6 Best Stargazing Spots in Hudson Valley for Fall 2025

Whether you’re an amateur with binoculars, a seasoned astronomer with a telescope, or someone who just wants to lie on a blanket and spot constellations, the Hudson Valley has incredible dark-sky spots waiting for you. Let’s dive into the best of the best.

Why Hudson Valley is a Stargazing Paradise

The Hudson Valley may be known for its historic towns and scenic hikes, but its night skies are equally spectacular.

Unlike the glow of New York City, this region has wide open spaces, mountain ridges, and forested parks that shield stargazers from light pollution.

In fall, the sky gets darker earlier, bugs vanish, and the cooler air makes stars appear sharper and brighter.

Pair that with colorful leaves during the day, and you’ve got the perfect two-in-one experience: leaf-peeping and stargazing.

Best of the Best Stargazing Spots in Hudson Valley for Fall 2025

1. Lake Taghkanic State Park (Columbia County)

If you’re looking for a mix of water reflections and wide open skies, Lake Taghkanic is unbeatable.

Families love it here because it’s easily accessible, with campgrounds, cabins, and picnic areas.

• Fees & Permits: Entry fee is about $10 per vehicle, camping fees apply if staying overnight.
• Facilities: Restrooms, picnic shelters, campgrounds, cabins, and boat rentals.
• Accessibility: Easy drive-in access; great for families and beginners.
• Nearby Attractions: The artsy town of Hudson is close by, plus wineries and antique shops.
• Transport: Best reached by car, but Amtrak stops at Hudson with short taxi rides available.
• Events: Occasionally used by local astronomy groups for informal stargazing meet-ups.

2. North–South Lake Campground (Greene County, Catskills)

This is hands down one of the most popular camping and stargazing spots in the Catskills. With sweeping views of the Hudson Valley from spots like Artist’s Rock and Sunset Rock.

The campground has more than 200 sites, so you can stay overnight and combine hiking with a night under the stars.

• Fees & Permits: Around $22 per night; day-use fee of $10 per car. Reservations recommended.
• Facilities: Large campground, showers, picnic areas, and boat rentals.
• Accessibility: Well-marked trails but some require moderate hiking. Family-friendly camping areas available.
• Nearby Attractions: Kaaterskill Falls and Catskill Mountain trails.
• Transport: Closest by car; limited bus service from Kingston.
• Events: Popular site for astronomy club “star parties” during new moon weekends.

3. Little Pond State Campground (Delaware County)

For those who crave peace and quiet, Little Pond is a stargazer’s dream. Nestled deep in the woods, it’s one of the most secluded camping areas in the Hudson Valley region.

The skies here are incredibly dark, perfect for spotting the Milky Way on moonless nights.

• Fees & Permits: $15–$20 nightly fees; reservation strongly advised.
• Facilities: Tent sites, showers, fire pits, and picnic tables.
• Accessibility: Remote but accessible by car; short hikes around the pond.
• Nearby Attractions: Scenic trails within Catskill Park.
• Transport: No public transit nearby; driving required.
• Events: Occasionally used for smaller, guided stargazing programs.

4. Mongaup Pond State Campground (Catskills)

Mongaup Pond is the largest body of water in the Catskill Park, and it’s surrounded by forest that blocks light pollution from all sides.

Campers love it because the skies here are as dark as they get in New York, making it a favorite for astronomy enthusiasts.

If you’re serious about stargazing in Fall 2025, this should be on your list.

• Fees & Permits: Camping fees range $20–$22 per night.
• Facilities: Over 160 campsites, showers, restrooms, and picnic areas.
• Accessibility: Family-friendly campground with easy access to water.
• Nearby Attractions: Slide Mountain and Catskill scenic byways.
• Transport: Only accessible by car.
• Events: Dark skies here attract amateur astronomers who often organize local stargazing nights.

5. Beebe Hill Multiple Use Area (Columbia County)

Not everyone knows about Beebe Hill, which makes it even more special. This elevated forest area offers wide open skies and a fire tower that’s perfect for panoramic stargazing.

• Fees & Permits: Free entry; no permits required.
• Facilities: Primitive area, minimal facilities, bring your own supplies.
• Accessibility: Moderate hike required to reach the fire tower; not suitable for everyone.
• Nearby Attractions: Copake Lake and Taconic State Park are close by.
• Transport: Best reached by car; parking available at trailheads.
• Events: Astronomy groups occasionally gather here during meteor showers.

6. Harvey Mountain State Forest (Columbia County)

Rugged, quiet, and off the beaten path — Harvey Mountain is where you go if you want stargazing without distractions.

With its high elevation and minimal light pollution, the skies here are crystal clear. The forest itself is peaceful, with trails that are especially beautiful in autumn.

Pro Insider Tips

• Pair your trip with a fall foliage hike during the day for the ultimate seasonal adventure.
• Astronomy clubs like the Mid-Hudson Astronomical Association sometimes host star parties — a great way to learn and connect.
• September to mid-November is peak stargazing season, with the clearest skies usually in October.
• Bring a star map app like Stellarium or Star Walk — it makes spotting planets, constellations, and galaxies way easier.

Conclusion

Fall 2025 is the perfect time to escape the city lights and reconnect with the cosmos. From lakeside reflections at Lake Taghkanic to the dark skies of Mongaup Pond, the Hudson Valley has some of the best stargazing spots in New York.

Read More: 9 Best of the Best Camping Spots in Hudson Valley for Fall 2025