12 Stargazing & Camping Destinations in Tennessee

Stargazing during peaceful, quiet evenings brings a sense of mesmerizing childlike wonder. Pitch a tent, camp out and lay out a blanket to gaze at the stars under glittering Tennessee skies. Amateur astronomers and seasoned stargazers can marvel at the constellations while star viewing Tennessee's skies. Check out the list below for where to see stars in Tennessee.

East Tennessee

Obed Wild and Scenic River National Park - Wartburg

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. Starry night skies are an important part of the special places the National Park Service protects. 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. The Lilly Arch near the end of Point Trail is made with Pennsylvania sandstone, and is the only one of its kind in the park. Pro tip: Star viewing on a moonless night is best.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Gatlinburg

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an ideal place to see stars. Once crowds are gone for the day, the traffic dies down and the sun sets, the park becomes an entirely different world and the light show in the sky starts. 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. Pro-tip: Be sure to turn off your flash and use a prolonged exposure to photograph the stars.

Harrison Bay State Park - Harrison

Harrison Bay State Park near Chattanooga is a haven for stargazers, campers, fishermen, golfers, and boaters. The park’s position on the eastern bank allows you to watch the sunset out over the water before stargazing. The park closes at 10 p.m. ET, so if you want to see the stars, check out one of the 128 RV campsites or 21 primitive tent-only campsites. The 1,200-acre park with approximately 40 miles of Chickamauga Lake shoreline was originally developed as a Tennessee Valley Authority recreation area in the 1930s. The parklands are rich in history because the Cherokee Campground consisted of three villages which were ruled by a Cherokee Chieftain. Pro tip: Check the clear sky forecast for perfect stargazing.

Middle Tennessee

Fall Creek Falls State Park - Spencer

Fall Creek Falls State Park also has astronomy weekends and star viewing parties. 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. Many parks partner with local and regional astronomy clubs to offer programs, dark sky viewings, stair trail photography workshops and parties. Most programs take place in the evening and last a few hours, but stargazers can also stay overnight. Pro-tip: Reserve your cabin or campsite online for timely availability.

Edgar Evins State Park - Silver Point

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. 

Bledsoe Creek State Park - Gallatin

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.

David Crockett State Park - Lawrenceburg

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.

West Tennessee 

Stillwater Farms - Henderson

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.

Blue Bank Resort - Hornbeak

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.

Big Hill Pond State Park - Pocahontas

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.

Natchez Trace State Park - Wildersville

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.

This is just a sampling of destinations to stargaze and camp in Tennessee. Find inspiration among the many outdoor activities across the state.