DarkSky International has a Dark Sky Places program that recognizes and promote stewardship of the night sky - in communities, parks and even urban places.  As of January 2022 there are only 195 certified Dark Sky Places in the world.  As of March 2022, we have two Dark Sky Places in Oregon - Sunriver and Prineville Reservoir State Park. 

Several parks and communities in Oregon are working toward Dark Sky Place recognition. These include:  Cottonwood Canyon State Park, Wallowa Lake State Park, Oregon Caves National Monument, Black Butte Ranch and the City of Sisters. 

The Dark Sky Park certification effort among Oregon State Parks has greatly benefited from the initiative and encouragement, photos and videos from Brent and Dawn Davis, who have camped weeks and months at our various State Parks. Enjoy their work from Wallowa Lake State Park, Cottonwood Canyon State Park, The Cove Palisades State Park, and Prineville Reservoir State Park.

If you want to help establish a Dark Sky Place in Oregon, please contact us. These nominations require a grass roots effort with involvement from the local community and local champions.  DarkSky Oregon can assist!

We've analyzed night time satellite images to figure out which Oregon Parks and Recreation properties have night skies dark enough for certification as dark sky parks, and which also allow camping.