The Darkest Skies
in Arkansas
Access the definitive rankings of the top 10 National Park Service Champions and International Dark Sky Parks in Arkansas. Explore our comprehensive directory of 70 Arkansas cities to find the perfect dark sky spot with verified scientific data.
National Park Service Reports
The darkest verified spots in the state. Pro Tip: Dark sky reports reveal their best details through precision optics.
Astro Program Hill
Tallgrass Prairie NPres
Local Relevance
For observers in Arkansas, Astro Program Hill serves as the definitive baseline for high-altitude transparency and localized skyglow data.
"Emporia is brightest light dome on the horizon. Clear night, no clouds."
Chickasaw National Recreation Area
Chickasaw NRA
Local Relevance
Arkansas enthusiasts typically use the instrumented readings from Buckhorn Parking Lot to calibrate their deep-sky expectations for the area.
"Light pollution extends to about 60 degrees above the horizon. Milky Way was still impressive right overhead but becomes invisible at about 20 degrees from the horizon."
Buckhorn Chickasaw National Recreation Area
Chickasaw NRA
Local Relevance
For observers in Arkansas, Buckhorn Chickasaw National Recreation Area serves as the definitive baseline for high-altitude transparency and localized skyglow data.
"Light pollution extends to about 60 degrees above the horizon. Milky Way was still impressive right overhead but becomes invisible at about 20 degrees from the horizon."
Houchin's Field
Mammoth Cave NP
Local Relevance
For observers in Arkansas, Houchin's Field serves as the definitive baseline for high-altitude transparency and localized skyglow data.
"A very calm, humid and clear night. Dewfall occurred during data collection, however dew heater prevented lens fog. Multiple light domes evident from site, as well as a continuous glow along horizon in all directions. Airglow was present."
Lance Rosier Unit
Big Thicket N PRES
Local Relevance
For observers in Arkansas, Lance Rosier Unit serves as the definitive baseline for high-altitude transparency and localized skyglow data.
"Lots of trees blocking the horizon. Clear sky. There is an oil and gas field at the end of the road. Sky looks brightest towards WSW. The light dome extends all the way to zenith. Milky Way looks faint overhead."
Horn Island
Gulf Islands NS
Local Relevance
Arkansas enthusiasts typically use the instrumented readings from Horn Island to calibrate their deep-sky expectations for the area.
"Mosly clear night, with a bank of clouds to the south/southeast. Clearing. Visible haze on the southern horizon over the Gulf as well as east and west. Above horizon transparency is moderate/good. One major light dome from Pascagoula dominates the northern horizon. This is part of the military ship yard."
Log Cabins
Fort Donelson NB
Local Relevance
For observers in Arkansas, Log Cabins serves as the definitive baseline for high-altitude transparency and localized skyglow data.
"SQM of 20.47 at 2035 local time. Only fair transparency and seeing. Some fast moving clouds. High humidity. Milky Way visible from 20 degrees above north horizon. Great rift visible, Saggitarius cloud not easily visible, Scutum cloud not visible."
Veterans Lake
Chickasaw NRA
Local Relevance
Arkansas enthusiasts typically use the instrumented readings from Veterans Lake to calibrate their deep-sky expectations for the area.
"Clear sky. The area right above the horizon appears bright from all the directions. Milky Way is impressive overhead but lasks the details of the bright/dark structure. Light dome extends up to about 60 degrees above the horizon."
Certified Dark Sky Parks
International Dark Sky Association certified locations. Visiting a park? Don't forget a red-light flashlight to preserve the dark.
Buffalo National River
The Buffalo National River is a free-flowing stream passing through towering picturesque bluffs, forests, and fields in North Central Arkansas in the Ozark…
Official Details →Lakewood Village, Texas
On April 26, 1977, Lakewood Village was officially incorporated as The Town of Lakewood Village, Texas. Located in the northern part of the Dallas/Ft.
Official Details →Pickett CCC Memorial State Park & Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area
Pickett-Pogue International Dark Sky Park is composed of 1,618 hectares of land jointly managed by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and…
Official Details →Stacy Park
Stacy Park is a 35-acre park located in Olivette, Missouri and is approximately 10 miles west of St. Louis City. Established in 1926, Stacy Park is one of five…
Official Details →Gearing Up for Arkansas Nights
"The geographic diversity of Arkansas means your gear needs to be as adaptable as the terrain; we recommend a balance of heavy-duty optics and portable power for state-wide exploration."
The Arkansas Field Kit
Across the breadth of Arkansas, the transition from major light domes to protected scientific zones creates a unique challenge for the modern observer.
Browse Cities
Find detailed scientific reports for 70 unique locations across Arkansas.