Antelope Basecamp becomes Oregon’s first DarkSky Approved Lodging
By Drew Reagan, March 26, 2026 | Reposted from DarkSky International
Antelope Basecamp, a newly revitalized micro-cabin resort in the high desert of Central Oregon, has been officially designated a Certified DarkSky Lodging facility by DarkSky International. This rare recognition highlights the property’s commitment to protecting one of Oregon’s most valuable natural resources, the night sky, while offering guests an immersive stargazing experience.
Located in the tiny town of Antelope (population 37), Antelope Basecamp sits within Oregon’s first designated Dark Sky Community and borders the dramatic landscapes of John Day Fossil Beds National Monument and the John Day River Territory. With its remote setting, minimal light pollution, and sweeping horizons, the area is already known among astronomers and night sky enthusiasts as one of the best places in the Pacific Northwest to witness the Milky Way. With this new certification, Antelope Basecamp is poised to become a premier gateway for travelers seeking authentic dark sky experiences in Oregon.
Designed for darkness and discovery, every detail of Antelope Basecamp has been intentionally crafted to preserve natural night. All exterior lighting on the property uses red light only, meeting DarkSky Lodging standards while enhancing human night vision. Red light allows guests to move safely around the property without diminishing their ability to see the stars, an important element of a true dark sky experience. While the color red once carried a different association in Antelope’s history during the Rajneesh movement’s takeover of the town, today it represents something entirely different: a shared human desire to look up, reconnect, and experience the night sky together.
The property is arranged in a welcoming one-acre communal layout featuring:
Ten A-frame micro cabins
A shared community building currently being restored
A Dark Sky Resource Library featuring astronomy-themed books and games
A tea bar and game room
Low-lumen, dark-sky-compliant interior lighting with dimmers in common areas
The story of Antelope Basecamp is one of rural revitalization and thoughtful redevelopment. The project began with the transformation of a long-abandoned RV park, an effort that aligned closely with the City of Antelope’s pursuit of Dark Sky Community designation. Because the property required new lighting infrastructure, the owners took the opportunity to install fixtures that met DarkSky International’s rigorous standards from the outset. This approach made the redevelopment more efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective while ensuring the campus would serve as a model for responsible rural tourism.
Despite Antelope’s small population, Antelope Basecamp can comfortably host groups of up to 40 guests, creating meaningful economic activity for a community with limited services. The goal is simple: to offer visitors a positive, immersive, and educational dark sky experience that honors the landscape and supports the town’s future.
This certification marks a milestone not only for the property but for the entire region. As interest in dark sky tourism grows worldwide, Antelope is emerging as a rare place where travelers can experience true darkness, brilliant stars, and a sense of quiet that is increasingly difficult to find.
Whether guests come to photograph the Milky Way, learn about astronomy, explore the John Day Fossil Beds, or simply enjoy a peaceful night under the desert sky, Antelope Basecamp offers a setting unlike anywhere else in Oregon. With its thoughtful design, sustainable lighting practices, and commitment to community revitalization, Antelope Basecamp stands as a clear example of how rural destinations can protect their natural assets while welcoming visitors from around the world.
“Achieving DarkSky Approved Lodging certification is a milestone for Antelope Basecamp,” said owner Brandie McNamee. “We are thrilled to offer a stargazing experience that showcases the natural beauty of this landscape.”
Antelope Basecamp plans to expand its efforts by hosting stargazing workshops, enhancing educational resources for visitors, and continuing to adopt sustainable practices that protect both the environment and the night sky.
About the DarkSky International Lodging Program
Founded in 2023, the DarkSky International Lodging Program sets a new standard in the travel industry, encouraging hospitality companies to actively participate in safeguarding the night from the damaging effects of light pollution while providing their guests with an awe-inspiring and educational experience under pristine dark skies. Learn more.
About DarkSky International
The mission of DarkSky is to preserve and protect the nighttime environment and our heritage of dark skies through environmentally responsible outdoor lighting. Learn more at darksky.org.
Contacts
Brandie McNamee
Owner, Antelope Basecamp
+1 (541) 460-6858,
antelope3llc@gmail.com
James Brigagliano
Lighting Program Manager, DarkSky International
+1 (520) 858-0428
James.Brigagliano@darksky.org