Dark Sky Directory
Dark Sky Locations
Explore the world's best dark sky sites for Milky Way photography. Each location includes visibility data, Bortle class, and a free shooting calendar.
See the full list by country and US state397 locations
Bortle 2
Acadian Skies and Mi'kmaq Lands Starlight Reserve and Tourism Destination
Nova Scotia, Canada
Best: May, Jul, JunPlan a shoot
Bortle 1
!Ae!Hai Kalahari Heritage Park International Dark Sky Sanctuary
Northern Cape, South Africa
Best: Jun, Jul, MayPlan a shoot
Bortle 4
Aigüestortes Starlight Reserve and Starlight Tourism Destination
Catalunya, Spain
Best: May, Jun, JulPlan a shoot
Bortle 6
Albanyà International Dark Sky Park
Catalunya, Spain
Best: May, Jun, JulPlan a shoot
Bortle 6
Aldeias do Xisto Starlight Tourism Destination
Portugal
Best: May, Jun, JulPlan a shoot
Bortle 4
Allande Starlight Tourism Destination
Asturias / Asturies, Spain
Best: May, Jun, JulPlan a shoot
Bortle 2
Alpes Azur Mercantour International Dark Sky Reserve
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
Best: May, Jul, JunPlan a shoot
Bortle 4
Alqueva Starlight Tourism Destination
Portugal
Best: Jun, May, JulPlan a shoot
Bortle 2
Alto Loa Starlight Tourism Destination
Región de Antofagasta, Chile
Best: Jun, Jul, MayPlan a shoot
Bortle 5
Alto Turia Starlight Tourism Destination
Comunitat Valenciana, Spain
Best: May, Jun, JulPlan a shoot
Bortle 2
AMC Maine Woods International Dark Sky Park
Maine, United States
Best: May, Jul, JunPlan a shoot
Bortle 4
Ancares Lucenses Starlight Tourism Destination
Galicia, Spain
Best: May, Jun, JulPlan a shoot
Bortle 6
Andorra Comapedrosa Starlight Reserve and Starlight Tourism Destination
Andorra
Best: May, Jun, JulPlan a shoot
Bortle 8
Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area Nocturnal Preserve
Alberta, Canada
Best: Apr, May, AugPlan a shoot
Bortle 2
Antelope International Dark Sky Community
Oregon, United States
Best: May, Jul, JunPlan a shoot
Bortle 6
Antelope Island International Dark Sky Park
Utah, United States
Best: May, Jun, JulPlan a shoot
Bortle 6
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park International Dark Sky Park
California, United States
Best: Jun, May, JulPlan a shoot
Bortle 1
Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve
Canterbury, New Zealand
Best: Jun, Jul, MayPlan a shoot
Bortle 2
Aotea/Great Barrier Island International Dark Sky Sanctuary
Auckland, New Zealand
Best: Jun, Jul, MayPlan a shoot
Bortle 4
Arches National Park International Dark Sky Park
Utah, United States
Best: Jun, May, JulPlan a shoot
Bortle 1
Arkaroola Wilderness International Dark Sky Sanctuary
South Australia, Australia
Best: Jun, Jul, MayPlan a shoot
Bortle 2
Au Diable Vert Dark Sky Preserve
Québec, Canada
Best: May, Jul, JunPlan a shoot
Bortle 2
Bannau Brycheiniog National Park International Dark Sky Reserve
Cymru / Wales, United Kingdom
Best: Apr, Mar, AugPlan a shoot
Bortle 6
Bassegoda Park Starlight Camp
Catalunya, Spain
Best: May, Jun, JulPlan a shoot
Bortle 6
Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve
Alberta, Canada
Best: AprPlan a shoot
Bortle 2
Beaver Island State Wildlife Research Area International Dark Sky Sanctuary
Michigan, United States
Best: May, Jul, JunPlan a shoot
Bortle 8
Bee Cave International Dark Sky Community
Texas, United States
Best: Jun, May, JulPlan a shoot
Bortle 6
Beskydy Dark Sky Park
Moravskoslezský kraj, Czech Republic
Best: May, Apr, AugPlan a shoot
Bortle 7
Beverly Shores International Dark Sky Community
Indiana, United States
Best: May, Jun, JulPlan a shoot
Bortle 2
Bieszczady Starry-Sky Park
województwo podkarpackie, Poland
Best: May, Apr, AugPlan a shoot
Bortle 1
Big Bend International Dark Sky Park
Texas, United States
Best: Jun, May, JulPlan a shoot
Bortle 4
Big Bend Ranch State Park International Dark Sky Park
Texas, United States
Best: Jun, May, JulPlan a shoot
Bortle 6
Big Cypress National Preserve International Dark Sky Park
Florida, United States
Best: Jun, May, JulPlan a shoot
Bortle 2
Big Park/Village of Oak Creek International Dark Sky Community
Arizona, United States
Best: Jun, May, JulPlan a shoot
Bortle 5
Bisbee International Dark Sky Community
Arizona, United States
Best: Jun, May, JulPlan a shoot
Bortle 6
Bisei Town International Dark Sky Community
岡山県, Japan
Best: Jun, May, JulPlan a shoot
Bortle 4
Black Canyon of the Gunnison International Dark Sky Park
Colorado, United States
Best: Jun, May, JulPlan a shoot
Bortle 1
Black Gap Wildlife Management Area International Dark Sky Sanctuary
Texas, United States
Best: Jun, May, JulPlan a shoot
Bortle 6
Blanco International Dark Sky Community
Texas, United States
Best: Jun, May, JulPlan a shoot
Bortle 4
Bluewater Outdoor Education Centre Dark Sky Preserve
Ontario, Canada
Best: May, Jul, JunPlan a shoot
Bortle 4
Bodmin Moor Dark Sky Landscape International Dark Sky Park
England, United Kingdom
Best: Apr, May, AugPlan a shoot
Bortle 7
Bon Accord International Dark Sky Community
Alberta, Canada
Best: AprPlan a shoot
Bortle 4
Borobia Starlight Tourism Destination
Castilla y León, Spain
Best: May, Jun, JulPlan a shoot
Bortle 6
Borrego Springs International Dark Sky Community
California, United States
Best: Jun, May, JulPlan a shoot
Bortle 4
Boundary Waters Canoe Area International Dark Sky Sanctuary
Minnesota, United States
Best: May, Apr, JulPlan a shoot
Bortle 4
Browns Canyon National Monument International Dark Sky Park
Colorado, United States
Best: Jun, May, JulPlan a shoot
Bortle 2
Bruce Peninsula Dark Sky Preserve
Ontario, Canada
Best: May, Jul, JunPlan a shoot
Bortle 4
Bruneau Dunes International Dark Sky Park
Idaho, United States
Best: May, Jun, JulPlan a shoot
All dark sky locations
All 397 locations in 37 countries. Each country and US state has its own page.
Australia (6)
Canada (33)
- Acadian Skies and Mi'kmaq Lands Starlight Reserve and Tourism Destination
- Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area Nocturnal Preserve
- Au Diable Vert Dark Sky Preserve
- Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve
- Bluewater Outdoor Education Centre Dark Sky Preserve
- Bon Accord International Dark Sky Community
- Bruce Peninsula Dark Sky Preserve
- Cattle Point Urban Star Park
- Cypress Hills Dark Sky Preserve
- Fundy Dark Sky Preserve
- Grasslands Dark Sky Preserve
- Irving Urban Star Park
- Jasper Dark Sky Preserve
- Johns Family Nature Conservancy Regional Park Nocturnal Preserve
- Kejimkujik Dark Sky Preserve
- Killarney Dark Sky Preserve
- Kouchibouguac Dark Sky Preserve
- Lake Superior Provincial Park Dark Sky Preserve
- Lakeland Dark Sky Preserve
- Manitoulin Ecopark Dark Sky Preserve
- Mont-Mégantic International Dark Sky Reserve
- Mont-Tremblant National Park International Dark Sky Park
- Mount Carleton Dark Sky Preserve
- North Frontenac Township Dark Sky Preserve
- Old Man on his Back Conservation Area Nocturnal Preserve
- Parc du Mont-Bellevue Urban Night Sky Place
- Point Pelee Dark Sky Preserve
- Quetico Provincial Park International Dark Sky Park
- Spruce Woods Dark Sky Preserve
- Terra Nova Dark Sky Preserve
- Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Preserve
- Waterton Lakes National Park International Dark Sky Park
- Wood Buffalo Dark Sky Preserve
Chile (7)
China (8)
- Geyuan Conservation Area for Dark and Starry Sky
- Kaihua Community Conservation Dark Sky Area
- Nagqu Conservation Area for Dark and Starry Sky
- Ngari Dark Sky Reserve
- Taihang Conservation Area for Dark and Starry Sky
- Xichong Shenzhen International Dark Sky Community
- Yeludang Conservation Area for Dark and Starry Sky
- Zhaojin Conservation Area for Dark and Starry Sky
Croatia (3)
Denmark (4)
France (6)
- Alpes Azur Mercantour International Dark Sky Reserve
- Cévennes International Dark Sky Reserve
- Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park International Dark Sky Reserve
- Millevaches in Limousin Regional Natural Park International Dark Sky Reserve
- Pic du Midi International Dark Sky Reserve and Starlight Tourism Destination
- Vercors International Dark Sky Reserve
Germany (8)
- Eifel National Park International Dark Sky Park
- Eiweiler International Dark Sky Community
- Fulda International Dark Sky Community
- Pellworm Star Island International Dark Sky Community
- Rhön International Dark Sky Reserve
- Spiekeroog Star Island International Dark Sky Community
- Westhavelland International Dark Sky Reserve
- Winklmoosalm International Dark Sky Park
Hungary (3)
Japan (4)
Mexico (3)
New Zealand (11)
- Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve
- Aotea/Great Barrier Island International Dark Sky Sanctuary
- Kaikoura International Dark Sky Sanctuary
- Kawarau Gibbston International Dark Sky Park
- Niue International Dark Sky Community
- Niue International Dark Sky Sanctuary
- Oxford Forest International Dark Sky Park
- Stewart Island/Rakiura Island International Dark Sky Sanctuary
- Tähuna Glenorchy International Dark Sky Sanctuary
- Wai-iti International Dark Sky Park
- Wairarapa International Dark Sky Reserve
Poland (6)
Portugal (5)
Spain (88)
- Aigüestortes Starlight Reserve and Starlight Tourism Destination
- Albanyà International Dark Sky Park
- Allande Starlight Tourism Destination
- Alto Turia Starlight Tourism Destination
- Ancares Lucenses Starlight Tourism Destination
- Bassegoda Park Starlight Camp
- Borobia Starlight Tourism Destination
- Cabañeros Starlight Tourism Destination
- Camino Barranca de Badajoz Starlight Wilderness
- Camino Natural Via Verde del Ferrocarril Vasco Navarro Starlight Walking Trail
- Campos de Hellin Starlight Tourism Destination
- Centro Astronómico Son Bí Stellar Park
- Centro Astronómico Tiedra Stellar Park
- Centro Interpretación Cielo Gorafe Stellar Park
- Cielos de Guadalajara Starlight Reserve
- Comarca Cuencas Mineras Starlight Reserve and Starlight Tourism Destination
- Comarca de Las Hurdes Starlight Tourism Destination
- Comarca del Aranda Starlight Tourism Destination
- Comarca del Valle del Alberche y la Tierra de Pinares Starlight Tourism Destination
- Comarca Mancha Júcar-Centro Starlight Tourism Destination
- Comarca Sierra Sur de Jaén Starlight Reserve and Starlight Tourism Destination
- Comunidad de Tierra de Junta de Juarros Starlight Tourism Destination
- Concello de Lalín Starlight Tourism Destination
- Costa da Morte Starlight Tourism Destination
- Cuevas del Becerro Starlight Tourism Destination
- Cumbres de Tenerife Starlight Reserve and El Teide Starlight Tourism Destination
- El Cerrajón de Murtas Starlight Wilderness
- El Chorrerón Starlight Wilderness
- El Jabalón Stellar Park
- Faro de Avión (Covelo) Starlight Wilderness
- Formentera Starlight Tourism Destination
- Fuencaliente de La Palma (Canarias) Starlight Tourism Destination
- Fuerteventura Starlight Reserve
- Gran Canaria Starlight Tourism Destination
- Granadilla de Abona Starlight Tourism Destination
- Gredos Norte Starlight Tourism Destination
- Gredos Starlight Reserve
- Gúdar Javalambre Starlight Reserve and Starlight Tourism Destination
- Hoces de Segovia Starlight Tourism Destination
- Huerto Alegre Starlight Farm
- Isla de Tabarca - Punta Falcón Starlight Wilderness
- Islas Cíes Camping Starlight Camp
- Jardín Botánico de Santa Catalina Stellar Park
- La Estela del Cigüela Starlight Walking Trail
- La Frontera Starlight Tourism Destination
- La Manchuela Starlight Tourism Destination
- La Matanza de Acentejo Starlight Tourism Destination
- La Palma Starlight Reserve
- Lerín Village Starlight Tourism Destination
- Leza, Jubera, Cidacos y Alhama Valleys Starlight Tourism Destination
- Los Coloraos Astronomical Complex Starlight Camp
- Los Pedroches Starlight Reserve
- Mariñas Coruñesas Starlight Tourism Destination
- Menorca Starlight Reserve and Starlight Tourism Destination
- Mirador de los Llanillos Stellar Park
- Mizar y Alcor Stellar Park
- Monfragüe Starlight Tourism Destination
- Monteiberico - Corredor de Almansa Region Starlight Tourism Destination
- Montgai Starlight Tourism Destination
- Montsec Starlight Reserve and Starlight Tourism Destination
- Muntanyes de Prades i Serra de Montsant Starlight Tourism Destination
- Muras Starlight Tourism Destination
- Muriel Viejo Starlight Tourism Destination
- Observatorio Astronómico de la Hita Starlight Stellar Park
- Observatorio Cabezo de la Jara Starlight Stellar Park
- Parque Nacional das Illas Atlánticas de Galicia Starlight Tourism Destination
- Provincia de Soria Starlight Reserve
- Pueblo de Fuente Tójar Starlight Tourism Destination
- Pueblo de Las Navas del Marqués Starlight Tourism Destination
- Quimpi Starlight Camp
- Ribera de Navarra Network of Sites Starlight Tourism Destination
- Santa Lucía de Tirajana Starlight Tourism Destination
- Santiago-Pontones Starlight Wilderness
- Senda de Los Pastores Starlight Walking Trail
- Serranía de Cuenca Starlight Tourism Destination
- Sierra de Albarracín Starlight Reserve and Starlight Tourism Destination
- Sierra de Alcaraz y Campo de Montiel Starlight Tourism Destination
- Sierra de Cádiz Starlight Tourism Destination
- Sierra del Segura Starlight Tourism Destination
- Sierra Morena Andaluza Starlight Reserve and Starlight Tourism Destination
- Sierra Nevada Observatory Area
- Tierra Bobal Starlight Tourism Destination
- Torralba del Río Starlight Tourism Destination
- Trevinca Starlight Tourism Destination
- Valle de Alcudia y Sierra Madrona Starlight Tourism Destination
- Valle del Alto Guadiato Starlight Tourism Destination
- Valle del Roncal Starlight Tourism Destination
- Villar del Salz Stellar Park
United Kingdom (23)
- Bannau Brycheiniog National Park International Dark Sky Reserve
- Bodmin Moor Dark Sky Landscape International Dark Sky Park
- Coll International Dark Sky Community
- Cranborne Chase International Dark Sky Reserve
- Elan Valley Estate International Dark Sky Park
- Eryri National Park International Dark Sky Reserve
- Exmoor International Dark Sky Reserve
- Galloway Forest Park International Dark Sky Park
- Gower International Dark Sky Community
- Isle of Rum International Dark Sky Sanctuary
- Moffat International Dark Sky Community
- Moore's Reserve International Dark Sky Reserve
- North Ronaldsay Dark Sky Island International Dark Sky Community
- North York Moors National Park International Dark Sky Reserve
- Northumberland International Dark Sky Park
- OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory International Dark Sky Park
- Pitcairn Islands International Dark Sky Sanctuary
- Presteigne and Norton International Dark Sky Community
- Sark International Dark Sky Community
- Tomintoul and Glenlivet - Cairngorms International Dark Sky Park
- West Penwith International Dark Sky Park
- Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island) International Dark Sky Sanctuary
- Yorkshire Dales National Park International Dark Sky Reserve
United States (155)
Arizona (19)
- Big Park/Village of Oak Creek International Dark Sky Community
- Bisbee International Dark Sky Community
- Camp Verde International Dark Sky Community
- Chiricahua National Park International Dark Sky Park
- Cottonwood International Dark Sky Community
- Flagstaff Area National Monuments International Dark Sky Park
- Fountain Hills International Dark Sky Community
- Grand Canyon National Park International Dark Sky Park
- Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument International Night Sky Province
- Kartchner Caverns State Park International Dark Sky Park
- Oracle State Park International Dark Sky Park
- Petrified Forest National Park International Dark Sky Park
- Pipe Spring National Monument International Dark Sky Park
- Saguaro National Park Urban Night Sky Place
- Sedona International Dark Sky Community
- Thunder Mountain Pootsee Nightsky International Dark Sky Community
- Tonto National Monument International Dark Sky Park
- Tubac International Dark Sky Community
- Tumacácori National Historical Park International Dark Sky Park
California (5)
Colorado (17)
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison International Dark Sky Park
- Browns Canyon National Monument International Dark Sky Park
- Crestone International Dark Sky Community
- Curecanti National Recreation Area International Dark Sky Park
- Dinosaur National Monument International Dark Sky Park
- Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument International Dark Sky Park
- Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve International Dark Sky Park
- Gunnison Gorge International Dark Sky Park
- Jackson Lake State Park International Dark Sky Park
- Lake Fork Earth and Sky Center International Dark Sky Park
- Mesa Verde National Park International Dark Sky Park
- Norwood International Dark Sky Community
- Nucla-Naturita International Dark Sky Community
- Paonia International Dark Sky Community
- Ridgway International Dark Sky Community
- Top of the Pines International Dark Sky Park
- Westcliffe/Silver Cliff International Dark Sky Community
Florida (3)
Idaho (5)
Illinois (3)
Michigan (10)
- Beaver Island State Wildlife Research Area International Dark Sky Sanctuary
- Dark Sky Coast
- Dr. T.K. Lawless County Park International Dark Sky Park
- Headlands International Dark Sky Park
- Keweenaw International Dark Sky Park
- Lake Hudson Recreation Area Dark Sky Preserve
- Negwegon Dark Sky Preserve
- Port Crescent Dark Sky Preserve
- Rockport Dark-Sky Preserve
- Thompson's Harbor Dark Sky Preserve
Minnesota (2)
Montana (3)
Nevada (2)
New Mexico (9)
- Capulin Volcano National Monument International Dark Sky Park
- Chaco Culture National Historical Park International Dark Sky Park
- Clayton Lake State Park Dark Sky Park
- Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky Sanctuary
- El Morro National Monument International Dark Sky Park
- Fort Union National Monument International Dark Sky Park
- Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument International Dark Sky Park
- Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge Urban Night Sky Place
- Valles Caldera National Preserve International Dark Sky Park
North Carolina (3)
Oregon (6)
- Antelope International Dark Sky Community
- Cottonwood Canyon State Park International Dark Sky Park
- Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve International Dark Sky Park
- Oregon Outback International Dark Sky Sanctuary
- Prineville Reservoir State Park International Dark Sky Park
- Sisters International Dark Sky Community
Tennessee (2)
Texas (18)
- Bee Cave International Dark Sky Community
- Big Bend International Dark Sky Park
- Big Bend Ranch State Park International Dark Sky Park
- Black Gap Wildlife Management Area International Dark Sky Sanctuary
- Blanco International Dark Sky Community
- Copper Breaks State Park International Dark Sky Park
- Devil's River State Natural Area International Dark Sky Sanctuary
- Enchanted Rock International Dark Sky Park
- Fredericksburg International Dark Sky Community
- Horseshoe Bay International Dark Sky Community
- Jonestown International Dark Sky Community
- Lakewood Village International Dark Sky Community
- Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park International Dark Sky Park
- Milton Reimers Ranch Park International Dark Sky Park
- Shield Ranch Barton Creek Urban Night Sky Place
- South Llano River State Park International Dark Sky Park
- UBarU Camp and Retreat Center International Dark Sky Park
- Wimberley Valley International Dark Sky Community
Utah (25)
- Antelope Island International Dark Sky Park
- Arches National Park International Dark Sky Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park International Dark Sky Park
- Canyonlands International Dark Sky Park
- Capitol Reef National Park International Dark Sky Park
- Castle Valley International Dark Sky Community
- Cedar Breaks National Monument International Dark Sky Park
- Dead Horse Point State Park International Dark Sky Park
- East Canyon State Park International Dark Sky Park
- Fremont Indian State Park International Dark Sky Park
- Goblin Valley State Park International Dark Sky Park
- Goosenecks State Park International Dark Sky Park
- Helper International Dark Sky Community
- Hovenweep National Monument International Dark Sky Park
- Jordanelle State Park International Dark Sky Park
- Moab International Dark Sky Community
- Natural Bridges National Monument Dark Sky Park
- North Fork Park International Dark Sky Park
- Rainbow Bridge International Dark Sky Sanctuary
- Rockport State Park International Dark Sky Park
- Springdale International Dark Sky Community
- Steinaker State Park International Dark Sky Park
- Timpanogos Cave National Monument Urban Night Sky Place
- Torrey International Dark Sky Community
- Zion National Park International Dark Sky Park