One of the most incredible benefits we have as RVers is the ability to escape the city lights while also bringing all the comforts of home with us. As the sun sets and the stars come out, you have the perfect opportunity to witness the cosmos like never before. After visiting some of the darkest skies in the country, I’ve put together several tips to help you plan your RV trip to a dark-sky location. I’ll also share how to minimize light pollution while camping and capture breathtaking astrophotography shots to bring back home. 

The first step in your stargazing adventure is to find the perfect dark sky location. Look for certified dark sky parks or areas known for their minimal light pollution. National forests and remote parks are excellent choices and often provide some of the best night sky viewing. Here are a few of my favorite resources to get you started. 

• Light Pollution Map
• Dark Site Finder 
• International Dark Sky Association 

RV Light Courtesy and Responsibility to Nature 

Now that you’ve arrived at the campground imagine stepping out of your RV on a clear night, expecting a sky full of stars, only to find a dim, washed-out darkness due to nearby artificial lights. Light pollution, defined as excessive or misdirected artificial light that dims our view of the stars, does more than obscure our stargazing, though - it intrudes upon entire ecosystems. 

Tips for Minimizing Light Pollution While RV Camping 

Here are a few suggestions for lighting around the campsite. 

• Use low-intensity, warm-colored lights. I like solar torches that charge during the day and can be turned off when not in use.  
• Turn Off Exterior Lights: Only use outdoor lights when necessary, and consider motion sensors to minimize their use. 
• Block Interior Lights: Use curtains or shades to prevent light from spilling outside and affecting your surroundings. 

Astrophotography Tips 

Now that you’ve found the stars and minimized unnecessary light get your camera out and try astrophotography. Most phones can take a decent picture, especially with a tripod, but if you want something you can print or view on a larger screen, it is best to use a DSLR or mirrorless camera. Start with these settings and adjust your shutter speed and ISO for a proper exposure. 

Manual Mode & RAW

Set your camera to manual mode and shoot in RAW for better post-editing flexibility. RAW files contain more data than JPEGs, allowing for greater editing adjustments. 

White Balance

Set the white balance between 3200 and 3800 for an accurate color representation of the night sky. 

Wide Angle Lens

Use a wide-angle lens with a low f-stop (2.8 or lower) to capture more light and a broader view of the sky. 

ISO & Shutter Speed

To avoid star trails, set the ISO between 1600 and 3200 and use a shutter speed of 15-30 seconds. 

Tripod & Focus

Use a tripod for stability and manually focus on the brightest star or set your lens to infinity. 

Camera Shake

Use a 2-second delay timer or a shutter release cable to prevent camera shake. 

Experiment

Take a few test shots and adjust your settings based on the results. Try different compositions to find what works best. 

Pack the RV and Hit the Road 

Using these tips, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying an RV stargazing adventure and may even bring home a photo as a memory.  Remember, minimizing light pollution enhances your experience and helps preserve darkness for the wildlife that depends on it. As RVers and lovers of nature, we have the power to make a difference with just the flick of a switch.  

Happy stargazing and safe travels!