Poconos Stargazing Guide: Best Dark Sky Spots for Summer Nights

How to Plan a Stargazing Night

You may think stargazing is as simple as stepping outside as soon as the sun sets, but a little planning will ensure you get to see the maximum number of stars and celestial sights.

1. Check the Weather and the Moon Phases

Cloud cover blocks the sky and your chance for stargazing. Consult the weather and plan your stargazing expedition on a cloudless night - but don't forget about the moon. That silver light from a Full Moon might be beautiful, but its brightness will blot out fainter stars. For the ultimate dark sky Poconos, the best time to go stargazing is during a New Moon or a Crescent Moon, which will leave the sky dark for some or most of the night.

2. Find a Star Map

Whether you purchase a book or plainisphere or download an app, you'll want to have a guide to identify what's above you! Chart out asterisms and constellations like Orion and The Big Dipper, look for the planets in our own solar system, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn, which are brighter than more distant stars, and keep your eyes open for meteor showers like the Perseids, which peak in mid-August, and the Geminids, which peak in mid-December.

3. Assemble Your Stargazing Kit

Even summer nights can get chilly, don't forget a sweatshirt or blanket! You may also want to bring a deckchair, binoculars, or telescope. Bring a flashlight or lantern to help you navigate to your spot, but remember, you'll want to turn it off and allow 15-30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark.

Best Stargazing Sites in the Poconos

Because our region is largely rural with little light pollution, there are plentiful fantastic stargazing Poconos spots! You'll probably be able to pause in the parking lot of your hotel and see the constellations shining above, but for an even more immersive experience, plan to join Pocono Environmental Education Center for their Star Party, which takes place select dates June to October, and their Geminid Meteor and Star Party in December.

While the local, state, and national parks in the area boast dark skies, some lock their gates at sundown, so be sure to check park opening hours and prioritize safety. One way to see the park after dark is to book an overnight stay! Both Promised Land State Park and Mauch Chunk Lake Park offer seasonal campsites and cabin rentals.

Tucked away on the quiet shores of Lake Teedyuskung, The Pines, Family Resort at Woodloch and The Lodge, Destination Spa at Woodloch both offer amazing stargazing opportunities after dark for overnight guests. Sit on the shore and see the twinkling stars reflected in the calm surface of the water!

When you consult a light pollution map, you'll find the darkest skies in the Poconos region, rated Bortle Class 3, in the northern reaches of Wayne County. Equestrian House in Pleasant Mount is located on over 100 private acres in Wayne County and provides spectacular summer stargazing for guests in their cozy vacation rentals.

Equestrian House Webcam

Get a live look at the grounds of Equestrian House right now in the camera feed below and check out even more live cameras in the Poconos on our website!

Astrophotography Basics

Photographing the night sky can be tricky, and if you want to capture some amazing astrophotography Poconos, you'll want to bring along the correct gear. A high-quality lens and DSLR, mirrorless, or full-frame camera will perform better than your phone or a point-and-shoot camera and will allow you to adust the settings for maximum exposure time and manual focus. A tripod with a tilting head is essential for avoiding camera shake and ensuring stability for that perfect shot. Remember to practice good stargazing etiquette and stay aware of your surroundings.

Family-Friendly Night Sky Activities

If you want to bring your little ones along but aren't sure they'll stay awake long enough to see the stars, the McMunn Planetarium at East Stroudsburg University's Schisler Museum of Wildlife & Natural History is the perfect solution. The digital projection system shows custom star shows no matter the time of day or the weather outside. You can also explore over 100 wildlife specimens as well as insects and a Delaware River aquarium.

Overnight Options Near Dark Skies

Places to stay in the Poconos will never take you far from the stars! As soon as you get beyond the borough limits, you'll enter Bortle Class 3 and 4 areas, which are amazing for seeing the uninterrupted night sky. Take your pick of historic resorts, cozy vacation rentals, and charming cabins.

For a truly panoramic view of the galaxy, plan your vacation at a remote mountaintop lodging like French Manor Inn and Spa, a luxurious bed and breakfast, or 100 Mile View Camping, a hilltop campground.

Plan Your Poconos Stargazing Trip

The stars are waiting for you! Explore even more things to do during your vacation like the best panoramic views and sunsets to experience and amazing campsites and lakes to discover. See you in the Poconos!