There’s something deeply primal and peaceful about sleeping under the stars. Far from the artificial glow of city lights, camping reconnects us with nature, simplifies our lives, and offers quiet moments of awe beneath vast, starlit skies.
Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker, a van-life wanderer, or just seeking a weekend away from the noise, the world is filled with unforgettable places to pitch a tent or roll out your sleeping bag. From remote deserts to forested national parks, these destinations offer some of the most breathtaking night skies and natural beauty on Earth.
1. Jasper National Park – Alberta, Canada
Best For: Stargazing and mountain scenery
Designated as a Dark Sky Preserve, Jasper is one of the best places in the world to see the night sky without light pollution. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Canadian Rockies, campgrounds like Wapiti and Whistlers provide excellent access to hiking trails, lakes, and prime stargazing.
Don’t Miss: The annual Jasper Dark Sky Festival in October.
2. Wadi Rum – Jordan
Best For: Desert camping with Bedouin hospitality
Known as the “Valley of the Moon,” Wadi Rum offers a Mars-like landscape of sandstone cliffs, red dunes, and clear skies. Many local Bedouin camps provide tents or open-air beds with traditional meals under the stars.
Don’t Miss: A sunset camel trek followed by sleeping on a rug beneath the Milky Way.
3. Torres del Paine National Park – Chilean Patagonia
Best For: Rugged adventure and glacial landscapes
This remote region of southern Chile is a dream for hikers and campers. Camp along the famous “W” Trek and experience the raw beauty of glaciers, turquoise lakes, and granite towers—all under crisp, starry skies.
Don’t Miss: Campamento Italiano or Campamento Torres for amazing sunrises and remote night skies.
4. Joshua Tree National Park – California, USA
Best For: Rock formations and desert solitude
A favorite among stargazers, Joshua Tree offers a surreal landscape dotted with twisted trees and giant boulders. The dry desert air and lack of nearby cities make it ideal for sleeping under the stars.
Don’t Miss: Jumbo Rocks Campground for excellent boulder hiking and night photography.
5. Lake District – England
Best For: Lakeside tranquility and rolling hills
Though camping is more regulated in the UK, designated campsites and wild camping spots in the Lake District offer idyllic settings. The combination of reflective lakes and dark skies makes for magical evenings.
Don’t Miss: Great Langdale or Buttermere for secluded camping with scenic hikes.
6. Kruger National Park – South Africa
Best For: Wildlife and safari-style camping
For campers who want to combine stargazing with big game sightings, Kruger delivers. Choose from fenced campsites or luxury bush tents where you might hear lions roar as you drift off to sleep.
Don’t Miss: Guided night drives that showcase the nocturnal side of the savannah.
7. The Outback – Northern Territory, Australia
Best For: Remote wilderness and southern hemisphere constellations
The Australian Outback offers one of the most expansive, unspoiled night skies in the world. Whether you’re camping in the Red Centre near Uluru or deeper in Kakadu National Park, expect unforgettable starlight.
Don’t Miss: The Southern Cross and the Magellanic Clouds visible with the naked eye.
8. Laugavegur Trail – Iceland
Best For: Hiking across volcanic terrain
This multi-day trekking route offers access to Iceland’s surreal volcanic landscapes, complete with hot springs, lava fields, and ice caps. Campgrounds along the trail offer a remote and magical backdrop for stargazing, especially late summer and early autumn.
Don’t Miss: A chance to see the northern lights if conditions are right.
9. Banff National Park – Alberta, Canada
Best For: Alpine camping and glacier-fed lakes
Sister park to Jasper, Banff features postcard-perfect scenery with the added benefit of stargazing around sites like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Some backcountry campsites offer true wilderness immersion.
Don’t Miss: Sunrise from your tent near Lake Louise, when the mountains glow in alpenglow light.
10. Sahara Desert – Morocco
Best For: Dune camping and cultural immersion
Spending a night in a Berber-style desert camp among the rolling dunes of the Sahara is a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. Clear skies, utter silence, and bright stars create a cosmic spectacle.
Don’t Miss: A guided camel trek and traditional tagine dinner beneath the stars.
11. Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park – New Zealand
Best For: Southern Hemisphere stargazing
Designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve, this park offers some of the clearest skies in the world. Camp beneath towering peaks and watch the Milky Way stretch across the night.
Don’t Miss: Lake Tekapo nearby, which is famous for its stargazing observatories.
12. Yosemite National Park – California, USA
Best For: Classic American wilderness
Yosemite is one of the most beloved national parks in the U.S., with waterfalls, cliffs, and pristine forests. While crowded in summer, backcountry camping permits allow you to experience quieter, starlit serenity.
Don’t Miss: Glacier Point for spectacular night views over Yosemite Valley.
13. Lapland – Finland
Best For: Arctic winter camping and northern lights
Camping above the Arctic Circle might sound extreme, but with proper gear—or in a glass-roofed igloo—you can sleep beneath the aurora borealis. Lapland offers both wilderness adventures and unique accommodations.
Don’t Miss: A reindeer-sled tour by day and a warm tent with a sky view by night.
14. Scottish Highlands – Scotland
Best For: Wild camping and moody landscapes
Scotland allows wild camping by law, and the Highlands offer dramatic hills, lochs, and quiet isolation. Weather is unpredictable, but the views and serenity are unmatched.
Don’t Miss: Glen Coe or the Isle of Skye for atmospheric camping under sweeping skies.
15. Denali National Park – Alaska, USA
Best For: Wildlife encounters and raw wilderness
Camp at the foot of North America’s highest peak. With few roads and minimal infrastructure, Denali offers one of the most untouched landscapes for campers who truly want to disconnect.
Don’t Miss: Late summer for better weather and a chance to see the aurora borealis.
Final Thoughts: The Magic of a Starry Night
Camping under the stars is more than just sleeping outdoors—it’s about rediscovering the simplicity and grandeur of nature. In our overconnected world, it’s one of the few ways to slow down, breathe deeply, and feel truly present.
Whether you seek solitude, adventure, or a new perspective, these destinations promise more than just a good night’s sleep—they offer memories that will glow brighter than any city skyline.