There’s something undeniably magical about camping under the stars. The stillness of the wilderness, the crackle of a campfire, and a sky full of glittering constellations can stir the imagination like nothing else.
But for some campers, the thrill goes beyond constellations—they’re also on the lookout for the unexplained. Stargazing and UFO sightings often go hand-in-hand; and across the globe, there are places where the stars shine brighter and the stories get weirder.
Whether you’re a hopeful skywatcher or a casual camper chasing wonder, these destinations offer the perfect mix of nature, mystery, and awe. It’s also a great way to incorporate a bit “extra” into your campfire stories for the kids.
What Makes a Great Stargazing and UFO Sightings Spot?
Not all campsites are created equal when it comes to skywatching. The best destinations share a few key qualities:
- Low Light Pollution: The darker the sky, the more stars (and odd lights) you’ll see. Certified Dark Sky Parks are gold mines for stargazers.
- Wide-Open Views: Clear horizons make it easier to spot shooting stars—or erratic zigzagging objects that defy explanation.
- Elevation and Dry Air: High-altitude areas with dry climates often provide clearer, crisper skies with minimal atmospheric interference.
- UFO History and Local Lore: Locations with a history of sightings add to the excitement. Local legends, mysterious lights, and annual conventions can elevate the entire experience. Strike up conversations with the locals, or local guides, and enjoy the tales.
Gear Up for the Night Sky
You don’t need a telescope the size of a truck to enjoy stargazing or scan the skies for UFOs. Here’s what helps:
- Binoculars and Star Maps: Great for identifying planets, constellations, or that fast-moving orb darting across the night.
- Phone Apps: Try SkySafari or Night Sky to track stars, and MUFON, UFO Stalker or UFO Sightings Reports and Map to report unusual sightings. ISS Tracker to see when the International Space Station will pass overhead. Light Pollution Map will find the darkest skies near you for your next trip.
- Camera Setup: A DSLR or mirrorless camera on a tripod with long exposure settings can capture meteor trails—or that inexplicable light in the corner of your frame.
- Comfort Items: Warm sleeping bags, hot cocoa, and reclining chairs make long nights outside much more enjoyable.
Top U.S. Camping Spots Known for Both Stars and Saucers
From desert plateaus to remote mountaintops for off-grid camping, these spots are famous not just for dazzling night skies—but also for their out-of-this-world UFO lore. Pack your telescope and your curiosity for the ultimate stargazing and sky-watching adventure.
Joshua Tree National Park, California
Joshua tree already made our list of the top 15 national parks in the USA, but this is yet another couple of reasons. This otherworldly landscape has drawn stargazers and spiritual seekers for decades. With its alien-looking trees and minimal light pollution, Joshua Tree is a stargazer’s paradise.
UFO believers flock to it too—some even claim the desert here hums with “cosmic energy.” Annual UFO conventions and spiritual retreats make it a hotbed of extraterrestrial enthusiasm.
The vast, open desert skies offer stunning views of the Milky Way, while unique rock formations provide the perfect perch for night photography. Whether you’re chasing shooting stars or cosmic vibes, Joshua Tree’s surreal setting makes every visit feel like stepping onto another planet.
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona’s high elevation, low light pollution, and dry desert air create crystal-clear night skies, perfect for spotting constellations, meteor showers, and the Milky Way.
Famed for its red rock formations and “vortexes,” Sedona is also a magnet for the mystical. The town even offers UFO night tours with military-grade night vision goggles.
Camp outside town limits for quiet skies, then head into town for tales of abductions and interdimensional portals.
Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
NPS/Patrick Myers
Home to the tallest sand dunes in North America and some of the darkest skies, this park is ideal for camping under the cosmos. Visitors can stargaze from dune crests or beside alpine lakes, surrounded by silence and stars.
Add in reports of “mystery lights” near the nearby San Luis Valley—one of Colorado’s most active UFO hotspots—and you’ve got a night to remember.
Some say the lights dance, hover, or vanish mysteriously, adding a thrill of the unknown to an already magical stargazing experience.
Area 51 Vicinity, Nevada
While you can’t exactly camp at Area 51, the surrounding desert offers plenty of BLM land for remote camping. Expect stunning night skies, eerie silence, and maybe even a glimpse of the unexplained.
Nearby towns like Rachel are full of UFO lore and alien-themed diners. The Extraterrestrial Highway is a must for true believers.
Just remember: don’t cross the line—literally. Military boundaries are well-marked and heavily patrolled. Stick to public lands, bring plenty of water, and enjoy the strange magic of the Nevada desert.
Big Bend National Park, Texas
This one also made our list as one of the top warm winter camping destinations. This vast park on the U.S.–Mexico border offers some of the clearest, most isolated night skies in the country. UFO sightings here are frequent enough that locals barely blink.
And with over 800,000 acres of desert to explore, you’ll have plenty of space for skywatching. The park is designated as an International Dark Sky Park, making it a magnet for astronomers and dreamers alike.
From the Chisos Mountains to the wide-open desert floor, Big Bend invites you to stargaze in silence, away from the noise of civilization. Bring binoculars or a telescope for unforgettable views of planets, nebulae, and meteor showers.
International Destinations Worth the Journey
From remote deserts to pristine mountaintops, these international stargazing destinations offer skies so clear you’ll feel like you’re floating among the stars. Discover places where the Milky Way blazes overhead and constellations tell ancient stories in dazzling detail.
Wycliffe Well, Australia
Located in the Northern Territory, Wycliffe Well brands itself as the “UFO Capital of Australia.” Campers here report frequent sightings of strange lights—and not just after a few beers.
The wide-open Outback skies make it a stargazing dream, and the town leans into its extraterrestrial fame. Alien murals, quirky roadside attractions, and themed accommodations add a playful twist to your stay.
With minimal light pollution and endless horizons, it’s the perfect place to scan the heavens—for constellations, comets, or curious spacecraft.
Bonnybridge, Scotland
This quiet Scottish town has reported thousands of UFO sightings since the 1990s, earning it the nickname “The Falkirk Triangle.”
Stay in nearby campgrounds and ask locals for their stories—many are eager to share eerie lights, strange sounds, and unexplained encounters. Then bundle up and enjoy a sky full of stars—and maybe a few surprises.
With minimal light pollution and expansive moorlands, this area offers incredible visibility for stargazing. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, the atmosphere here is unforgettable.
Atacama Desert, Chile
Home to the world’s most powerful telescopes, this desert is one of the best places on Earth to observe the stars. Its arid air and high elevation provide unmatched visibility.
While it’s a favorite of astronomers, it’s also a hotspot for unexplained phenomena. Camp near San Pedro de Atacama and get ready to marvel.
As night falls, the sky explodes with light—planets, galaxies, and shooting stars shimmer in crystal clarity. The Atacama’s remote location eliminates light pollution entirely, offering a raw, otherworldly connection to the cosmos.
Best Times of Year to Go
While you can camp year-round in many destinations, timing your trip can elevate the experience:
- New Moons: The darker the night, the more visible the stars.
- Meteor Showers: Annual events like the Perseids (August) or Geminids (December) offer dazzling displays.
- Clear Seasons: Avoid rainy seasons or wildfire smoke for the best visibility.
- Summer vs. Winter Skies: Different constellations and celestial events occur throughout the year—plan ahead to catch the ones that interest you most.
Community Stargazing and UFO Events
Some destinations offer more than just quiet skies. Look for:
- Star Parties: Organized gatherings where amateur astronomers share gear and knowledge. These events are great for meeting fellow sky lovers.
- UFO Festivals: Think Roswell, New Mexico or McMinnville, Oregon. These quirky events often include camping, guest speakers, and alien-themed fun.
- Guided Night Hikes and Tours: Some parks host ranger-led astronomy nights, complete with telescopes and storytelling.
How to Camp Responsibly While Stargazing
Just because it’s nighttime doesn’t mean that the Leave No Trace seven principles go out the window. In fact, night camping requires extra care:
- Dim Your Lights: Use red LEDs or low-output lanterns to protect night vision—for you and your neighbors.
- Respect Wildlife: Many animals are more active at night. Keep food stored and noise levels down.
- Stick to Trails: Even in the dark, stay on designated paths to prevent damaging fragile ecosystems.
- Pack It Out: Star-filled skies are better when there’s no trash beneath them.
Safety Tips for Nighttime Camping and Watching
It’s easy to lose your bearings—or your nerves—when it’s dark and quiet. Keep these in mind:
- Tell Someone Your Plans: Especially when camping remotely near UFO hotspots.
- Bring Backup Light Sources: Headlamps, flashlights, and extra batteries are a must.
- Stay Warm and Hydrated: Even desert nights can get chilly.
- Be Prepared Mentally: Seeing something strange? Stay calm, observe, and document. Not everything unexplained is otherworldly—but it’s always fun to wonder.
Let Curiosity Be Your Compass
Camping for stargazing and UFO sightings is more than a pastime—it’s a blend of science, mystery, and awe. Whether you’re drawn by the beauty of the Milky Way or the hope of seeing something unexplainable, the journey is always worthwhile. Pitch your tent, open your mind, and gaze upward—because the best stories often begin when you look to the stars.
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