March 31, 2025
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Stargazing during peaceful, quiet evenings brings a sense of mesmerizing childlike wonder. Pitch a tent, camp out and lay out a blanket to gaze at the stars under glittering Tennessee skies. Amateur astronomers and seasoned stargazers can marvel at the constellations while star dark sky viewing. Check out the list below for the best stargazing spots in Tennessee.
Tips for Stargazing in Tennessee
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While the summer months are considered the best time to view the Milky Way galaxy, clear winter nights are great for seeing outer parts of our galaxy while spring and fall can be great times for viewing objects outside the Milky Way, like other galaxies.
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Be sure to plan your visit around the new moon (when the moon is not visible), as a bright moon can wash out fainter stars and the Milky Way. Nights with clear skies and low humidity will also produce the best star visibility.
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When packing gear for your adventure, grab a red-light flashlight which will have less of an impact on your night vision. Binoculars are an excellent starting point for stargazing but a telescope will get you deeper views.
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For effective night sky photography, use a tripod for stability, select a wide-angle lens, and adjust your camera settings to manual mode with wide aperture, high ISO, and a long shutter speed.
Places to Stargaze in East Tennessee
The Obed Wild & Scenic River National Park is designated as an International Dark Sky Association International Dark Sky Park. One of the park’s primary goals is to reconnect life and nature by discussing the value of quiet, solitude and even darkness in the noisy world. Starry night skies are an important part of the special places the National Park Service protects. The park offers year-round astronomy and dark sky interpretive programs, supported by a collaboration with local amateur astronomers from the ORION Astronomy Club in Oak Ridge and the Knoxville Observers in Knoxville. The Lilly Arch near the end of Point Trail is made with Pennsylvania sandstone, and is the only one of its kind in the park.
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Viewing Info: great spots to see the dark sky at Obed include Lilly Bluff Overlook and Historic Nemo Bridge.
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Accessibility: Lily Bluff Overlook is handicapped accessible as well as the visitor center which is located in downtown Wartburg.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an ideal place to see stars. Once crowds are gone for the day, the traffic dies down and the sun sets, the park becomes an entirely different world and the light show in the sky starts. Newfound Gap Trailhead in Townsend is a favorite spot for star viewing. The parking lot at the trailhead is 6,000-feet above sea level providing unobstructed views. Pro-tip: Be sure to turn off your flash and use a prolonged exposure to photograph the stars.
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Viewing Info: places to see the stars at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are plentiful, including Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome) which is the highest point in Tennessee and provides unparalleled 360-degree views of the night sky.
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Accessibility: Kuwohi is generally navigable with a powered wheelchair but the path is very steep so manual wheelchair users will require assistance to ascend. Many other areas in the park are accessible, and designated parking spaces are available at various lots.
Harrison Bay State Park near Chattanooga is a haven for stargazers, campers, fishermen, golfers, and boaters. The park’s position on the eastern bank allows you to watch the sunset out over the water before stargazing. The park closes at 10 p.m. ET, so if you want to see the stars, check out one of the 128 RV campsites or 21 primitive tent-only campsites. The 1,200-acre park with approximately 40 miles of Chickamauga Lake shoreline was originally developed as a Tennessee Valley Authority recreation area in the 1930s. The parklands are rich in history because the Cherokee Campground consisted of three villages which were ruled by a Cherokee Chieftain. Pro tip: Check the clear sky forecast for perfect stargazing.
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Viewing Info: great spots to see the dark sky at Harrison Bay State Park include the campgrounds and the marina area/fishing pier.
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Accessibility: picnic areas as well as the fishing pier/maria are all accessible. Harrison Bay State Park also offers all-terrain wheelchairs which can be reserved ahead of time.
Places to Stargaze in Middle Tennessee
Fall Creek Falls State Park also has astronomy weekends and star viewing parties. Fall Creek Falls State Park, located an hour south of Cookeville, is known for its waterfalls, and offers several cabin and campground rental options where visitors can enjoy the captivating night sky. Stargazers can observe distant galaxies, planets, exploding stars through telescopes and discuss the night sky and spatial relationships in the solar system. Many parks partner with local and regional astronomy clubs to offer programs, dark sky viewings, stair trail photography workshops and parties. Most programs take place in the evening and last a few hours, but stargazers can also stay overnight. Pro-tip: Reserve your cabin or campsite online for timely availability.
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Viewing Info: known for its low light pollution, you can see the stars at many places around the park including Fall Creek Falls Overlook and Millikan's Overlook.
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Accessibility: Both Fall Creek Falls Overlook and Millikan's Overlook are accessible; all-terrain wheelchairs are available to reserve before you arrive, and ADA-accessible campsites and lodge rooms are available.
Edgar Evins State Park is on the banks of Center Hill Lake in the steep, hilly Eastern Highland Rim, just 70 miles east of Nashville. Visitors can spot abundant wildlife, including three different owl species and wintering bald eagles. An observation tower at the Visitor Center offers a spectacular view of the lake and surrounding hillside. The tower is perfect for stargazers to search for clear horizons with wide expansive views. Park staff has shot amazing night photographs looking out over the water. They even offer classes on nighttime photography. The park closes at 10:30 p.m., so make sure to rent a campsite. The 6,000-acre park offers campsites, an on-site marina with a restaurant and one of the most beautiful reservoirs in Tennessee. Pro-tip: Distinguish constellations by learning the triangles, curves and straight lines among the stars.
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Viewing Info: great spots to see the dark sky at Edgar Evins State Park include the observation tower at the visitor center and by the lake's shoreline.
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Accessibility: the visitor center and observation tower are accessible. Cabins and campsites at the park are also accessible.
Bledsoe Creek State Park, less than an hour outside Nashville, is rich in history and was once a prime hunting ground for the Cherokee, Creek, Shawnee, and Chickamauga Native American tribes. Bledsoe Creek has more than 60 campsites to find the perfect spot to gaze at the stars. The park hosts many stargazing events and activities throughout the year. Pro tip: Bring layers of clothing due to temperature changes at night.
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Viewing Info: while the peaceful surroundings are conducive to watching the night sky, you can stargaze right from a campsite.
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Accessibility: 58 campsites are ADA accessible at the park, as well as a few trails.
David Crockett State Park - Lawrenceburg
Named after one of Tennessee's most famous pioneers, David Crockett State Park in Lawrenceburg, about 82 miles south of Nashville, has 115 camping sites with many equipped with a table, fire ring, electrical and water hookups. Community showers and restrooms are also available. So, whether you go fishing along the 35-acre Lake Lindsey or hike one of the 13 trails, you can lay your head comfortably in a natural setting.
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Viewing Info: great spots to see the stars at David Crockett State Park include open areas in campgrounds as well as from the park's trails. Along the shoreline of Lake Lindsey could also provide some great views over the water.
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Accessibility: this park offers all-terrain wheelchairs you can reserve, as well as accessible campsites.
Places to Stargaze in West Tennessee
Stargaze in style at Stillwater Farms in West Tennessee. Grab family and friends to glamp in a remodeled 1982 Airstream with updated amenities and a bath house nearby. The glamper sleeps up to five guests and is available for short-term and monthly leases. Stillwater Farms also has a two-bedroom cottage that sleeps up to eight guests and is fully furnished with unique antique collectibles. The 150-acre farm is also a nature preserve with gorgeous farm vistas, plenty of space for you to peer up at the stars. After your peaceful stay, be sure to stop at the Silo farm store for artisan products handcrafted on the farm, including soaps, lip balms, soy candles, photography, and art. Pro-tip: Disconnect from devices and technology to truly soak in the star viewing experience.
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Viewing Info: the farm boasts plenty of space for you to peer at the stars; the Cottage Farmstay and the Airstream Glamper both offer excellent spots to stay the night and stargaze.
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Accessibility: It is recommended to reach out to Stillwater Farms directly to discuss any accessibility needs.
Watch the sun set over gorgeous Reelfoot Lake and gaze up at the sky. Blue Bank Resort has fishing, hunting and outdoor packages available. The resort also has cabin and hotel room style options for guests. Savor the dishes at the Blue Bank Fish House & Grill, which focuses on fresh local foods, including a variety of vegetables, herbs, and spices right from their garden. Don’t miss a stroll through the beautiful butterfly garden. Outdoor dining offers the perfect view for the lakeside sunset, to spot bald eagles and enjoy the fire pits. During the day, visitors can also find inspiration and history of the area at the world-class Discovery Park of America museum and 50-acre heritage park. Pro-tip: If you want to take stargazing to the next level, keep an eye out for astronomy community events and courses. Local universities, museums and planetariums may host public programs.
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Viewing Info: the resort's location directly on Reelfoot Lake provides expansive, unobstructed views of the night sky. Docks near the water provide great spots to stargaze.
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Accessibility: Contact Blue Bank Resort directly for questions on specific mobility needs.
After exploring some of the 4,138 acres of Big Hill Pond State Park along the 14-mile biking trails and the many hiking options, make your way to the campground for $8-$25 a night. If you're backpacking, be sure to stay in one of the four camp shelters (be sure to notify the state park office when you do). The 28 rustic campsites are equipped with showers, grills and picnic tables.
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Viewing Info: great spots to see the stars at Big Hill Pond State Park include the 70-foot observation tower which provides panoramic views of the park. Campsites are also a popular spot to stargaze.
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Accessibility: this park has a new accessible trail and ADA parking. Call ahead and ensure that the observation tower and campsites are accessible.
Explore the 13.5 hiking trails, including the 40-mile overnight trail at Natchez Trace State Park. When you're ready to sleep, head to one of the four backcountry campsites (permit required). If you want some comforts, reserve a spot at one of the 208 campsites or one of the five air-conditioned cabins. All sites have water, electricity, four bathhouses, tables and grills.
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Viewing Info: campgrounds and designated overlooks are the best spots to stargaze at this park.
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Accessibility: all-terrain wheelchairs are available for reservation; there are a limited number of ADA-accessible lodge rooms, cabins, and campsites available.
This is just a sampling of destinations to stargaze and camp in Tennessee. Find inspiration among the many outdoor activities across the state.
