Stargazing in Texas State Parks
The stars shine brightly over many Texas state parks. Get away from the city lights and take in some of the best night sky views around!
All our parks offer many ways to enjoy nature, both in the daytime and at night. But the parks listed below offer something extra, including stargazing programs and nearby observatories. Some are far from cities and have very dark skies.
Pick your starting point for exploring the universe. Share the wonder with your kids, or marvel on your own. Either way, you will be glad you did!
Visit our Stargazing Events page to find a program at a park near you!
Learn more:
- TPWD’s Dark Skies program
- Weekly update of night sky events
- Monthly update of constellations in the northern hemisphere
- Moonrise and moonset information
- Stargazing tips and techniques
- Night sky photography tips
- Spot the Space Station
Parks with nearby observatories
- Davis Mountains and Indian Lodge state parks (McDonald Observatory)
- Resaca de la Palma State Park
- Brazos Bend State Park (George Observatory in park)
International Dark Sky Parks
- Big Bend Ranch State Park (West Texas)
- Copper Breaks State Park (Panhandle Plains)
- Enchanted Rock State Park (Hill Country)
- South Llano River State Park (Hill Country)
International Dark Sky Sanctuary
- Devils River State Natural Area (Southwest Texas)
Parks with very dark skies (Bortle Scale classes 1-3)
Class 1 parks
- Big Bend Ranch State Park (Big Bend Country)
Class 2 parks
- Barton Warnock Visitor Center (Big Bend Country)
- Caprock Canyons State Park & Trailway (Panhandle Plains)
- Copper Breaks State Park (Panhandle Plains)
- Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area (Hill Country)
- Devils River State Natural Area (Big Bend Country)
- Kickapoo Cavern State Park (Hill Country)
- Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site (Big Bend Country)
Class 3 parks
- Colorado Bend State Park (Hill Country)
- Davis Mountains and Indian Lodge state parks (Big Bend Country)
- Enchanted Rock State Natural Area (Hill Country)
- Garner State Park (Hill Country)
- Lost Maples State Natural Area (Hill Country)
- Mission Tejas (Pineywoods)
- South Llano River State Park (Hill Country)
Check out our complete list of Texas state parks and their Bortle Scale rankings.