I can still remember standing on the back porch of our family’s trailer in southeastern Connecticut, staring up at the sky. I was maybe nine years old. The year was 1997, and the Hale-Bopp comet was blazing across the heavens like something out of a sci-fi movie. That moment hit me hard—it was the first time I realized just how much we miss when we’re not looking up.
Today, after years as an engineer and now as an entrepreneur building tents for outdoor lovers, I’m still chasing that feeling. There’s nothing like being out under truly dark skies where you can see the Milky Way spill across the horizon, and meteor showers can put on a spectacular night show. That’s part of what inspired me to create Sky View Tents: giving campers a way to sleep under the stars without giving up comfort.
If you’re looking to experience that awe for yourself, summer is prime time to explore Colorado’s Dark Sky Parks without worrying about unexpected snow storms or bone chilling night-time temps. Check out this list of some of my favorite spots.
Top Colorado Dark Sky Parks to Camp at This Summer
1. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
This place is rugged, remote, and ridiculously dark. Towering canyon walls and little to no light pollution make it one of the best night skies you’ll ever experience. The park even offers ranger-led astronomy programs during the summer months—definitely worth timing your trip around.
2. Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
Massive dunes by day, cosmic light show by night. There’s something surreal about lying in the sand, watching meteors zip overhead. Camp near Medano Creek, set up your Sky View Tent, and soak it all in—it’s like camping on another planet.
3. Jackson Lake State Park
Tucked in northeast Colorado, this is one of the more accessible Dark Sky Parks, especially if you’re coming from the Front Range. It’s great for families or those newer to camping. Bonus: reflections of the night sky on the lake make for some epic photos.
4. Ridgway State Park
This gem in the San Juan Mountains is perfect if you like pairing your stargazing with mountain views, fly fishing, or day hikes. It's a quieter alternative to some of the busier parks, and its recent Dark Sky designation makes it a rising star (pun intended).
5. Hovenweep National Monument
Where ancient ruins meet ancient skies. This International Dark Sky park is one of the more remote picks on the list, but it’s worth the drive if you’re into both archaeology and astronomy. There’s something deeply humbling about standing next to thousand-year-old stone towers under a galaxy of stars.
5. Browns Canyon National Monument
Colorado’s newest official DarkSky International (it was announced December 2024) is one of my personal favorites. Right outside Buena Vista and Salida, Browns Canyon offers excellent dark sky potential—especially on overnight rafting trips. If you’ve never watched stars from a riverbank, make this the summer you do.
Tips for a Perfect Dark Sky Camping Trip
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Use red lights instead of bright white flashlights to protect your night vision.
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Check the moon phase before you go—a new moon gives you the darkest skies.
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Bring a Sky View Stargazing Tent, of course! Our clear mesh roof is built to let you watch the stars all night without leaving your sleeping bag. We have 2-person and 3-person tents perfect for your night-sky entertainment.
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Download a stargazing app like SkyView or Stellarium to help identify constellations and planets.
Discover Dark Sky Parks Now!
In a world that’s always lit and always on, finding real darkness is a rare gift. Whether you’re chasing comets, watching the Milky Way drift overhead, or just savoring the stillness of a mountain night, Colorado’s Dark Sky Parks offer something special for everyone.
So this summer, pack your gear, grab your Sky View Tent, and hit the road. Let the stars remind you what it means to slow down, look up, and feel small in the best possible way.
If you catch an epic night sky shot on your trip, tag us on Instagram (@skyviewtents). We’d love to see where your Sky View takes you!
