There is nothing quite like camping under the stars and enjoying the night sky. It is something that everyone can enjoy since no special equipment is needed. If you are new to camping under the stars, we cover all you need to know.
Where can I go to see the stars?
It's best to stay far from city lights for optimal stargazing. Locations in Scotland and Norway provide exceptional views of the night sky.
We recommend visiting dark sky reserves, where the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye, and there are no significant light sources to distract from the celestial display, making these areas perfect for stargazing.
Westhavelland Nature Park, Germany
Westhavelland Nature Park is a 2- hour ride away from the German capital, Berlin. During the day, you can enjoy the wildlife with a canoe ride down the Havel river. At night, the area transforms into one of the best places to view the stars. You can join a night tour of the sky that promotes the importance of protecting the sky from light pollution.
Haunte-Pyrénées, France
The Haute-Pyrénées is a region in the south of France that is home to the Pyrénées National Park. Pyrénées National Park is the largest dark sky reserve in Europe and lies between France and Spain. Getting here is trickier, but you will be treated to beautiful night skies. The nights are so clear that NASA used this area to map out the moon in preparation for the Apollo missions.
Hortobágy National Park
Hortobágy National Park was the first Hungarian National Park and is now a world heritage site. The park is a 2 and a half-hour drive from Budapest, making it easily reachable by a camper. During the day, you can observe the wildlife and the over 200 bird species. When night falls, you can go on stargazing guided walks. An absolute must for anyone interested in astronomy.
What dates should I go stargazing?
Spring and autumn often offer ideal conditions for stargazing, as the temperatures are pleasantly mild and the nights are longer. Although it is possible to observe the stars year-round, there are specific dates when stargazing is especially worthwhile.
New Moon Phases (Minimal Moonlight)
During the new moon phases, there is no moonlight to outshine the stars, making these the best times for astronomical observations. Important new moon dates in 2024 & 2025 are:
- October 2, 2024
- November 1, 2024
- December 1, 2024
- January 29, 2025
- February 28, 2025
- March 29, 2025
- April 27, 2025
- May 27, 2025
- June 25, 2025
- July 24, 2025
Meteor Showers
Meteor showers are a popular event for stargazing. Here are some of the most important meteor showers visible in Europe in 2024:
21-22 April - Lyrids meteor shower
The Lyrids meteor shower can be seen the whole of April but should peak on the 22-23. On these two days, you can expect to see up to 18 meteors per hour.
12-13 August - Perseids meteor shower
The Perseids meteor shower is the most active meteor shower making this list. While it is visible from mid-July till mid-August, it should peak on the 12-13 August. You can expect to see up to 150 meteors per hour.
21-22 October - Orionids meteor shower
The earth passes through the debris left behind by Halley’s Comet. All meteors appear to come from one radial point.
17-18 November – Leonid Meteor Shower
The Leonids typically produce up to 20 meteors per hour.
13-14 December - Geminid meteor shower
The second most active meteor shower on this list is the Geminid meteor shower. You can expect to see up to 120 meteors per hour.
What are some tips for stargazing?
Check the moon
For the best stargazing experience, go just before or after the new moon. This is when the moon gives off the least light, allowing you to see more stars.
Bring a red-light torch
When looking at the night sky, our eyes need time to adjust to the darkness. It is recommended that you use a red light as this affects your eyes less, allowing you to enjoy the night sky more.
Apps
Download a stargazing app if you are not going on a guided tour. By having a stargazing app, you can know what constellations, planets, and stars you are looking at. It is time to nerd out!
Dress according to the weather
Remember, when stargazing, you are outside and will likely not move much. Dress warm to keep your experience enjoyable. (A hot chocolate, coffee or tea is also great for staying warm)
Be prepared to wait
When stargazing, be prepared to wait. Your eyes need time to adjust to the night sky and, shooting stars don’t happen every second. Make an evening out of it!
Comfort, comfort, comfort
While you are looking at the stars, hours can pass by. To ensure that you stay comfortable, we recommend bringing a blanket or a chair.
Our pro-tip: rent a camper with a rooftop tent. This way, you can watch the stars out of the comfort of your bed!
What is the best camper to go stargazing?
A camper is an ideal base for enjoying star-filled skies. When selecting a camper, we recommend one with a pop-top roof. This allows you to sleep under the stars, getting the most out of camping under the stars. Our Van models such as VW Bulli Ocean or Mercedes Marco Polo , or Campervan 540 Family and Campervan 640 Family come with pop-top roofs.
We hope this gave you a better understanding of when to go camping, how to choose a location, and what you can do to make it more enjoyable. Book your adventure under the stars today!
Your FreewayCamper Team
