While the “stars at night are big and bright, deep in the heart of Texas”, we still can’t always view them easily from our own backyards here in Austin. The glow of artificial light from homes and businesses means the skies aren’t dark enough to see the stars clearly. Luckily, you don’t have to travel far from the city to find some perfect spots for stargazing. Read on for details about the best Texas State Parks to see the stars — as well as local stargazing events — and where to make your camping reservations for a night in nature.
— Dark Skies Program & Bortle Scale Ratings: As you begin thinking about where to take the kids to see the stars, take note that the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department has partnered with the McDonald Observatory, the International Dark Sky Association (IDA), and local astronomy groups to promote awareness about light pollution with star parties, self-guided constellation tours, and education programs. Click here to learn more and stay up-to-date about any special stargazing events for families.
Additionally, you can view the list of Texas State Parks’ Bortle Rating — an indicator of how well you can see celestial objects, taking into account light pollution and sky glow. This list is organized by regional area and is super helpful as you plan where you’d like to go on your stargazing quest.
Top Spots for Stargazing Around Austin
Enchanted Rock
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is about an hour and a half from Austin. It’s a favorite for hiking and camping and for marveling at its natural beauty. Its rural dark sky also makes it one of the best public places for stargazing in Central Texas, and in fact, it has been designated an International Dark Sky Park. Click here to learn more about star gazing events in Enchanted Rock. View the Enchanted Rock website for information about making reservations to visit this park.
Inks Lake State Park
Another favorite spot for camping, Inks Lake, is just a little over an hour away from Austin, and a great spot for dark skies, as well as fishing, swimming, hiking and weekend getaways. Consider hiking Pecan Flats, a self-guided 3.3-mile trail that is good for the whole family. You can also rent paddle boats, canoes, and kayaks at the park store. There are plenty of daytime activities to keep you busy before you settle into your camp to view the stars before bedtime. Click here to view the Inks Lake website for information about visiting this park.
Lost Maples
About three hours west of Austin, Lost Maples is well known for being one of the best places in the state to see fall foliage. But it is spectacular year-round for hiking, sightseeing, and bird watching, and a great spot for photography. Lost Maple’s Bortle Scale rating is 3, and perfect for stargazing. Click here to read detailed info about viewing the stars in Lost Maples.
Garner State Park
About three hours from Austin on the Frio River, Garner State Park is a great place for a relaxing weekend. You can camp, study nature, picnic, canoe, fish, play miniature golf, geocache, and ride bikes. The Scenic Hill Country terrain offers lots to see and do and certainly boasts dark night skies. Click here for more info and a listing of special events.
Blanco State Park
Another popular spot for camping, Blanco State Park, offers swimming, picnicking, hiking, nature study, boating, and fishing. The park hosts a semi-annual educational event where visitors have the opportunity to learn about astronomy and gaze at the stars, planets, and galaxies through different telescopes. Click here to read more about Blanco State Park, and click here to view their upcoming calendar of events.
South Llano River State Park
This popular summer spot to float, paddle and fish the South Llano River, also offers a great place to camp, hike, bike, geocache, and marvel at the stars, as it is noted as an International Dark Sky Park. Interestingly, the park is home to one of the largest turkey roosts in Central Texas (roosting from Oct. 1 through March 31 with day use area is only open from 10 am – 3 pm during these months so that humans don’t disturb the roosting turkeys). But during the rest of the year, it’s a great place to stargaze. Click here to view stargazing info, and click here to find out about upcoming events.
Star Parties Around the Austin Area
Austin Astronomical Society Public Star Parties
The AAS is one of the most active regional astronomical societies in the country and hosts public star parties at State Parks in and near Austin. Check out their events schedule here.
Eagle Eye Observatory at Canyon of the Eagles
The Observatory in Burnet, TX is operated several nights a week, weather permitting. Learn more.
UT Department of Astrology
The Department of Astronomy hosts public viewing three nights a week while UT classes are in session. Their 16-inch reflector telescope at the Physics, Math, and Astronomy Building is open on Wednesday nights and the 9-inch refractor at Painter Hall is open on Fridays and Saturdays. Check their outreach site at outreach.as.utexas.edu for more information.
Starry Nights at Girlstart
Girlstart’s STEM Studio and Mini-Planetarium is a unique space for families to explore astronomy together. Starry Nights are held on the first Thursday on the month (beginning again in September 2024) and each event features a new astronomy experience and related hands-on activities. Family members of all ages and genders are welcome!
