear Valley119 camps for stargazing within 25 miles
- Around Fort Hunter Liggett112 camps for stargazing within 25 miles
- Around Mammoth Lakes102 camps for stargazing within 25 miles
- Around Johnsville101 camps for stargazing within 25 miles
Questions
How many campgrounds in California are good for stargazing?
1,497 camps under the darkest skies (class 1–2 on our 9-step scale, from NASA night-lights); 506 of them are free.
When is the best time to go?
The best camping months are Jun–Sep, judged from 30 years of weather at a typical camp: comfortable days, mild nights, little rain. In July expect highs near 81°F and lows near 52°F.
What else can you do there?
Of these camps, 16% also offer hiking, 15% also offer fishing, 11% also offer boating & paddling.
Every camp, with a 3D fly-over, weather, cell signal and the drive.
Open stargazing in CaliforniaThis week's picks
A different handful each week.
Onion ValleyFederal campground · Reservable · Cell signalThis quiet campground is set amidst breathtaking scenery of rugged mountain peaks, thick forests and waterfalls in the Onion Valley area of the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains.
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Boise CreekFederal campground · Reservable · Cell signalBoise Creek Campground is nestled between Brush Mountain and Brannan Mountain in northern California's vast Six Rivers National Forest.
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Silver CreekFederal campground · Reservable · No cell signalSilver Creek Campground is located near the town of Markleeville on scenic Highway 4. Visitors enjoy fishing various waterways in the area and exploring the nearby Pacific Crest Trail.
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SweetwaterFederal campground · Reservable · 3,802 ft · Cell signalSweetwater Campground remains closed due to the 2020 Creek Wildfire
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Ackerman CampgroundFederal campground · Reservable · Cell signalAckerman Campground is a lakeside facility that's a favorite of fishermen. It is located in the beautiful Trinity Lake/Weaverville Area of Shasta-Trinity National Forest, which is part of…
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Robinson Creek NorthFederal campground · Reservable · Cell signalRobinson Creek North Campground is located just 9 miles from Bridgeport, California, next to Robinson Creek at an elevation of 7,000 feet. The Twin Lakes area is close by, offering boating…
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TanneryFederal campground · Reservable · Cell signalTannery Gulch Campground offers four loops of sites shaded by a mix of conifer and deciduous trees on the shores of Trinity Lake. Three of the four loops offer scenic lake views.
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Oh RidgeFederal campground · Reservable · Cell signalThe outstanding lake and mountain views at Oh Ridge Campground make it a favorite spot for both families and anglers. It sits in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains in close proximity to…
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Free camps for stargazing
- Ash Creek CampgroundFederal campground · Free · Cell signal
The low elevation for the Ash Creek Campground allows it to open earlier in the season than others at higher elevations. Fishing is always good at Ash Creek as it is stocked by the…
View camp → - Norcross CampgroundFederal campground · Free · No cell signal
Completely destroyed in the Panther Fire in 2008, Norcross Campground and Horse Camp has been rebuilt and reopened late in the season in 2009. The refurbished campground has 4 large horse…
View camp → - Sample Meadow CampgroundFederal campground · Free · No cell signal
Located near the Kaiser and Ansel Adams Wilderness', Sample Meadow Campground offers 16 campsites located along Kaiser Creek. Vault toilets are provided and each site has a picnic table…
View camp → - West Branch CampgroundFederal campground · Free · Cell signal
During the Great Depression the Civilian Conservation Corps built a camp here for the crews building the Greyback Road. Later it became a fire guard station and camp for fire crews and…
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