12 Stargazing & Dark Sky Camping Destinations in Tennessee

• 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.
   
• 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.
   
• 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.
   
• 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.

• Buck Bald Mountain Scenic Area in Tellico Plains is a hidden gem for stargazers seeking an unrestricted view of the universe. 
   

• Offers a 360-degree panoramic vista of the rolling mountains stretching across Tennessee, North Carolina, and Georgia
   

• Primitive and developed dark sky camping is nearby within the Tellico Ranger District. 
   

• Pro-tip: Cell service is very limited at the peak, so download your stargazing apps and star maps for offline use before heading up.
   

• Viewing Info: The open, grassy summit of Buck Bald provides a totally unobstructed view of the night sky in every direction. 
   
• Accessibility: You can drive directly to the summit via a gravel Forest Service road, or you can hike to the top via a 4-mile round-trip trail. The summit itself has natural, unpaved terrain.
   
• Parking: Drive one mile outside of the Monroe County line to the Benton Mackaye trail sign on Hwy 68. There, you can park your car in the small lot and start your hike.
   
• Operational hours: Open daily for sunrise to sunset hiking

• The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an ideal place to see the Milky Way.
   
• 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.
   
• Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome) which is the highest point in Tennessee. The location gives unparalleled 360-degree Milky Way views.
   
• Pro-tip: If taking night sky photography, turn off your flash and use a prolonged exposure.
   
• Accessibility: Kuwohi is generally navigable with a powered wheelchair but the path is very steep so manual wheelchair users will require assistance to ascend. Designated parking spaces are available at various lots.
   
• Parking: The Newfound Gap Trailhead parking lot has unobstructed nighttime views. Parking is available at the bottom of the hill at Kuwohi
   
• Operational hours: Open daily April-November, weather permitting. There's a scenic, two-lane, paved road from Newfound Gap Road to Kuwohi Visitor Center and Overlook that's subject to closures due to snow, ice, and other hazardous weather events.
   
• Entry fees: Must have a parking tag if parked for longer than 15 minutes. Daily tag is $5 and weekly tag is $15. 

• As the only national forest in Tennessee, the massive Cherokee National Forest encompasses over 650,000 acres of pristine, protected wilderness along the Appalachian Mountains.
   
• Has some of the lowest light pollution levels in East Tennessee
   
• Dark sky camping can be reserved at the popular Indian Boundary Campground, adjacent to Indian Boundary Lake
   
• Pro tip: Spend your daylight hours admiring the roaring 90-foot drop of Bald River Falls before settling in for nature's nightly light show.
   
• Viewing Info: Excellent stargazing spots include the open shorelines of Indian Boundary Lake and the elevated scenic overlooks along the Cherohala Skyway. 
   
• Accessibility: Major developed recreation areas, including Indian Boundary, offer ADA-accessible campsites, restrooms, and paved pathways. Backcountry camping areas feature rugged, natural terrain that may be difficult to navigate with limited mobility, especially at night.
   
• Parking: Fees apply to different areas of the park. Check out Cherokee National Forest's pass information. For any questions, call 423-476-9700.
   
• Operational hours: Open daily, 24 hours a day
   
• Camping / Entry fees: 
  Single Site with electric hook-up: $20 per night
  $20 with Electric (87 sites)

• Harrison Bay State Park is a haven for stargazing and camping near Chattanooga.
   
• Watch the sunset out over the water before stargazing. 
   
• 128 RV campsites or 21 primitive tent-only campsites
   
• Pro tip: Check the clear sky forecast for perfect stargazing.
   
• Viewing Info: Great spots to see the dark sky at Harrison Bay State Park include the campgrounds and the marina area/fishing pier.
   
• 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. Adult-sized changing tables are located at the concession stand. It lowers approximately 12 inches off the ground and reaches a height of 39.5 inches when raised. The accessible fishing pier is located across from the marina, which is wheelchair friendly. ADA parking spaces are also at the marina and parking offices. Sites A21, A22 and A23 in Campground A are wheelchair friendly and should be specifically requested when making your reservation. B1, B43 and B46 sites at Campground B are wheelchair friendly, and C2 and C3 sites at Campground C are wheelchair friendly. Contact the state park directly at 1-888-867-2757 to reserve an ADA-accessible accommodation
   
• Parking: Free parking is located throughout the park including at the park office/marina, Wolf Creek Boat Ramp, and the Lakefront Area. 
   
• Operational hours: Closes each day at 10 p.m. for day use. Must be RV camping or tent camping to remain onsite.
   
• Camping fees: Camping costs range from $32-$36. Taxes and fees are added upon reservation.

Scott's Gulf Wilderness State Park in Sparta, Tennessee offers some of the darkest skies in Middle Tennessee, sitting at an elevation of 1,800 feet near the Virgin Falls Trailhead, miles away from city light pollution.

• High elevation viewing at Virgin Falls Trailhead
   
• Zero light pollution environment
   
• Primitive backcountry camping options
   
• Unobstructed night sky panoramas
   

Things to know before going to Scott's Gulf Wilderness State Park

• Access: You must be a registered participant in a Dark Sky program , which are available upon request, or a guest at one of our primitive backcountry campsite.
   
• Reservations: For Dark Sky Viewing program information, please call the Visitor Center at 931-319-7539.
   
• Parking: Free parking is available at the Virgin Falls Trailhead. Check out the state park's map for more information.
   
• Operational hours and seasonal closures: Open daily 30 minutes prior to sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset. 
   
• Camping fees: Backcountry campsites range from $12-$16. Fees may apply.

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. Pro-tip: Reserve your cabin or campsite online for timely availability.

• 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.
   
• 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.

• 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.
• 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.

• Viewing Info: while the peaceful surroundings are conducive to watching the night sky, you can stargaze right from a campsite.
• Accessibility: 58 campsites are ADA accessible at the park, as well as a few trails.

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.

• 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.
• Accessibility: this park offers all-terrain wheelchairs you can reserve, as well as accessible campsites.

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.

• 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.
• 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.

• 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.
• 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.

• 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.
• 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.

• Viewing Info: campgrounds and designated overlooks are the best spots to stargaze at this park.
• 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.

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. 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.

• Viewing Info: You can see the center of the Milky Way May-October with peak viewing in July or August. Great spots to see the dark sky at Obed include Lilly Bluff Overlook and Historic Nemo Bridge.
   
• Accessibility: Lilly Bluff Overlook is handicapped accessible as well as the visitor center which is located in downtown Wartburg.
   
• Parking information: Dedicated parking is located at both the Lilly Bluff Overlook and the Historic Nemo Bridge.
   
• Operational hours: Lilly Bluff Overlook is open 24/7.
   
• Camping/entry fees: Lilly Bluff Overlook does not need a permit to access after sundown. Nemo Bridge requires a Backcountry Camping Permit.

Located in a dark region of the eastern United States, Pickett CCC Memorial State Park & Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area is a stargazing paradise. It is a designated International Dark Sky Park. There are also scheduled star parties that are hosted throughout the year in the Pogue Creek Canyon Astronomy Field.

• Viewing info: Dark sky viewing is best at the Pogue Creek Canyon Astronomy Field. You can see the Milky Way's center May-October. View objects outside of the Milky Way, including the Andromeda Galaxy during the spring and fall.
   
• Accessibility: Accessible parking, restrooms and some trails such as the Lake View Trail and the Island Trail.
   
• Parking information: To access the Pogue Creek Canyon Astronomy Field, access the parking lot on Highway 154.
   
• Operational hours: The Visitor Center Gift Shop is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.