Wisconsin Camping Spots for Stargazers

One of the best parts of a camping trip comes when the day is almost over. The s’mores have been made, the fire’s burned out, and the time has come to slow down and relax under a brilliant sky of stars.

With so much unspoiled natural space throughout the state, Wisconsin offers many campgrounds with awe-inspiring views of the night sky. Read on to discover some of the top camping spots for stargazing in Wisconsin.

Newport State Park – Ellison Bay

Newport State Park in Door County is the first and only park in Wisconsin to receive an official “Dark Sky Park” designation from the International Dark-Sky Association, meaning views of the night sky here are often brighter and more detailed than anywhere else in the state.

You’ll have to work a little for the view, as all 14 campsites require carrying your equipment 1 to 2.5 miles from the parking area to your site. Your effort will be rewarded with incredible views of the Milky Way and astronomical events like the Perseid Meteor Shower that normally require a journey out West to experience.

Devil’s Lake State Park – Baraboo

Devil’s Lake State Park offers a unique opportunity to camp in a popular location while still allowing you to marvel at the night sky. You’ll want to journey from your campsite down to the lakeshore to experience the widest possible view of the cosmos here. Lie back on a blanket on the sand and you’ll be blown away by the starry view framed by the park’s towering quartzite bluffs. 

On special occasions, the park even offers full moon paddle events for an extra magical night on the water.

Wildcat Mountain State Park – Ontario 

Wildcat Mountain State Park is the perfect camping spot if you’re looking to pack your day with outdoor adventures and end it with incredible views of the night sky. The park offers a series of excellent and challenging trails, easy access to great kayaking on the Kickapoo River and secluded campsites with clear views of the sky.

If you’re planning to stargaze, book one of their “cart-in” sites. You’ll be provided a wheeled cart to move all your gear from the parking area into the woods, which will make for a perfectly dark atmosphere ideal for star-spotting.

Beaver Creek Reserve – Fall Creek

The Beaver Creek Reserve in Northwest Wisconsin offers the opportunity for a large group camping trip near the Hobbs Observatory, one of just ten active observatories in Wisconsin. You can reserve the Beaver Creek Reserve’s large group campsite or one of their five rustic sleeper cabins for the ultimate outing with your crew. The observatory holds public programs on the third Saturday of each month and often opens the domes on clear nights.

Big Bay State Park – La Pointe

Escape the city lights by boarding a boat and embracing the island life. At the northern tip of Wisconsin, take the car ferry from Bayfield to Madeline Island’s Big Bay State Park, where you can set up camp and enjoy sandstone bluffs, a picturesque beach and breathtaking views of Lake Superior.

Once night falls, stars light up the entire sky. Come at the right time and you just might get lucky – this state park is far enough north to catch a rare view of the Aurora Borealis.

Ready to do some more camping? Check out these Wisconsin state parks for camping with a view!