Glamping with the stars: These 7 retreats are perfect for night-sky watching

Stargazing might sound like something to do while camping in a dark forest or trekking a secluded mountaintop. But with the recent rise in astrotourism, driven in part by large-scale events like the 2026 solar eclipse, more people are seeking new experiences under the stars—without sacrificing the comforts of a cozy cabin, lodge, or hotel. 

Case in point, 62 percent of 27,000 travelers surveyed in a 2025 travel predictions report by Booking.com said they plan to travel for stargazing, making it a popular travel trend in 2026, too. In response, dark-sky state parks and other low-light pollution escapes are now adding chic star-friendly stays. 

(These are the best stargazing sites in North America.)

Customizing accommodations for stargazing

Adam Krason, an architect and principal of ZMM Architects & Engineers, recently designed modern A-frame cabinsspecifically for stargazing. The cabins are in Coopers Rock State Forest in West Virginia, home to some of the darkest skies on the East Coast of the U.S. These accommodations provide a front-row seat to star-studded skies and feature floor-to-ceiling windows and retractable skylights. Each cabin also comes equipped with a working telescope for a closer look at dazzling constellations.

The cabins are anything but primitive. “Our goal on each project is to deliver our client’s vision,” he says. And his clients,Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, didn’t want a traditional, bare-bones cabin. “I think the specific goal was to create something ‘Instagram-worthy,’” he says. They ultimately landed on a modern version of the classic A-frame because it complemented the park’s topography and climate, while creating a unique experience for guests.

Why are travelers choosing chic stays to access the night sky? According to Krason, not all dark-sky retreats are the same. Coopers Rock State Forest is known for its trails and expansive scenic views. And as a truly hidden gem, the park poses a serene, crowd-free escape in one of the country’s most underrated tourist destinations. “Adding the stargazing feature [the sleek, modern cabins] seemed like a great additional amenity,” he says. With five cabins open and seven more on the way, these stays offer a one-of-a-kind stargazing getaway for astrotourists. 

(Twelve spectacular night sky events to see in 2026.)

1. Green Haus, Paws Up Montana

Captain Meriwether Lewis trekked through this area, once wilderness, to get home. Paws Up Montana is a private ranch turned high-end hospitality brand combining authentic ranch life—including everything from fly fishing to cattle drives—with modern luxury. This ranch features restaurants equipped with James Beard chefs and wellness offerings—all set against the breathtaking backdrop of Montana’s legendary landscape and ranges, including Garnet, Swan, Mission, and Rattlesnake.

The Green Haus is one of 12 architecturally forward hauses tucked among the trees and located on 37,000 acres of forest. Like all the hauses, the Green Haus has decks, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, an outdoor hot tub, and a large skylight the size of the bed—not featured in the other hauses. The allure of the property is its protection from light pollution, Jake Kvale, the on-site activities manager, explains. “All of Paws Up is classified as a Bortle Dark Sky Scale class two area; the second-highest quality category when measuring light pollution,” he says.  

2. Brasada Ranch, Bend, Oregon

Brasada Ranch sits on 1,800 acres of high desert near multiple Dark Sky International-certified areas and just beyond the Oregon Outback International Dark Sky Sanctuary—the largest on Earth. The property includes 65 standalone cabins, dubbed the Sage Canyon Cabins, that come with one to four bedrooms, a fully stocked kitchen, a fireplace, and an outdoor dining area. Those with a private hot tub enjoy excellent stargazing opportunities, says Lisa Marchese, president of Northview Hotels, which acquired the property in 2010. “On-property stargazing nights come with warm drinks and s’mores, while Sage Canyon Cabins offer private decks, firepits, and hot tubs.”  

(Dark sky retreats are on the rise—here's where to take one.)

3. Death Valley House, Death Valley, California

Located on a 40-acre site more than 100 miles north of Las Vegas, Nevada, the Death Valley House isn’t far from its namesake, Death Valley, the largest Dark Sky National Park in the U.S. The closest town, Beatty, is 40 miles away, which means little to no light pollution for exceptional stargazing. 

Peter Strzebnoik, the architect, designed the house to take advantage of the scenic views. It has large floor-to-ceiling windows and was built atop a concrete platform, making the house feel like it’s rising out of the landscape. “Also, the house has a large deck, which serves as a perfect platform to watch the night sky while being very close to the amenities that the house provides,” he adds. The deck has a retractable roof that provides a full view of the night sky from the deck or hot tub. The main bedroom also has a skylight located above the bed. 

4. Compass Rose Lodge, Huntsville, Utah

Compass Rose Lodge is a boutique retreat that blends modern comfort with the character of Ogden Valley. The architectural style honors the area’s heritage, from the barn and grain silo features to the tipis. Guests will want to explore the nearby Ogden Valley for its hiking trails, wildlife watching, and scenic drives. 

But stargazers will especially like Compass Rose Lodge for its on-site Huntsville Astronomic and Lunar Observatory (HALO), a research-grade facility on the property equipped with powerful telescopes and an automated dome. According to Ashley Smoot, general manager of Compass Rose Lodge, the lodge’s location is recognized for minimal light pollution, which provides naturally clear night skies. Some rooms and common areas are also deliberately designed to take advantage of sky views. The lodge regularly hosts astronomy-focused activities and educational sessions, making it a welcoming spot for casual skywatchers and serious enthusiasts alike. 

(Where to go stargazing and glamping in southern Utah)

5. Architect’s Off-Grid Stargazing Cabin, Mojave, California

Architect’s Off-Grid Stargazing Cabin, also known as Folly Mojave, is a part of the Folly Collection, a design-forward hospitality group known for sustainable practices, such as running entirely on solar power, as well as the design and positioning of structures to maximize natural light and reduce energy use. The cabin is part art installation, part high-comfort hideaway with a design that feels otherworldly yet grounded, merging minimalist geometry and raw materials.

Stargazing is central to this luxury off-grid escape, located in a dark-sky pocket in the desert with light pollution limits. “We dedicated the upstairs to be the ultimate stargazing experience,” says Hillary Flur, co-founder of Architect’s Off-Grid Stargazing Cabin. The roof is fully retractable, transforming into a perfectly framed portal to the cosmos. Guests can literally fall asleep watching the Milky Way. The property intentionally keeps light pollution around the structures near zero. “We have also partnered with a local astronomer who offers a private night sky tour with professional telescopes and lasers,” Flur adds.

6. Clear Sky Resort, Cannonville, Utah

The resort sits in a private 80-acre canyon just outside of Bryce Canyon National Park, designated a Dark Sky Park. But even more appealing to stargazers is the fact that Clear Sky Resort is the first and only glass-dome resort of its kind in the United States. The resort’s 62 Sky Domes are complete with dual-pane “low-E” glass,  or low-emissivity glass, a type of window glass that blocks UV rays while allowing natural light to enter. Modern furnishings, private bathrooms, kitchenettes, and high-end linens are inside the climate-controlled domes. Outside, the resort uses fully shielded, downward-facing fixtures with amber/red lights to minimize light pollution, illuminating what’s necessary to preserve night vision for guests. 

On-site resort activities include stargazing tours and roasting complimentary s’mores over fire pits. The glass-domed restaurant, Sky Nova Café Bar & Grill, is also worth checking out and offers a striking, futuristic dining experience with a 28-foot-tall panoramic glass window and a patio perfect for sunset and golden-hour al fresco evenings.

7. The Lodge at Primland, Meadows of Dan, Virginia

The Lodge at Primland features an on-site observatory, equipped with Celestron CGE Pro 1400 and CPC 800 telescopes, giving guests an extraordinary glimpse of the solar system. A natural paradise in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the region offers remarkably vivid celestial views due to its altitude and clear night skies. The observatory is available year-round to all guests for nightly stargazing sessions led by a resident astronomer. The resort also has unique accommodation options, including towering Mountain Top Tree Houses and the two-story Celestial Suite with starry views. Guests should take advantage of the complimentary nightly fireside s’mores, nature walks, disc golf, and lawn games such as bocce, croquet, and cornhole.

(Essential kit for stargazing, from cosy clothing to clever astronomy tools)