The Wildest Places to Go Camping Under the Stars

Camping under the stars isn’t just about pitching a tent—it’s about escaping light pollution, immersing yourself in nature, and sleeping beneath a sky filled with galaxies. Some places offer such spectacular night skies that they feel almost unreal. If you’re looking for an unforgettable outdoor adventure, here are the wildest places to go camping under the stars.

1. Wadi Rum, Jordan – The Mars-Like Desert Sky

Nicknamed the “Valley of the Moon,” Wadi Rum offers an otherworldly experience with its vast desert landscape, red sand dunes, and massive rock formations. At night, the sky comes alive with billions of stars, unspoiled by city lights.

Why it’s wild:

• Camping in Bedouin-style tents or under the open sky.
• Unreal rock formations that resemble Mars.
• Some of the clearest night skies in the Middle East.

2. Jasper National Park, Canada – The Dark Sky Sanctuary

Jasper National Park is one of the largest dark sky preserves in the world, meaning it has almost zero light pollution. This Canadian wilderness offers crystal-clear night skies along with rugged mountains, glacial lakes, and abundant wildlife.

Why it’s wild:

• Perfect conditions for stargazing and even spotting the Northern Lights.
• Camping next to pristine lakes and towering peaks.
• Incredible hiking and wildlife encounters during the day.

3. Atacama Desert, Chile – The Stargazing Capital of the World

The Atacama Desert is one of the driest places on Earth, with high-altitude plateaus that provide some of the clearest skies anywhere. It’s home to world-class observatories, but nothing beats seeing the stars from your own tent.

Why it’s wild:

• No humidity or clouds, making for uninterrupted stargazing.
• The Milky Way is visible with the naked eye.
• Surreal landscapes, including salt flats and geysers.

4. Sahara Desert, Morocco – A Night Under Endless Stars

Spending a night in the Sahara Desert is like stepping into another world. With no artificial light for miles, the night sky is blindingly clear. Nomadic Berber guides lead camel treks into the dunes, where you can camp under a sky full of shooting stars.

Why it’s wild:

• Sleeping among towering sand dunes.
• Traditional Berber hospitality and music by the campfire.
• A surreal silence that makes the stars seem even brighter.

5. Namib Desert, Namibia – A Dreamy Stargazing Oasis

Namibia’s Namib Desert is home to some of the oldest dunes on Earth and one of the most spectacular night skies. The dry climate and lack of light pollution make it one of the best places to see constellations in perfect detail.

Why it’s wild:

• Camping near surreal landscapes like Deadvlei and Sossusvlei.
• Brilliant views of the Southern Hemisphere’s night sky.
• Opportunities to see rare desert wildlife like oryx and hyenas.

6. Aoraki Mackenzie, New Zealand – The Ultimate Dark Sky Reserve

New Zealand’s Aoraki Mackenzie is an official International Dark Sky Reserve, meaning the stargazing conditions here are unbeatable. With the towering Mount Cook as your backdrop, camping in this area is a magical experience.

Why it’s wild:

• Unobstructed views of the Southern Hemisphere’s night sky.
• Opportunities to see the Magellanic Clouds and Southern Cross.
• Glacier hiking and alpine scenery during the day.

7. The Australian Outback – A Celestial Dreamscape

The Australian Outback offers one of the most remote stargazing experiences on Earth. With no cities for hundreds of miles, the sky is so dark that you can see thousands of stars, planets, and even deep-space nebulae.

Why it’s wild:

• Camping in total isolation beneath an enormous sky.
• Seeing Aboriginal constellations not visible in the Northern Hemisphere.
• The contrast of rugged red rock landscapes by day and a sky full of stars at night.

8. The Lofoten Islands, Norway – Where the Northern Lights Dance

If you want to see the Northern Lights while camping, the Lofoten Islands in Norway offer some of the best spots. These Arctic islands are known for their wild coastlines, dramatic peaks, and spectacular night skies.

Why it’s wild:

• Camping near fjords and rugged cliffs.
• Seeing the Northern Lights reflected in the ocean.
• A raw, untouched wilderness perfect for adventurers.

9. Denali National Park, Alaska – The Untamed Wilderness

Alaska’s Denali National Park is one of the most remote camping destinations in North America. With little artificial light and miles of untouched wilderness, it’s the perfect place for star-filled nights and even glimpses of the Aurora Borealis.

Why it’s wild:

• No crowds—just you, the mountains, and the stars.
• One of the best places to see the Milky Way in the U.S.
• Chance to see bears, moose, and wolves in their natural habitat.

Where Will You Camp Under the Stars?

Camping in the wild isn’t just about the landscape—it’s about the sky above you. Whether it’s a desert, jungle, mountain, or Arctic wilderness, these destinations offer some of the most incredible celestial views on Earth. If you want to experience pure, unfiltered nature and see the universe in all its glory, these are the places to do it.