15 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
   
• One of the best dark sky spots near Knoxville
   
• 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.z
   
• Viewing Info: The open, grassy summit of Buck Bald provides a totally unobstructed view of the night sky in every direction.
   

Things to know before going to Buck Bald Mountain Scenic Area
 

• 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.
   

Things to know before going to The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
 

• 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. 
   

Things to know before going to Cherokee National Forest
 

• 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.
   

Things to know before going to Harrison Bay State Park
 

• 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 is known for its waterfalls, seven located within the park
   
• This dark sky spot is located 45 miles south near Cookeville and 123 miles near Nashville.
   
• 25,000 acres on the Cumberland Plateau
   
• 18-hole golf course and pro shop
   
• Fall Creek Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in the eastern United States flows at 256 feet
   
• Fall Creek Falls Lake spans 345 acres and is a Bill Dance Signature Lake
   
• Gorges, suspension bridges, lush forests all beckon to the outdoor lover
   
• Guided cave tours are offered throughout the year
   
• Offers several cabin and campground rental options
   
• 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.
   

Things to know before going to Fall Creek Falls State Park
 

• Parking: Parking and accessible parking is available at the Fall Creek Falls overlook, the nature center, lodge and restaurant, Visitor Center, and golf course and snack bar. Check out the state park map for more details.
   
• Operational hours: The scenic loop closes at dark. Day-use facilities like pavillions and playgrounds close at 10 p.m. Everyone is requested to be off the trails by sundown. 
   
• Accessibility: All-terrain wheelchairs are available to rent. It's highly recommended to reserve an all-terrain wheelchair in advance of your visit. An adult-sized changing table is located at the Betty Dunn Nature Center. The table lowers to approximately 12 inches off the ground and reaches a height of 39.5 inches when raised. There are three wheelchair-friendly overlooks in the state park: Fall Creek Falls Overlook to view the 256-foot Fall Creek Falls waterfall; Millikan's Overlook which includes a Colorblind Viewfinder; and Cane Creek Overlook behind the Betty Dunn Nature Center. Accessible paddling launches are located at the boat dock and by the dam and off the paved Lake Bike Trail. The latter launch is recommended for those who do not need to rent a kayak. Stay overnight or a few days at accessible lodging options like The Lodge at Fall Creek Falls which has wheelchair-accessible rooms, Cabin 10 which is a Landside Cabin and Cabin 27 which is Fisherman Cabin, as well as wheelchair-accessible campsites at Campground areas A, B, C, and D.
   
• Camping fees: Camping options include multiple campgrounds for tents and RVs offering water and electric hookups with some sites offering sewer connections. Walk-in primitive campsites and backcountry camping options, accessible by hiking or biking, are at the state park as well. Camping fees range by location but are generally $11-$57. There is a non-refundable $5.00 Advanced Reservation Fee per campsite that provides for managing the reservation system at Tennessee State Parks.

• 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.
   
• 6,000-acre state park
   
• Marina with restaurant located onsite
   
• 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 as well as clear horizons with wide expansive views for stargazing. 
   
• Park staff offers classes on nighttime photography. 
   
• 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.
   

Things to know before going to Edgar Evins State Park
 

• Parking: Parking is available at the Visitor Center, marina and restaurant, camp store, Shelters 1,2, and 3, cabins and at the Dunham Cemetery trailhead as well as the Millennium Trail trailhead. 
   
• Operational hours: The state park closes to daytime visitors at 10:30 p.m.
   
• Accessibility: ADA accessible campsites are available. There are a limited number, so reservations should be made as far in advance as possible. Please call 888-867-2757.
   
• Camping fees: Reserve a campsite. Rates are subject to change. Taxes and fees are not included. A $5 non-refundable reservation fee is required. Camping options include a main campground with sites for tents and RVs with water and electric hookups. Primitive campsites are available near a shared fire ring and central water source.

• Bledsoe Creek State Park was once a prime hunting ground for the Cherokee, Creek, Shawnee, and Chickamauga Native American tribes.
   
• 36 miles northeast near Nashville
   
• Over 4 miles of trails, including 1 mile of paved trail
   
• The Shoreline Trail gives you scenic vistas of Old Hickory Lake
   
• The park hosts many stargazing events and activities throughout the year. 
   
• Bledsoe Creek has a modern campground with paved and gravel sites for tents and RVs, including hammock-only, primitive sites.
   
• Viewing Info: Gaze up at the stars at the comfort of your own campsite.
   

Things to know before going to Bledsoe Creek State Park
 

• Parking: Parking is available at the Visitor Center, at the Shoreline Trail trailhead, at the Courtesy Dock, at the Birdsong Trail trailhead, and near Shelter #2. Check out the state park map for more details.
   
• Operational hours: Park hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mid-March to Mid-November; 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mid-November to Mid-March.
   
• Accessibility: ADA parking spots are available at the Visitor Center. An adult-sized changing table is located at the Visitor Center. All-terrain wheelchairs are able to be reserved. The Birdsong Trail, Mayo Wix Trail, Storybook Trail are all wheelchair-friendly. The Owl Ridge Trail, Shoreline Trail and Woodchuck Hollow Trail are accessible. 
   
• Camping fees: Rates subject to change. Rates start at $16. 

• Named after one of Tennessee's most famous pioneers, David Crockett State Park in Lawrenceburg, about 82 miles south of Nashville
   
• Fish on the 35-acre Lake Lindsey and check out the "secret waterfall," only accessible by boat
   
• See David Crockett's gristmill and powder mill which once stood downstream from present-day Crockett Falls
   
• Hike one of the 13 trails
   
• Scenic overlooks can be enjoyed at Turkey Ridge Trail and Crawfish Valley Trail, which features a water crossing
   
• Spillway Falls can be seen from the top of the levee or via a short trail
   
• 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.
   

Things to know before going to Bledsoe Creek State Park
 

• Parking: The Crockett Museum, Crockett Falls, Boat Dock, Bike Trail trailhead, Trail of Tears trailhead and the Visitor Center have parking.
   
• Operational hours: Open to the public 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Generally open 30 minutes before sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset
  Visitor's Center Gift Shop
  8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  
  Museum Gift Shop
  Seasonal. Call 931-903-2323 ext. 3 for information. 
   
• Accessibility: All-terrain wheelchairs are available to reserve ahead of your visit. An accessible kayak and canoe launch is located between the Boat Dock and Cabin 1 on Lake Lindsey. Campground 2 and RV Sites 46, 47, and 97 are wheelchair-accessible and should be specifically requested when reserving your overnight accommodations. Cabin 7 is wheelchair accessible. Call 888-867-2757 to reserve an ADA-accessible accommodation. 
   
• Camping fees: Two campgrounds for tents and RVs with water and electric hookups are available. Campground 1 is open seasonally and Campground 2 is open year-round. All rates are subject to change. Taxes and fees are added upon the reservation. Rates range from $32 to $60 for group campsites.

• Stargaze in style at Stillwaters Farm in West Tennessee.
   
• Two-bedroom cottage that sleeps up to eight guests and is fully furnished with unique antique collectibles. The 150-acre farm is a nature preserve with gorgeous farm vistas.
   
• Free Wi-Fi, free grounds tour and free wine tasting for guests 21+ with valid photo I.D.
   
• The Silo farm store has artisan products handcrafted on the farm, including soaps, lip balms, soy candles, photography, and art.
   
• Viewing Info: The Cottage Farmstay and the Airstream Glamper both offer excellent spots to stay the night and stargaze.
   

Things to know before going to Stillwaters Farm
 

• Parking: Private parking is available to guests. 
   
• Operational hours: The farm stay is open year-round. Once you book, you'll be given times for check-in and check-out for your stay. 
  Forty Cannons Winery
  Drop-In hours: Noon to 6 p.m. Thursday-Saturday
   
• Accessibility: It is recommended to reach out to Stillwaters Farm directly via the online form to discuss any accessibility needs.
   
• Booking fees: Book your farm stay. A $500 refundable damage deposit is due at check-in and may be put on a credit card. The deposit will be refunded within 3 days of check out if accommodation is left undamaged. Only registered guests are permitted on the property and in the accommodation. A $35 charge for unregistered guests per day will be required. 

• Watch the sun set over gorgeous Reelfoot Lake and gaze up at the sky.
   
• Blue Bank Resort has fishing, hunting and outdoor packages available.
   
• Cabin and motel style room options 
   
• Blue Bank Fish House & Grill features vegetables, herbs, and spices right from the onsite garden. 
   
• Outdoor dining includes lake and sunset views, bald eagle spotting and fire pits. 
   
• Stroll through the beautiful butterfly garden.
   
• 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. Ask about community astronomy events and courses. Local universities, museums and planetariums host public programs.
   

Things to know before going to Blue Bank Resort
 

• Parking: Ample parking is available onsite.
   
• Operational hours: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
   
• Accessibility: Contact Blue Bank Resort at 877-258-3226 for questions on specific mobility needs.
   
• Camping fees: 
  $50-75 - Daily rates (2 night minimum)
  $250 - Weekly rates (7 days)
  $700 - Monthly rates (discounts available for bookings longer than 3 months)
  $2,750 - Yearly rates 

• Explore 4,138 acres of Big Hill Pond State Park
   
• 14-mile biking trails
   
• 9 hiking trails ranging in difficulty and distance
   
• Viewing Info: Scurry up the 70-foot observation tower for panoramic views of the park.
   

Things to know before going to Big Hill Pond State Park
 

• Parking: Parking is available at the Visitor Center and Recreation Area. Please consult the map for more information.
   
• Operational hours: 
  
  Visitor Center Gift Shop:
  8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  
  Camp Store:
  Seasonal. Call 731-645-7967 for information.
  
  Campground: Currently closed for renovations.
  
  Boat Dock Gift Shop:
  Seasonal. Call 731-645-7967 for information.
   
• Accessibility: There is accessible parking and restrooms. The Turkey Call Trail is accessible which takes you along the half-mile long boardwalk through the Dismal Swamp.

• Explore the 13.5 hiking trails at Natchez Trace State Park. 
   
• State park features a 40-mile overnight trail. 
   
• Four backcountry campsites (permit required)
   
• Viewing Info: Campgrounds and designated overlooks are the best spots to stargaze at this park.
   

Things to know before going to Natchez Trace State Park
 

• Parking: Parking is available at the Visitor Center, Pin Oak boat ramps, Browns Creek Lake boat ramp, and the Fairview Gullies Picnic Area which leads to the Fairview Gullies trailhead. Check out the map for more information.
   
• Operational hours: Open year-round
  Visitor Center hours:
  8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday
  
  Camp Store hours:
  8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
  8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Thursday
  8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday
  
  Food Truck hours:
  11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday
  11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday
   
• Accessibility: All-terrain wheelchairs are available for reservation. An adult-sized changing table is located in the newly renovated Visitor Center. Accessible facilities include the Visitor Center, and ADA-accessible accommodations include Campsites 28 and 30 in the Wrangler Campground, Campsite 18 at Cub Lake Recreation Area and Campsites 11-12 at Pin Oak Campground. Camping Cabin 401, Deluxe Cabin 606 and Standard Cabin 3 are weheelchair friendly cabins available to reserve.
   
• Camping fees: 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.

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.