There’s nothing quite like the awe-inspiring experience of looking up at an endless, star-studded sky, far away from city lights. The American Southwest is one of the best places to sleep under the stars, with its collection of Dark Sky Parks offering some of the clearest views of the Milky Way, constellations, and celestial wonders. At Under Canvas, we invite you to immerse yourself in nature’s grandeur while enjoying the comforts of luxury glamping.
From the towering red rocks of Zion to the arches of Moab, these are the top places to sleep under the stars and experience the magic of the night sky.
Under Canvas Moab
Located near Arches and Canyonlands National Parks—both designated as International Dark Sky Parks—Moab, Utah, is a haven for stargazers. Canyonlands, in particular, is recognized as a Gold-Tier Dark Sky Park, meaning it has some of the darkest skies in the world. After hiking among sandstone arches and dramatic cliffs, unwind by the campfire and let the constellations guide your night. Join park rangers for astronomy programs or simply marvel at the Milky Way from your private deck at Under Canvas Moab.
Under Canvas Bryce Canyon
With its high elevation and minimal light pollution, Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah is a dream destination for stargazers. Here, natural darkness is protected, and the park hosts more than 100 astronomy programs each year to help visitors explore the wonders of the cosmos. At Under Canvas Bryce Canyon, you can enjoy an uninterrupted view of the night sky right from your tent. You can look up and spot the silvery stretch of the Milky Way, making it one of the most incredible places to sleep under the stars.
For more, check out our ultimate guide to stargazing in Bryce Canyon.
Under Canvas Zion
Zion National Park, one of Utah’s newest International Dark Sky Parks, offers a breathtaking combination of rugged red rock landscapes and dazzling night skies. Whether you’re venturing into the park for an evening astronomy program or lying back in your Stargazer Tent at Under Canvas Zion, you’ll witness a cosmic display that rivals the park’s daytime beauty.
Does Zion offer the best stargazing in the U.S.? You’ll have to see for yourself!
Under Canvas Lake Powell – Grand Staircase
Under Canvas Lake Powell – Grand Staircase is the world’s first-ever Dark Sky-certified resort, a designation that recognizes its outstanding night sky quality. Perched on a canyon rim with sweeping views and an on-site slot canyon, this Utah location provides an otherworldly setting for stargazing just 14 miles from Lake Powell’s main marina. Capture long-exposure astrophotography shots or simply soak in the celestial beauty. This is a destination where the night sky truly takes center stage after a fun-filled day on the water.
Under Canvas Grand Canyon
Few places are as spectacular as the Grand Canyon, and after sunset, its magic only deepens. The vastness of the canyon, combined with the absence of light pollution, creates an unmatched stargazing experience. Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona encompasses over 1.2 million acres, giving you uninterrupted views of meteor showers, star clusters, and planets like Jupiter and Saturn. Under Canvas Grand Canyon provides a rare opportunity to sleep under the stars near one of the World’s Seven Natural Wonders.
Check out our Grand Canyon Stargazing Guide for top viewing spots and pro tips.
Take a Grand Circle Road Trip
Visit all five locations for the ultimate stargazing adventure. Set out on a 950-mile journey through the American Southwest’s most scenic national parks and monuments. The Grand Circle road trip connects Moab, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Lake Powell-Grand Staircase, and the Grand Canyon—each home to an Under Canvas camp. With dark skies at every stop, this road trip offers endless opportunities to sleep under the stars and immerse yourself in the beauty of the cosmos.
Sleep in a Stargazer Tent at Under Canvas
For a unique stargazing experience, Under Canvas offers the Stargazer Tent—an upscale, safari-inspired accommodation featuring a private ensuite bathroom, wood-burning stove, and a plush king-size bed. What makes this tent truly special is its overhead viewing window, allowing you to stargaze in comfort from the warmth of your bed. Whether you’re admiring a meteor shower or tracing constellations with your partner, Stargazer Tents provide an unparalleled way to sleep under the stars. Available at all Under Canvas locations across the U.S., it’s an experience designed for adventurers who appreciate both nature and luxury.
Celestial Celebrations at Under Canvas
At Under Canvas, we celebrate celestial events with unforgettable experiences, from meteor showers to solar and lunar eclipses. Join us for star parties, cosmic cocktails and eats, and guided night experiences led by expert astronomers. Our Celestial Events Calendar keeps you updated on upcoming astronomical spectacles so you can plan your stay accordingly. From eclipse-viewing parties to themed trivia nights, we make sure every moment under the stars is extraordinary.
Nightly Stargazing at Under Canvas
The night sky is part of the outdoor experience at every Under Canvas location. Whether you’re roasting s’mores around the firepit, venturing into a nearby national park, or taking a guided astrophotography tour, stargazing is always on the itinerary. With state-of-the-art telescopes and expert-led astronomy sessions available, you’ll get up-close views of planets, nebulae, and distant galaxies. There’s no better way to sleep under the stars than in a luxurious tent surrounded by the untouched beauty of nature.
Sleep Under the Stars at Under Canvas
At Under Canvas, we believe the night sky is a sacred and precious resource. That’s why we implement dark-sky-approved lighting, sustainable design, and guest education programs to preserve the beauty of the cosmos. Relax on your private deck or gaze up from your bed in a Stargazer Tent, where you’ll experience the magic of sleeping under the stars like never before. Plan your stay and reconnect with the natural world in some of the best stargazing destinations in the U.S.