USA Dark Sky Locations
Find your next shoot
15 verified locations with night access rules, camping logistics, Bortle ratings, and best seasonal windows. Always confirm rules with the managing agency before your trip.
Bortle scale:
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California
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Max Bortle
Any darkness
1 — Truly dark only
2 or darker
3 or darker
4 or darker
Night access
Any access type
Open 24/7 (no permit)
Permit / ticket required
Restricted hours
Camping
Any
Camping available
No camping
Land type
Any type
National Park
National Monument
National Forest
Nat'l Recreation Area
BLM Land
Wildlife Refuge
State Park
State Forest
State Natural Area
Dark Sky Preserve
Observatory
Private Preserve
Dark Sky designation
Any
IDA designated only
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Showing all 15 locations
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Name A–Z