Observing the stars and planets in the night sky when backpacking and boondocking is one of life’s great pleasures. Here are 10 tips to help you make the most of your evenings in the wilderness.
NOTE: this article is based in part on my book Camp for Free: Dispersed Camping & Boondocking on America’s Public Lands.

Camp for Free in the Backcountry
My book shows you everything you need to know to find and enjoy secluded dispersed camping (boondocking) spots in the backcountry:
- Public lands where you can camp for free
- Researching the best locations
- Finding the best camping spots
- Backcountry safety and ethics
- What to take
Buy it on Amazon
Buy it on Apple, Kobo, and Nook
10 Tips for Observing the Night Sky for Backpackers and Boondockers
Does staring up at a dark night sky appeal to you? If so, here’s how to maximize your enjoyment…
1. Check the Weather
Cloudy sky = no stars! However, partly cloudy skies may have brilliantly clear patches that allow good observing. I use the National Weather Service to get a point forecast for the area where I’ll be hiking or boondocking.

2. Be Aware of Moonlight
Check the phase of the moon (easy to do online, and also visually). Anything more than a sliver (2-3 days old) will wash out the fainter stars in the sky, along with most nebulae and star clusters, so try to plan your trip accordingly. It’s still great to look at the sky with a moon, and to look at the moon itself, but if you’re like me, it’s the truly dark skies you want.
3. Find Out What’s Happening in the Night Sky
Also find out which planets are visible, and when. In addition, research meteor showers, including the best days and times to view them, and the expected number of meteors per hour.
Earthsky.org and Space.com are both excellent resources for current information.
4. Higher Elevations Are Better Than Lower Elevations
Pick a region at high elevation. All other things equal, the higher the elevation, the better the seeing.
5. Camp In or Near an Open Area
Choose a camping spot either in or just beside a clearing. You want a substantial portion of the sky open, so avoid the forest. High desert sites are my favorites.

6. Observe the Sky with Your Naked Eye…
The night sky is amazing with just your natural eyesight. You don’t need any aids to experience the beauty and wonder. Just let your eyes and imagination roam.
7. Binoculars Show You More of the Night Sky…
Take binoculars, if you can. Any binoculars will do, but more expensive binoculars with wider lenses will show you more stars and other celestial objects, and it will all be brighter and clearer.
Find the Milky Way and sweep along it, especially in the constellation Sagittarius. This is where you’ll see the coolest stuff.

Here are the binoculars I use:
Nikon Prostaff 3S. These are 8×42 waterproof binoculars that I use mainly for birding, but they also are great for astronomy. They are also relatively lightweight, an important consideration for backpackers.
I also have a pair of Orion Ultraview 10×50 binoculars that are designed specifically for astronomy. They are my go-to binoculars when I’m boondocking.
If you want more info about binocular astronomy, including detailed advice on buying binoculars, using binoculars to see nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies, and knowing which of those beautiful objects are currently visible, check out these books (I particularly like Binocular Stargazing) and also visit this website.
8. Use Printed Resources for Identifying Stars, Constellations, and Celestial Objects
Consider taking printed star charts, a planisphere, or a star atlas. These will let you learn the constellations and major celestial objects.
9. Use Phone Apps for Identifying Stars, Constellations, and Celestial Objects
Yes, there are apps for identifying everything in the night sky. Point your phone and the app will tell you exactly what you’re looking at. Note that the light of your phone will reduce your night vision, and that’s why I prefer the old-fashioned method of star charts with a red flashlight.
There are several apps for both Android and iOS. Choose one that has a high number of positive ratings.
10. A Red Flashlight Protects Your Night Vision
Buy a red flashlight for use with the planisphere or atlas in the dark. The red light will preserve your night vision.
My Early Night Sky Observation Experiences
The night sky has fascinated me ever since I was a little boy. As I grew older, my fascination blossomed into a love of astronomy, which was actually my first major in college.
I was fortunate to grow up in the countryside outside of Anderson in far Northern California, where dark skies were common, but it was on my first backpacking trips in the nearby Trinity Alps as a teenager when I first saw truly dark and clear skies.
I soon learned all the constellations and the brightest stars, and eventually I explored more deeply with binoculars and telescopes, looking at galaxies, star clusters, and nebulae.
I still really enjoy a truly dark sky filled with stars, and boondocking and backpacking are great ways to make it happen.
Enjoy Your Time Under the Night Sky!
Feel free to share your experiences and any tips in the comments below.
Find Solitude through Dispersed Camping
My book shows you everything you need to know to find and enjoy secluded dispersed camping (boondocking) spots in the backcountry:
- Public lands where you can camp for free
- Researching the best locations
- Finding the best camping spots
- Backcountry safety and ethics
- What to take
Buy it on Amazon
Buy it on Apple, Kobo, and Nook
Leave a Reply