When the sun sets, and the last shimmer of light has faded, the adventure begins for those seeking serene, magical experiences under the stars. Noctourism is a growing travel trend as more tourists seek unique experiences that can include stargazing, viewing wildlife near watering holes, taking in the awe of meteor showers, aurora viewing, and even ghost tours.
According to a recent National Geographic article, luxury tour operator Wayfairer Travel reported that nocturnal excursions were up by 25% in 2024. And tour operator Flash Pack said demand for nocturnal travel experiences among millennial travelers increased by 40%. And stargazing is so popular, there is a World Atlas Night Sky Brightness Map.
Explore the Nighttime Sky in Style, Comfort and Luxury
One way to immerse yourself in this new trend is to charter a luxury motorcoach with a private driver. A plush “hotel suite on wheels” with room for the entire family, a luxury motorcoach features all the comforts of home including the convenience of an expansive kitchen, comfortable beds, multiple bathrooms, washer and dryer and a dishwasher. Some coaches include electric fireplaces inside, high-end audio equipment, flat-screen HDTVs and surround sound. It’s the perfect retreat after spending several hours exploring the beauty and wonder of the night skies.
When you rent a luxury motorcoach through LiTRV, our concierge specialists research the best stargazing spots located in remote areas. We can arrange for you to stay close to these locations, reducing travel time and allowing for spontaneous nighttime excursions. Or, we can arrange for you to participate in guided stargazing tours and other dark sky activities.
Peace of Mind with a Private Driver
LiTRV’s private drivers are committed to your safety, comfort and convenience. They have decades of experience driving motorcoaches throughout the country on city streets and highways, navigating twists and turns on mountain roads, and driving at night. When your trip includes overnight stays, we will arrange for your private driver to stay nearby so you can enjoy your privacy.
Our private drivers also go above and beyond to make your journey special. If you prefer to stay close to your motorcoach, our driver can set up a firepit so you can enjoy a cozy, romantic evening under the stars. They can also set up a telescope so you can view the nighttime sky up close without venturing too far from the motorcoach.
Stay at a Luxury RV Resort Near Dark Sky Destinations
Consider our LiTRV team as your personal concierge. We’ll work closely with you to customize your itinerary for a smooth, comfortable, luxury nocturnal travel experience. We can reserve a private, premier site with breathtaking views at a luxury RV resort or we can arrange for you to stay at a world-renowned resort and spa. And because we provide bespoke services throughout your trip, you have the flexibility to modify your travel plans, even after your journey has begun.
Here are three remote destinations that provide a chance to experience magical nighttime skies and reflect upon your peaceful surroundings in nature:
Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania
Located north-central Pennsylvania within the Susquehannock State Forest, Cherry Springs State Park is renowned for its exceptionally dark skies, making it a haven for astronomers and stargazing enthusiasts. On clear nights, the Milky Way is vividly visible, offering a mesmerizing celestial display. The park features an Astronomy Observation Field specifically designed for overnight stargazing. The Susquehannock Trail passes nearby and offers 85 miles of backpacking and hiking.
A combination of attributes makes Cherry Springs ideal for stargazing and astronomy. The field is at the top of a 2,300-foot high mountain — the surrounding state forest is relatively undeveloped and nearby communities are in valleys, shielding any light that might affect the park. The location of the park offers a great view of the nucleus of the Milky Way Galaxy. The astronomy field offers an excellent 360-degree view of the night sky. In addition, all lighting in the park is shielded and all white light has been converted to red
One nearby luxury RV resort is the Stony Fork Creek Campground. Our LiTRV concierge specialist can check availability at this rustic resort in Wellsboro, which is nested in the scenic mountains near the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. The property also features a swimming pool, a fishing pond, pedal boats, a game room, and planned weekend activities for both kids and adults.
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California
As California’s largest state park, the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park offers vast desert landscapes and some of the darkest skies in the state. Located about 90 minutes east of San Diego, the park is part of the Mojave and Colorado Deserts UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is designated as a Dark Sky Park. Visitors can enjoy guided night sky programs and may even hear the distant calls of coyotes as they gaze upward.
During your visit, allocate some time to explore the quaint town of Borrego Springs, which is the only California town that is completely surrounded by a state park. It is also an official International Dark Sky Community—the first and only one in California—dedicated to protecting the night sky from light pollution.
Our LiTRV team can also assist with making reservations at nearby luxury RV resorts, such as The Springs at Borrego RV Resort in Borrego Springs. The pet-friendly resort provides spacious motorcoach sites, top-notch amenities and recreational activities, including an on-site golf course, mineral baths, and a resort-style pool and spa.
Big Bend National Park, Texas
Situated in far West Texas along the Mexico border, Big Bend National Park is a geological marvel evidenced in sea fossils and dinosaur bones to volcanic dikes that mar the desert landscape. It’s a world of species diversity from the meandering river corridor that sidles across the desert floor to the sky island ridge tops that reach for the stars.
The magical park also boasts some of the least light-polluted skies in the continental U.S. The park’s remote location ensures minimal light interference, providing clear views of the Milky Way and other celestial phenomena. Wildlife such as owls and bats are active at night, adding to the nocturnal ambiance.
Our LiTRV concierge specialist can check availability at nearby luxury RV resorts, such as the Maverick Ranch RV Park at Lajitas Golf Resort in Lajitas, Texas. Guests of the pet-friendly RV resort enjoy all of Lajitas Golf Resort amenities and activities including the Agave Spa, Black Jack’s Crossing Golf Club, horseback trail rides, shooting activities including: 5-Stand Sporting Clays, 3-Gun Combat Course, Cowboy Action Shoot, ziplining Quiet Canyon, mountain bike trails, fitness center and more.
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Tips for Stargazing and Enjoying the Dark Sky
Whether you stargaze often or are new to discovering the dark sky, it’s a good idea to plan ahead so you can make the best use of your time outside. Here are some tips:
- Plan Around the Moon Phase: For the darkest skies, schedule your stargazing trips during the new moon phase when the moon is not visible.
- Check Weather Conditions: Clear skies are essential for optimal stargazing. Use reliable weather apps to monitor forecasts.
- Acclimate to Darkness: Allow your eyes 15-20 minutes to adjust to the dark for better visibility of faint stars and celestial objects.
- Use Red Flashlights: Red light preserves night vision better than white light. Equip yourself with red LED flashlights for navigation.
- Bring Comfortable Seating: A reclining chair or blanket can enhance your comfort during extended periods of stargazing.
- Stay Quiet and Attentive: Many nocturnal animals are active at night. Keep conversations to whispers and stay focused for the best chances to see wildlife.
- Capture the Moment: If you love photography, bring a tripod and use long exposure settings to capture stunning images of the night sky.
Take the time to fully experience the serene beauty that noctourism has to offer by renting a luxury motorcoach for a memorable adventure. Call us at 847-833-6768, email us info@litrv.com or click on the “Get a Quote” button at the bottom of our home page.
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