Top 5 Stargazing Spots in Montana

Big Sky Country lives up to its name—especially after dark.

Montana is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, but when the sun sets, the skies come alive in a whole new way. With some of the clearest, darkest skies in the U.S., Montana is a haven for stargazers—from amateur night-sky enthusiasts to serious astrophotographers.

Whether you're chasing constellations or just want to experience the quiet magic of the cosmos, here are five must-visit stargazing spots in Montana—including one you can sleep under the stars at: The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins.

Glacier National Park

This crown jewel of Montana offers alpine peaks and mirror lakes by day—and pitch-black skies at night. Head to Logan Pass or the shores of Lake McDonald for panoramic views of the Milky Way. Glacier is even designated an International Dark Sky Park—so the views are as protected as the wilderness.

Medicine Rocks State Park

A bit off the beaten path, this park in southeastern Montana features eerie sandstone formations and wide-open skies. With minimal light pollution and plenty of solitude, it’s a fantastic place to bring a telescope and explore the night sky in near-total darkness.

Makoshika State Park

Montana's largest state park is known for its badlands terrain—and its incredible stargazing. Visitors can enjoy clear, unobstructed views of meteor showers, lunar eclipses, and the Milky Way. Bring a blanket and settle in for a natural light show.

Hyalite Canyon

Just south of Bozeman, Hyalite Canyon combines breathtaking mountain scenery with excellent night-sky viewing. High elevation and wilderness surroundings mean crisp, clear views of constellations—plus, it’s easy to access without a long trek from town.

The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins – Stargazing from Your Own Deck

Why drive home after stargazing when you can sleep under the stars?

At The Hohnstead, you’ll enjoy very little light pollution, high elevation, and total quiet—making it one of Montana’s best-kept secrets (in our opinion) for stargazing. Each of our five private cabins is tucked into the forest, with a private deck, perfect for watching the stars. Or enjoy stargazing from our cozy two-seater hot tub nestled in the pines. Or connect with other campers at the communal fire pit, where views of Sheep Mountain are to die for.

You don’t need to leave the comfort of your cabin to witness:

• The Milky Way in full clarity

• Meteor showers (especially the Perseids in August and Geminids in December)

• Planet sightings like Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn

• Shooting stars and satellites on a clear summer night

Bonus: We’re pet-friendly—so your pup can stargaze right alongside you.

Astrophotography at The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins

Stargazing Tips for Beginners

Whether you’re staying with us or planning a night sky adventure elsewhere, here are a few quick tips:

• Use a stargazing app like SkyView or Star Walk to identify constellations

• Check the moon phase—a new moon gives you the darkest skies, though we were able to see plenty of meteors during a recent Perseids Meteor Shower, where the moon was illuminating the sky.

• Bring a red flashlight to preserve night vision

• Pack layers—Montana nights can get chilly, even in summer or grab one of the extra blankets from The Commons Area.

• Plan around meteor showers—the Perseids (August) and Geminids (December) are fantastic. The Hohnstead is closed in December, but if you’d like to stargaze, get in touch.

Make Stargazing Part of Your Stay

If your dream getaway includes quiet nights, cozy fires, and a blanket of stars above you, The Hohnstead is waiting.

Book a private, pet-friendly glamping cabin and let Montana’s night sky be your entertainment.

Tip: The A-frame Cabin has a single translucent panel for stargazing, while The Blind and The Stargazing Cabins have two.

We can’t wait to join you, stargazing in the woods.