There are 10,366 state parks in the U.S., compared to 59 national parks. While national parks are better known, and often contain more unbridled natural wilderness, state parks seriously deserve more of your attention.

They’re often less populated, closer to home, and offer just as many amenities (if not more!) as their national counterparts. 

Touting 32 state parks, it was hard to narrow down Indiana’s best state parks to just five, but I selected a diverse collection that has something for everyone in the family.

Have something to add to my list? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

5. Chain O’ Lakes State Park

Growing up in Fort Wayne, Indiana, this park was practically in my backyard. The popular local favorite, Chain O’ Lakes State Park, is just a short drive north to Albion, IN. With nine connecting lakes and over 200 surface acres of water, Chain O’ Lakes has a lot to offer water-lovers of all sorts.

Fishing is offered year-round, and the park offers rentals for canoe, paddleboat, kayak, and rowboats. A large beach area makes this park a great choice for families in the summer. In addition to water-activities, Chain O’ Lakes has 12 hiking trails (of over 23 miles) and a wonderful nature center.

Events geared towards nature-lovers and children are offered daily. Re-enactments tours are regularly held in the historic 1915 schoolhouse, where you can explore and enjoy activities like writing with homemade paper and quills, making a candle, or watching fiber spinning.

Other hands-on and informative events include identifying (and clearing) invasive species with park rangers, classes on traditional Myaami plant knowledge, and interactive theatrical performances designed to engage the audience and give them a better understanding of a true-to-life frontiersman of the Indiana Territory. Campers have access to the park’s 331 electric sites, 49 non-electric sites, 33 primitive sites, and 4 rally campsites.

4. Shakamak State Park

Southwest of Indianapolis in Jasonville, you’ll find the next hidden gem of Indiana: Shakamak State Park. This park consists of three massive man-made lakes with over 400 acres of water. There is no shortage of outdoor activities at Shakamak.

In addition to fishing and boating, Shakamak features a very popular family aquatic center with a pool and water slide. With reservable cabins, tennis courts, basketball courts, and over 13 miles of hiking trails, it’s clear that this park was designed with one thing in mind: campers. One unique feature of Shakamak is its Rent-A-Camps that sleep six people, complete with electricity, picnic tables, fire ring, parking spur, drinking water supply, and modern restrooms/showers.

For traditional camping, Shakamak has eight full hook-up sites, 114 electric sites, 42 non-electric sites, a youth tent area, dumping stations, and a camp store with basic supplies. One of the most appealing features of camping here is the environment: you feel fully immersed in nature here. Its quiet, wooded camping areas provide atmospheric shade in the summer, and a lovely immersion of colors in the fall. A wonderful festival is offered in the fall, featuring shuttle rides, pumpkin carving, and much more.

3. Indiana Dunes State Park

Off the southern coast of Lake Michigan in Chesterton, IN, you’ll find a childhood favorite of mine. Having family in Hammond, IN, we regularly enjoyed trips in the summer to the Indiana Dunes State Park, which contains the most unique eco-landscape in all of Indiana.

The park ranges over three miles of beach and 2,182 acres of beautiful Indiana landscape, but the real attraction at this park is its namesake: the massive sand dunes that formed over thousands of years. Rising as high as 200 feet, the Indiana Dunes are home to a remarkable array of animal and plant life, in addition to a robust fishery and an active bird-watching community.

The park features over sixteen miles of hiking trails, including some of the most difficult hikes you will find in the state. The massive peaks and valleys of the sand dunes add up to quite the workout. The park offers 140 electric sites (all 40-amp service) and a youth tent camp area.

Events are offered year-round, including campfires on the beach, meet-and-greets with local artists, boat tours, apple festivals, stargazing by telescopes, and much more. The Indiana Dunes is like nowhere else on earth and an absolute must-see.

2. Brown County State Park

While attending Indiana University—Bloomington, one of my favorite things about the experience was my proximity to Brown County State Park in Nashville, IN. Nicknamed “The Little Smokies,” the rolling forested hills of this park might make you forget that you’re in Indiana.

Featuring 16,000 acres of gorgeous, hilly vistas, Brown County is Indiana’s largest state park. With over eighteen miles of trails, this is the park to go to if you’re interested in getting lost in nature. Brown County is home to tons of outdoor activities, including horse and mountain bike trails, fishing/ice fishing, tennis courts, playgrounds, open fields, and a large swimming pool.

Daily family-friendly events include crafts, campfire cooking, creek exploration tours, bird-watching tours, and more. For camping, the park offers 401 electric sites, 28 non-electric sites, 60 rally sites, youth tent area, dumping station, and camp store. 

The park’s rustic Abe Martin Lodge offers motel rooms, cabins, dining, conference facilities, and a super fun indoor water park. This is a great park to visit year-round, but many visitors flock to the park in the fall to enjoy 20 miles of exquisite autumnal colors playing out on the trees.

1. Turkey Run State Park

Turkey Run State Park has long been a favorite of mine and Hoosiers-alike, voted to be the best state park in Indiana many times over. It hosts kid-friendly events almost daily, including animal-feeding, planetarium star shows, fungi identification hikes, holiday-themed camping, and candle-lit historic home tours, amongst others.

Located in the west-central town of Marshal, IN, Turkey Run is home to arguably the most famous hiking trail in the state, in which you can explore three canyons in the Falls Canyon-Rocky Hollow Nature Preserve. In addition to its famous trails, the park features an extensive nature center, cultural arts programs, fishing, playgrounds, horseback riding, tennis, and a swimming pool.

In terms of camping, Turkey Run State Park offers 213 electric sites, youth tent area, camp store, and dumping station. You should have no problem finding a place to camp, but it’s still highly recommended you call ahead of time. 

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What are your favorite parks in Indiana? Have you visited any of the parks listed? Please share your experiences in the comments below!

 

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Let’s face it. The majority of RVs aren’t used most days out of the year. They generally sit in the driveway or backyard for weeks or even months. What this means is that the vehicle is going to be affected by the sun, rain, and wind. 

Leaving a vehicle sitting out in the elements poses a few issues that cause damage. They include sun damage, moisture penetration, rusting, and snow adding weight and moisture.

Your RV is not protected from much if it is sitting out in the elements. Often, people will cover then with anspecially designed RV cover. But is an RV cover worth it or should you invest in another option? Some store theirs under a roof/in a building. Which option is going to be best for you?

RV Covers

Will an RV cover be your best bet to keep your RV protected? It’s possible, but there are some things you should consider before pulling out your wallet and laying down some big ones. 

The first and biggest issue is that RV covers are notorious for ripping. Even the best-made covers still have issues with tears. This is why most manufacturers don’t offer a true 100% money-back guarantee. 

If they do, it’s only for 2-3 years (Up to 6 with by the most expensive company). No companies will guarantee that their product won’t tear. They know better than that. 

RV covers are like big sails. If the wind whips it around on an even remotely sharp corner of your RV, well, you figure it out. 

Second, they are not going to be waterproof. They are water-resistant at best. The roof part may be waterproof, but that doesn’t make the whole thing waterproof. 

You also have to have a place to put that huge cover when you are on the road. Make sure you have the room in your garage or in a shed or attic. It may take up more space than you think.

RV covers aren’t cheap. They are quite expensive for something that is only guaranteed (if guaranteed at all) for a few years. However, they are cheaper than buying a storage space for your RV. Even a couple of months of storing an RV in a storage space can equal the cost of an RV cover.

Adding and removing the cover can be a dangerous job. It requires you getting on the roof and moving around the components that stick out the top of your roof while also maneuvering the heavy cover. It may also be difficult to heave it up to the top of your RV.

If you have limited mobility, this chore can especially be an issue. Getting inside of your RV and using it will be harder if it’s covered. Some have door zippers which help. But it’s not going to have window zippers. It also won’t have vent zippers. If you live in a humid climate, it will be a challenge (or impossible) to air it out.

Good things about a cover? It will keep the sun off your RV, reducing fading from UV light. It should also keep leaves off your rig. And, depending on the cover it can help control moisture.

However, this is one you need to be careful about. Some RV covers don’t breathe enough and can block in too, much moisture. This can result in mold and other issues. If you’re going to get an RV cover, make sure it’s made of a breathable material and designed specifically for your RV.

I’m not a huge fan of RV covers because of the negatives outweigh the positives in my eyes. Still, they may help your RV not lose its luster. And they do have some other protection benefits, especially if you live in a particularly harsh environment.

What About Tire Covers?

Even if you don’t cover your RV, tire covers are a good investment. They don’t cover a large area. Therefore the wind won’t damage them. Your tires will be safe from deteriorating prematurely from UV light. 

You may only have to get tire covers for one side of your RV if the other side is protected from the sun by a building or other shade. However, many of the tire covers you find on Camping World’s website will be sold in sets of four, so it makes sense to just buy them that way and put them all on.

Tire covers often come with wrap-around cables or bungees that keep the wind from blowing the cover off. 

Covers are a good idea as you typically keep RV tires longer than your daily driver does. This is due to the limited number of miles put on them each year. If you keep them protected from UV light, tires’ biggest deteriorator, you can keep them much longer.

RV Carports/Garages

If possible, it’s much better to store your RV under a roof of some sort. This could be as simple as parking it under a tall carport. Or you can go with a four-wall enclosure such as a garage. You can also set up a temporary canopy or garage for your RV if you can find one big enough.

This way you have zero moisture issues. Little to no UV damage. No leaves getting into your rooftop components. Your tires are safe from weathering. You can access it without zipping and unzipping a cover.

It can breathe, not being under a giant cover. There will be less molding issues since you can keep it ventilated. Snow cannot accumulate on top of or around your RV either. The only thing you’ll have to look out for are small critters trying to use your RV as shelter.

A building is the best choice available for storage and protection. If you cannot install such protection on your property, look into keeping it at a commercial storage facility that has covered parking. 

This will cost you a monthly fee of course. An RV cover will likely be cheaper, even if you have to buy multiple covers. 

Conclusion

Depending on your budget, an RV cover may or may not be a good solution for protecting your RV. They will offer some protection from moisture, leaves, and UV damage.

Storing your RV under a building or carport is a surefire way to keep it fully protected. For DIY’ers, there are plenty of temporary canopy and garage options available at Camping World.

If you go with an RV cover, I don’t suggest buying the cheapest RV cover. Instead, invest in high-quality cover material. For this, I’d suggest looking Classic Accessories Covers at Camping World.

Your RV probably wasn’t cheap. You should invest something into keeping it as well maintained and protected as possible. You can cover it with an RV cover or a building. The choice is yours!

 

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Many times camping trips involve exploring new territory and discovering enticing attractions along the way. Passenger tour trains have that magnetic appeal for many RVers, providing a novel way to see hidden countryside not normally viewed from the road. Railroad passengers learn about local history, culture and the many colorful characters from the communities visited. Camping World wants to make sure you don’t miss the departing whistle, so we have created a series entitled RVing the Rails. You will find the most popular excursion trains to ride in each state, complete with any specialty trains they might offer.

Today we will explore the most popular trains in Massachusetts:

Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum

Being a descendant of the Berkshire Railroad has had its ups and downs for this excursion train. In 1842, the rails were run as part of the Housatonic and Berkshire Railroads and became quite popular with passengers vacationing in the area.

Today’s train line, the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum, has been cobbled together from abandoned tracks, with several entities refusing to lease the right-of-way to the railroad. Hence the reason this popular railway has moved on a couple of occasions. Now they have found a home between the communities of Adams and North Adams, providing a scenic 10 mile trip on historic rails that once connected the Berkshires with New York City.

Railway and Locomotive Types

The Berkshire Scenic Railway has placed several diesel locomotives in service on the line, with standard gauge rails carrying enclosed motor cars and passenger coaches.

Seating Options

All seating on the train is unassigned general admission tickets, available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The railroad does suggest purchasing tickets in advance online, however, to assure a seat on the specific train you’ve chosen.

Riding Options

Train excursions are all round-trip affairs, so there are no one-way tickets or side trips available. The one-hour tour takes passengers through the beautiful rolling hills of the Berkshires.

Specialty Trains

• Cabaret Trains – Enjoy live music as you travel the countryside of Western Massachusetts. Passengers are encouraged to bring their own beverages and snacks onboard.
• Tinseliner Trains – Take a trip back to the 1950s with a vintage Christmas train ride. Passengers stop at a tree lot to select the perfect Yuletide tree for pick up later, and Santa will join in the festivities.
• Mistletoe & Martini Train – Live holiday music will accompany your Christmas train ride. Bring snacks and beverages along to make the season bright!

Length of Season

The Berkshire Scenic Railroad season runs from Memorial Day through October with weekend departures. Specialty trains have specific dates, so please check the train schedule for more information.

Cape Cod Central Railroad

Continuing railroad history that dates back more than 170 years, the Cape Cod Central has big shoes to fill. Initially, trains ran to the Cape to provide freight service, but passengers were quick to discover the train as a relaxing way to travel to the beaches and communities of this vacationer’s paradise.

Today’s railway takes travelers through places not normally accessible by car, like saltwater marshes and cranberry bogs.  It’s no wonder that so many enjoy its excursion and dinner trains alike.

Railway and Locomotive Types

The railroad operates diesel locomotives, the very same engines that ran on these rails in the 1950s. The standard gauge track is perfectly suited to carry plush table cars, a glass dome car, lounge car, kitchen car and enclosed Pullman coaches.

Seating Options

The Cape Cod Central Railroad has assigned seating tickets with classes as follows:

On Excursion Trains:

• Standard Class – Passengers travel in double decker rail cars with seats arranged in rows.
• First Class – Passengers ride at seated tables of four.
• Diamond Class – Passengers travel in a glass-enclosed dome car, seated at tables of four.

On Dinner Trains:

• Standard Class – Ticketed passengers enjoy a five-course meal, seated at a table of four in a passenger car.
• First Class – Ticketed passengers partake of a five-course meal, seated at a table of four in the glass-enclosed dome car.
• Diamond Class – Passengers are seated at a private table in a vintage club car while enjoying a five-course meal. One alcoholic beverage is included with the meal.

Riding Options

The railroad offers two types of rail adventures:

• Excursion Trains –These narrated trains venture to the Cape Cod Canal, along the coast or stop for a tour of a glass factory.
• Dinner Trains – Try a Sunday brunch, a weekday lunch or an exclusive dinner train to top off your visit to the Cape.

Specialty Trains

• Rails & Ales Beer Tasting Train – Pair local brews with locally sourced appetizers for an evening adventure. Brewers are on hand to talk about their craft and answer any questions as you taste test several popular beers.
• Gourmet Wine & Dinner Train – Revel in a five-course meal as you sip four sample wines from a local vineyard.
• Christmas Train – Take the whole family on a holiday train to the North Pole, where Santa climbs on board to talk with children, hand out gifts and enjoy some Christmas fun.

Length of Season

The Cape Cod Central Railroad operates from May through October. Specialty trains are scheduled on specific dates, so please check the train calendar to see which excursion is right for you.

Lowell National Historical Park

Historically trolley cars have been a part of Lowell since the surrounding mills began to attract workers. As the town grew outside of its boundaries, the new suburbs began to require transportation. So, in 1889 Lowell got its first electric streetcar and the lines continued to expand.

Once automobiles became popular, however, the need for trolleys dried up. When the Lowell National Historical Park was designated here, visitors required transportation around the park and into downtown Lowell, so trolley cars were put back into operation, rejuvenating the historic vehicles.

Railway and Locomotive Types

The Lowell National Historical Park runs two open air electric trolley cars and one enclosed electric trolley car on the tracks of the old Boston Main Railroad. The cars are powered by overhead lines carrying 600 volts of electricity.

Seating Options

There is no charge to ride the trolley, so all seating is open with no assigned seats. Passengers can get on or off the trolley at any of the designated stops.

Riding Options

Catch a trolley ride from the park into downtown Lowell, then ride it back to Lowell National Historical Park for more tours with a ranger, on a boat or through a mill. Passengers can catch a trolley throughout the park during their operating hours at no charge.

Specialty Trains

The trolley itself is considered a specialty train and a part of transportation history. Most trolleys were utilized in medium-sized cities, where electric lines were readily available, and residents needed to travel greater distances than what had been done by walking in earlier years.

Length of Season

The trolleys at Lowell National Historical Park run from March through November, taking passengers to downtown Lowell and bringing them back to the national park.

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Join the thousands of RVers that have a love affair with trains and ride the rails on your next camping trip.  Check out the other excursion trains available on a state-by-state basis in our series, RVing the Rails.

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As the world’s first cave to be named a national park, Wind Cave is an outstanding addition to the National Park Service. It is the world’s longest and most complex cave system, with 149 miles of explored passages, containing intricate boxwork and frostwork formations.

Many miss its allure by only noticing the undulating prairie that lies above this geologic anomaly. In fact, the cave’s discovery by white Americans came from two brothers peering into a 10” x 14” hole as the wind whistled out of it. By knocking the hat off the boys’ heads, Wind Cave acquired a name and a reputation.

History of Wind Cave National Park

The Lakota Sioux nation has revered Wind Cave as the underground birthplace of its people for thousands of years. It wasn’t until 1881 that white settlers in the area discovered the subterranean caverns when the Bingham brothers lost their hats by that small hole leading to the cave.

Eventually, a local family was hired by a mining company to explore the area for mineral deposits, and 16-year-old Alvin McDonald crawled through the passageways. When no valuable minerals were found, the McDonald family decided to open the cave for tours in 1892.

Just eleven years later, President Theodore Roosevelt designated the area as Wind Cave National Park, making it the first cave in the world to be protected as a national park. Today with room names like Lincoln’s Fireplace and Petrified Clouds, and rare calcite formations like boxwood and cave popcorn, Wind Cave entices visitors from around the globe to view its underground treasures and its abundant wildlife, both above and below the surface.

Why Visit Wind Cave National Park in Your RV?

Wind Cave is an excellent destination for RVers who enjoy hidden gems underground and the rolling hills and ranchland above. The park has one campground with plenty of space for motorhomes and travel trailers, and after hiking over scenic trails, then cooling off in the cave, RVers realize that Wind Cave National Park has even more going for it.

The park lies in the midst of many other nationally recognized attractions.  In fact, its northern border abuts popular Custer State Park, and the Crazy Horse Memorial and Mount Rushmore National Memorial are also in close proximity. Using Wind Cave as a base camp offers great accessibility and a quieter, more relaxing camping experience away from the crowds of these other venues.

Places to Go

There are plenty of places and spots to visit at the park. You’ll have plenty to see and do.

Visitor Center

Located at the entrance to the park, the visitor center offers a movie about the cave’s formation and discovery, a bookstore, exhibits and cave tours. Rangers are available to answer questions and disperse backcountry permits.

Sanson Ranch

A 5,000-acre historic ranch and homestead include a 1,000-year-old buffalo jump, where Native Americans hunted bison, forcing them off low cliffs. There are also remnants of old tipi rings showcasing hundreds of years of habitation in the area.

Things to Do

In addition to there being plenty of spots to visit and things to see, you also will have plenty of activities to do.

Hiking

There are 30 miles of hiking trails throughout the park, moving through meadows, prairies, and forest environments. It is conceivable that hikers will encounter wildlife like bison, elk and mountain lions, so be aware of surroundings and regulations. Each trail is designated by level of difficulty:

Easy Trails:

• Elk Mountain
• Prairie Vista
• Rankin Ridge
• Wind Cave Canyon

Moderate Trails:

• Cold Brook Canyon
• Lookout Point

Strenuous Trails:

• Sanctuary
• East Bison Flats
• Centennial
• Highland Creek
• Boland Ridge

Camping

Wind Cave National Park has one organized campground and also allows backcountry camping in the northwest section of the park. A free permit is required, and off-trail hiking is allowed.

Guided Cave Tours

Ranger-led tours come in two different varieties.

     Regular Walking Tours consist of:

• Garden of Eden Tour
• Natural Entrance Tour
• Fairgrounds Tour

     Specialty Tours available are:

• Candlelight Tour
• Wild Cave Tour

All tours are limited in the number of participants and tickets are sold on a first-come, first-serve basis. The tours have different levels of difficulty, so be sure to read the descriptions of each, as some involve crawling through tight places, off-trail hiking, and numerous stairs.

When to Visit Wind Cave National Park

The park is accessible year-round, with its visitor center closed only on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Cave tours continue all year but have a limited schedule during winter months.

Winter storms can sometimes close roads within Wind Cave National Park, so check online for closures if planning an off-season visit. If coming to enjoy the varied wildlife here, keep in mind that most animals are more active in cool temperatures.

Where RVers Can Stay

Wind Cave offers the perfect setting for RV vacations, with one campground within park boundaries. The Elk Mountain Campground lies on the edge of the prairie, with 25 pull-through sites available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Flush toilets and running water are available in summer, but there are no hookups or showers.

If you would prefer to camp outside the park, here are a few of the many private campgrounds in the area:

• Fort Welikit Campground near Custer, SD
• Hot Springs Black Hills KOA – Hot Springs, SD
• Allen Ranch Campground – Hot Springs, SD

Getting to and Around Wind Cave National Park

From Hot Springs, South Dakota travel 6 miles north on US Highway 385 to the park entrance. If coming from the town of Custer, travel 20 miles south on US Highway 385.

Once in the park, visitors travel on the two paved roads, US Highway 385 or South Dakota Highway 87. The visitor center lies just inside the park entrance on Highway 385, where cave tours begin, but both roads have pullouts and scenic views throughout the park.

There are also two gravel roads that take travelers to less developed areas of the park. They are suitable for two wheel drive vehicles, but are narrow and may have wildlife around which to navigate.

Whistle a Tune

Matching barometric pressure with the outside world, Wind Cave whistles its own tune as visitors enjoy its unusual attributes. Boxwood formations rarely found anywhere else display a delicate pattern on the ceilings as cavers navigate both tight tunnels and vast rooms in the complex.

Outside, one can envision what prairie life was like 150 years ago, with bison roaming the hills of this mixed-grass savanna and historic homesteads attempt to tame the rural landscape. Wind Cave National Park seems to encapsulate a bygone era full of natural beauty and endless vistas both above ground and below.

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Have you ever been to Wind Cave National Park?  What were your experiences there?

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Foil packet meals are a camper’s best friend. They’re simple to throw together, involve minimal cleanup, and can be cooked on the grill or over a campfire. Today’s recipe is a healthy and easy favorite, where salmon and asparagus are cooked together in a flavorful packet with lemon, garlic, and butter toppings that melt together to create a tasty sauce.

• Makes 4 servings/packets

Ingredients:

• 4 six-ounce salmon filets
• 1 bunch asparagus
• 3 lemons, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 TBSP butter, divided (1 TBSP for each packet)
  Salt & pepper to taste

Equipment:

• Aluminum foil – 4 rectangles about 12-14 inches long

Directions:

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. The packets will be cooked over indirect heat, so if you’re grilling on a gas grill, leave a few of the burners off. If you’re grilling over charcoal, add the briquettes all on one side of the grill.

Prep work: Season the salmon filets with salt and pepper. Wash and trim the ends off the asparagus, thinly slice the lemons, and mince the garlic. You’ll want to divide the garlic, asparagus, and lemon slices into four groups (one for each packet).

When it comes to the packets, layering is key. For each packet, lay three to four lemon slices in a row down the middle of one of the tinfoil sheets. Place a salmon filet on top of the lemon slices. Add a few stalks of asparagus to each side of the salmon. Sprinkle some minced garlic on top of everything.

Top with 1 TBSP butter per packet (we recommend cutting each TBSP into a few pieces to evenly spread out the butter) and finish with a few more lemon slices. Repeat for the other three packets. Any extra lemon slices can be saved and used to squeeze over the top of the cooked fish.

Time to close up the packets. Bring the two long sides of the foil together and fold them over a few times. Fold in the ends to make a sealed packet. Make sure there’s a bit of room inside the packets to allow for air to flow and steam the salmon.

Place the packets on the grill. Cook over indirect heat with the grill lid closed until salmon is light pink and flakes with a fork. The cooking time will depend on how thick the salmon filets are. For thinner or smaller filets, 12-16 minutes should be fine. A very thick piece of salmon could take 18-20 minutes on the grill. Note: the FDA recommends that salmon be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit, so we recommend using a food thermometer to confirm that the salmon is completely cooked.

Take one of the packets off the grill and carefully open (watch out for hot steam escaping!) to check for doneness. Throw it back on the grill for a few more minutes if it’s not quite ready. Once off the grill, let rest for five minutes. The fish will continue to cook while resting.

Then enjoy! You can eat them directly out of the packets or transfer the meal to a plate. The foil packets make clean up easy, which is always a bonus when camping. Why dirty some of our plates when you don’t really need to? If you’re worried about having a single layer of tin foil as your plate, consider layering some tin foil sheets.

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Do you have any questions or concerns? Leave a comment below!

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Stargazing and camping go hand in hand, but can you believe only ten percent of Americans have seen a truly dark sky? It’s time to correct that by enjoying an evening under the stars at these Dark Sky locations where you can revel in the beauty of the universe from just outside your RV.

What is a Dark Sky Designation?

The International Dark Sky Association conservation program promotes stewardship of the night sky. It designates areas that commit to reducing light pollution following a very rigorous application process into different categories such as communities, parks, reserves, and sanctuaries.

Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park

One of the largest swaths of dark sky in the US is the combined area of Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park. The parks are named for the “Big Bend” of the Rio Grande River, which marks the boundary between Mexico and the state of Texas. This area is known for its remote location and a feeling of being in the wilderness. It is their distance from major urban centers that truly make the skies among the darkest in North America.

Located right outside the parks’ boundaries, Maverick Ranch RV Resort in Lajitas, Texas is the perfect place to enjoy full hook-up camping visiting the area. The campground recognizes dark sky policies and as a result, guests can view the Milky Way from their picnic table!

Cosmic Campground, New Mexico

One of only ten International Dark Sky Sanctuaries in the world, Cosmic Campground is a truly special place. This remote 3.5-acre portion of the Gila National Forest in western New Mexico. You’ll need to be fully self-contained for this primitive campground.

The only amenities are a pit toilet and four concrete telescope/observation pads, but the views from your site will more than makeup for it.

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Utah should be nicknamed the Dark Sky State for its nine Dark Sky Parks. Bryce Canyon is the ultimate place to enjoy the splendor of the night sky while learning more about the stars and planets you’ll see. They even have an educational and entertaining Astronomy Rangers program.

In addition to the regular program events throughout the year, they also hold an annual Astronomy Festival each summer. Although they have two campgrounds, it is a popular park so be sure to plan ahead for this one of a kind experience.

Anza-Borrego, California

The southern California Desert is host to the Borrego Springs International Dark Sky Community. The nearby town is committed to preserving the night sky and reducing light pollution.

The Springs at Borrego RV Park has their own Astronomy Park offering guests the opportunity to view the night sky with their own telescopes or to take part in one of our special scheduled star parties. Spend your days poolside and your evenings under the stars for an unforgettable experience.

Headlands International Dark Sky Park, Michigan

One of six dark sky areas in the state of Michigan, Headlands International Dark Sky Park is the cream of the crop. Spend lazy summer days on the Lake Michigan shoreline in this 600-acre, wooded preserve near Mackinaw City. Join the stargazers and amateur astronomers that flock to catch a glimpse of a night sky free of light pollution. You may even get lucky and see the park’s most elusive nighttime sight, the Northern Lights.

There is no camping allowed at the park, but the Mackinaw KOA is only five miles down the road. This full-service campground is adjacent to the North Western State Trail leading into Mackinaw City, where you can explore Colonial Michilimackinac and Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse.

Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania

Another potential location to view the Aurora Borealis is Cherry Springs State Park in North Central Pennsylvania. Named for its large stands of black cherry trees, the 82-acre state park is known as one of the best locations for astronomical viewing on the eastern seaboard. The park can attribute its dark night skies to its location on the Allegheny Plateau set amidst thousands of acres of the Susquehannock State Forest.

If your RV is too large for the 26 small, primitive sites at the state park, or you just want full hook-ups, stay at Alleghany River Campground. From tubing on the river to mini gold, this campground has activities for the entire family to enjoy.

Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, Florida

The east coast isn’t normally noted for its dark skies, but there is one exception. About 100 miles south of Orlando, Kissimmee Prairie Preserve is Florida’s prime destination for stargazing. In fact, it is the first Florida state park to build paved astronomy pads dedicated to observing stars, planets, and other celestial bodies. You can book a pad there and get detailed stargazing advice on no less than nine separate observing locations.

For only $16 a night, campers get power, water, and a chance to spot the milky way without using a telescope. The campground also offers a bathhouse and equestrian sites. During the day, visitors can take an elevated buggy tour guided tour of the largest remaining stretch of wild prairie in Florida.

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Looking for another place to see amazing skies? See where the remaining dark sky places are located on this interactive map.

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