Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Outdoors

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

The 9 Best Places to Sleep Under the Stars

Mike Richard
By
A bird's eve view of skyscrapers and a tent at the veranda in Beverly Wilshire at dusk.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

For nature-loving outdoorsmen, it’s hard to imagine a more enticing phrase than “sleeping under the stars.” There’s something so instinctual, serene, and just right about sleeping outdoors, staring up at the sky, contemplating our place in the universe. These days, you needn’t be a hardened backcountry survivalist to find the right place. If you like your outdoor experiences with a few more creature comforts, here are the best places to sleep under the stars in 2021.

Related Guides

Joshua Tree National Park

California

A sign that says "Joshua Tree National Park" at night.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

As one of the country’s most off-the-grid destinations, Joshua Tree National Park has something of a mythical and mystical reputation among nature lovers. Its unique location amid Southern California’s desert ensures some of the darkest skies in all of the American West. That makes for near-perfect stargazing and night photography, so it’s no surprise that the park was officially designated as an International Dark Sky Park. By day, visitors will find all manner of soft- and hardcore adventuring from rock climbing and bouldering to mountain biking and desert hiking.

Mauna Kea Recreation Area

Big Island Hawaii

The Mauna Kea Observatory in Hawaii.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The largest astronomical observatory lies on Hawaii’s Big Island in Mauna Kea Recreation Area. Suffice to say, it’s one of the best places in the United States for stargazing. Camping is available inside the park in one of seven private cabins. All are situated steps from some of the clearest night skies in the country. This is due entirely to a unique tropical inversion cloud layer that keeps the upper atmosphere over the park clear of nearly all pollutants.

Related

Natural Bridges National Monument

Utah

A breathtaking view of the Owachomo Natural Bridge against a starlit sky.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

For a long list of reasons, Utah is one of the most breathtaking natural destinations in the U.S. That Natural Bridges National Monument is one of only four International Dark Sky Parks in the western world is just one more reason to visit. The small, 13-site campground within the monument’s boundaries is a spectacular place for sleeping under the stars. Campers will have no trouble finding peace and quiet amid the acres of juniper trees, with crystal clear views of the Milky Way after dark. Spaces are limited and only available on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to book your spot early.

ComfyDome Glamping Hill-Side Site

Jefferson, Maine

A lit up dome at the ComfyDome Glamping Hill-Side Site.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

With one of the densest populations in the United States, the East Coast is hardly ideal for stargazing. But, rural Maine has all the right ingredients for sleeping under the stars. The aptly named ComfyDome Glamping Hill-Side Site is perched atop a tiny hill in Jefferson, Maine. Visitors sleep inside a clear geodesic dome with 360-degree views of the surrounding fields. Firewood, homemade whoopie pies, and even heat are all provided in the winter.

Summit Prairie Lookout

Tiller, Oregon

A view of the Summit Prairie Lookout at night.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Camping in an abandoned fire lookout tower is one of those “once in a lifetime” experiences everyone should do at least once. Many of the best towers, however, require hours or days of hiking to reach. The one-of-a-kind Summit Prairie Lookout is a pitch-perfect replica inspired by original U.S. Forest Service lookout towers built in the early 20th century. This is no ordinary camping experience but rather glamping at its finest. The private sleeping quarters are outfitted with hot and cold water, a full kitchen, a heater, lamps, and more. The wood-fired, spring-fed hot tub outside provides the perfect spot to relax under the stars. Be warned, though: Bookings are extremely limited, and they fill up fast every season.

Terluna Off-Grid Adobe Dome

Big Bend, Texas

A woman sitting on a bench outside the Terluna Off-Grid Adobe Dome at night.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Thanks to its incredibly remote location in Texas’ extreme south, most people never get the chance to visit Big Bend National Park. It’s a shame because it’s one of the country’s best places for stargazing. In nearby Terlingua lies the uniquely beautiful Terluna Off-Grid Adobe Dome. It’s a simple, one-room dwelling that’s perfectly situated amid the vast Texas desert, making it ideal for stargazing. Despite its location, guests will find all the comforts of home inside, including a well-equipped kitchen, cozy sleeping quarters, and plenty of solar power to boot.

Amangiri Mesa Pool Suite

Big Water, Utah

A fireplace and four chairs at Amangiri Mesa Pool Suite in Utah.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Most would consider Utah to be the crown jewel of the U.S. National Parks system. Here, at the intersection of five national parks, lies Amangiri. This five-star resort is home to Camp Sarika — a stunning world-class retreat quite literally in the middle of nowhere. That remote location provides this exotic luxury camp with privileged access to some of the best stargazing in the western world. After dark, guests can sleep under the stars on luxurious bedding, surrounded by high-end amenities. By day, there’s world-class hiking, climbing, and outdoor exploration opportunities just minutes away.

The Point

Saranac Lake, New York

A room in The Point.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

For those for whom only the best will do, there’s New York’s The Point — a storied hotel that dates back to the time of the Rockefellers and the glamorous (for the rich) ‘30s. The Boathouse is the property’s signature suite with a massive stone fireplace, vaulted ceilings, and a canopied bed fit for a king. But, the real get here is the wraparound porch overlooking Saranac Lake. Here, guests will find two hanging outdoor beds with sweeping views of the water and the night sky.

Beverly Wilshire

Beverly Hills, California

The veranda in Beverly Wilshire at dusk.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Even amid posh Beverly Hills, the Beverly Wilshire stands out. Sky lovers looking to take their stargazing to the next level can book the one-of-a-kind Veranda Suite at this under-the-stars hotel. This rooftop “room” is accessed via a hidden eighth-floor entrance behind a wrought-iron and marble stairway. The studio space boasts all the comforts of home. But, the real star here is the 2,100-square-foot terrace featuring a 10-foot-tall sleeping tent adorned with fur rugs, marble lamps, and even a crystal chandelier above the bed.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Mike Richard
Mike Richard
Contributor

Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South Africa, and survived a near-miss great white shark attack in Mexico. His travel advice has appeared on the websites of industry-leading publications for Forbes, Travel + Leisure, CNET, National Geographic, and Vagabondish. He loves the great outdoors and good bourbon, and (usually) calls Massachusetts home. Mike also enjoys speaking in the third person.

Send all editorial inquiries HERE.

The 12 Best Camping Chairs to Get You Off the Ground
Two men in camping chars by a campfire.

Spring is just around the corner and those long nights around a campfire will be with us soon. Some folks like to sit around the fire in a nice big camping chair with all the padding, support, and features of their favorite living room recliners. Others just want a sturdy, simple stool or seat between them and the hard ground, and maybe a little lumbar support to boot.

And hey, anything is better than the most comfortable rock or log that we've all had to make do with sometimes. Whether you're in the market for luxury, or a lightweight chair that fits in your backpack along with your best camping tent, sleeping bag, and stove as you pound the trail, The Manual has got you covered.

Read more
The 12 Best Camping Tents to Keep the Elements Out in 2022
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Camping Tent for Every Type of Camper
An opened tent in the outdoors during a sunny day.

If you're already counting down the days to spring, you're not the only one. Weekend camping trips are right around the corner, and choosing the perfect tent can make or break your trip. The changing seasons will bring a whole new set of obstacles. The days are going to get longer and warmer, but there are spring showers and critters to contend with, too. This article is going to examine how to make the best decisions that will keep your trip going as planned.

With restrictions lifting around the U.S., you can count on the campsites being busy again this year. We recommend beating the crowd and making plans to buy the best gear for an elevated outdoor experience. Regardless of what part of the country -- or the world -- you're planning on camping in, here are some of the best camping tents to buy in 2022.

Read more
The Best Dehydrated Camping Meals For Lasting Energy

At some point on the trail, food just becomes fuel, and you lose count of the number of bland tortillas you've eaten. The same goes for our old friend the bagel, and the metric ton of trail mix we've inhaled over the past few years. But why should you settle for the same old snacks that are clearly not doing you any favors in the "flavor town" department? Our solution: Treat yourself every now and then to a few tasty dehydrated camping meals.

We've been testing, tasting, and loving a wide variety of dehydrated options this year, and decided to share a few of our top picks for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We also have a few of our favorite pre-packaged backpack-stable snacks to throw some extra flavor and variety into your regular camping food rotation.

Read more