Camping in Colorado With Low Light Pollution

Dark Sky Locations: Great UK Campsites for Stargazing

Deep in the heart of the UK's most spectacular forests and National Parks you'll find the darkest skies in the country. The forests and woodland surrounding our campsites are favorites for all levels of stargazers, from beginners using nothing more than good old fashioned eye sight all the way to professional star seekers, staking out for hours at a time.

What are International Dark Sky Places?

Started in 2001, the award winning Dark Sky Places Program encourages communities all over the world to preserve and protect dark skies through public education and responsible lighting policies. Dark sky areas are places, usually near an observatory or in a forest which are kept free of artificial light pollution.

Top dark sky locations in the UK

There are currently just 11 magical International Dark Sky Reserves in the world. Galaxies, all of the major constellations and shooting stars can be seen from the UK's Dark Skies. Pick a clear, dry night, take a blanket and pack up some snacks to keep you going on your spectacular stargazing mission!

The Snowdonia National Park

Granted Dark Sky Reserve Status in 2015, Snowdonia became the 10^th Dark Sky Reserve in the world.

Llyn Geirionydd

One of Snowdonia's most popular lakes in the Gwydir Forest, Llyn Geirionydd has a public carpark, toilets and picnic benches so is perfect for families. The sky above Llyn Geirionnydd provides a perfect window to Snowdonia's night sky.

Llyn y Dywarchen
By day, a popular fishing lake, by night watch the transformation as the night sky becomes a feast for the eyes on the shores of this lake. There's a carpark nearby but minimal facilities so make sure you go prepared.

The New forest National Park
The New Forest, whilst not an official dark sky, offers some of the most dramatic viewpoints in the UK. The New Forest National Park Authority aims to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the park which means light pollution is a huge consideration in their conservation efforts. Visit Night Blight for interactive maps which give an insight into the light pollution in different areas of the UK countryside.

With minimal light pollution, you'll be able to see the beauty of the night sky all over the new forest including our New Forest campsites.

Roundhill Campsite

With plenty of open space and flat land, Roundhill provides a tranquil site, perfect for looking into the night sky.

Setthorns Campsite
Open year round, Setthorns is close to Brockenhurst and is surrounded by woodland. Pitches are separated by trees and bushes to effortlessly create a private feel, allowing you to stargaze to your hearts content.

Things to take on your stargazing trip:

After a few hours under the stars you'll quickly figure out what you need to take with you on your stargazing missions. Below are just a few essentials that we recommend taking along because it can get surprisingly chilly in the open air, even when it's been a lovely warm day.

• You're either going to want a reclining chair or take a blanket, yoga mat or similar to lie down on. After 5 minutes of craning your neck stood up you'll be thankful you bought that blanket to lie down on.
• Layered clothing and an extra warm blanket
• Binoculars aren't essential but they're great to see in a little more detail
• A red torch to help you navigate to your perfect stargazing spot without ruining your night vision
• Snacks and a nice warm drink in a thermos

Camping in Colorado With Low Light Pollution

Source: https://www.campingintheforest.co.uk/blog/camping-information/dark-sky-locations-great-uk-campsites-for-stargazing

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