Where to Stargaze in Idaho: The State’s Best Dark Sky Locations

Idaho’s vast wilderness and minimal light pollution set the stage for unforgettable nights under dazzling skies. Home to the nation’s first International Dark Sky Reserve—and countless other places where the Milky Way stretches uninterrupted—the Gem State tops stargazing lists for good reason. Whether you’re an astronomy enthusiast or just appreciate a lovely view, these five Idaho destinations promise star-studded evenings.

Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve

The Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve claims coveted Gold-Tier status for its exceptionally dark skies. On a clear, moonless night, countless stars stream across the sky and reflect in alpine lakes. Favorite spots for an awe-inspiring night include Galena Pass Summit—a high mountain pass with panoramic sky views—and the shore of Redfish Lake, where the Sawtooth peaks stand silhouetted against a glittering canvas of stars.

• Where to Stay: Options within the reserve range from riverside campgrounds near Stanley to cozy cabins at Redfish Lake Lodge—both ideal for prime star viewing. For more comfort, consider the stylish Limelight Hotel in nearby Ketchum.
• Where to Eat: In Stanley, start your day with coffee and fresh pastries at Stanley Baking Co. Later, savor elevated comfort food at the James Beard-nominated Stanley Supper Club. Ketchum offers diverse dining experiences, from casual taco shops to fine dining.

Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve

Have you ever wondered what it’s like walking on the moon? Exploring this lunar-like landscape is as close as you’ll get on Earth. By day, trails weave through stark lava fields, cinder cones and lava caves. After sunset, the otherworldly landscape becomes a stargazer’s dreamscape. The monument has virtually zero light pollution as an International Dark Sky Park, so the stars here appear astonishingly bright. In summer, ranger-hosted Star Parties offer telescope views and celestial storytelling opportunities.

• Where to Stay: Spend the night at the Lava Flow Campground within the monument for the full experience. You can pitch your tent among ancient lava rocks and have a front-row seat to the nightly celestial show. If camping isn’t your style, the nearby town of Arco (about 30 minutes away) has a handful of motels and an RV park or vacation rental options.
• Where to Eat: No restaurants are inside the preserve, so plan ahead. Pack a picnic dinner to enjoy at twilight in the park’s picnic area, or bring snacks to keep you fueled for an evening of sky-watching. After a long night under the stars, you can grab breakfast or a hearty lunch in Arco. Try Pickle’s Place—a quirky diner famous for its Atomic Burger and steak seasoning.

Bruneau Dunes State Park

Bruneau Dunes State Park is Idaho’s third and newest designated International Dark Sky Park. It’s home to North America’s tallest single-structured sand dune and an on-site public observatory. Spend the day sandboarding on the dunes and cooling off in one of the park’s small lakes before heading to the observatory for a spectacular star-struck show as the sky explodes with stars. On weekends from spring through fall, the observatory opens its telescopes to visitors, offering close-up views of planets, star clusters and distant galaxies under expert guidance. You might even catch a meteor shower streaking across the sky.

• Where to Stay: The park offers two campgrounds with sites near the dunes (great for stargazing right from your tent) and even a few small cabins available to rent for a bit more comfort. Campsites and cabins can fill up fast on summer weekends, so reserve in advance if possible. If you’d rather not camp, Mountain Home is about 30 miles away, where you’ll find comfortable options at the Hampton Inn & Suites or Best Western Foothills Inn.
• Where to Eat: The park has no food options, so come prepared with your own provisions. If you need to eat out, your best bet is Mountain Home, where you’ll find breakfast, burgers and more at Stoney’s, or sit down to farm-to-table fare at Farmers Stashe.

City of Rocks National Reserve

Known for its gigantic granite spires and exceptional rock climbing, City of Rocks becomes equally captivating after dark. Tucked in remote southern Idaho, this International Dark Sky Park offers astonishing views of stars blanketing the sky above the majestic rock formations.

• Where to Stay: The reserve has several campsites among the spires and pinyon pines. If you prefer a roof over your head, check out the unique overnight stays at Castle Rocks State Park next door or the nearby Almo Inn.
• Where to Eat: While this is probably the only “city” where you won’t find any food, nearby Almo provides some options. The Outpost Steakhouse serves hearty breakfasts and dinners, and the Rock City Mercantile is famous among locals and visitors for its wood-fired pizza and ice-cold beer. It also doubles as a general store, so you can pick up snacks or supplies while you’re there.

Priest Lake

In Idaho’s Panhandle, Priest Lake offers a tranquil alpine setting by day and brilliant dark skies at night. The lake is ringed by thick forests and the peaks of the Selkirk Mountains, with very little development—ideal conditions for stargazing. The stars reflect on the glassy lake surface on clear nights, doubling their wonder. You might even witness the Northern Lights shimmering faintly on the northern horizon from September through March.

• Where to Stay: Choose from lakeside campsites and rustic cabins at Priest Lake State Park’s Indian Creek and Lionhead campgrounds, or watch the stars from shoreline cabins at Elkins Resort or Hill’s Resort.
• Where to Eat: You’ll find well-reviewed restaurants at either resort. Otherwise, drop into Ardy’s Café in nearby Coolin for a tasty breakfast, lunch or dinner.

For more Idaho dark sky travel tips and inspiration, go to https://visitidaho.org/things-to-do/dark-skies/.