If you've ever driven through the West Texas desert, you know just how remote it truly is. What most people don't understand is that it's not only one of the most isolated places in the state, but in the entire world. Boasting some of the darkest skies on earth, Big Bend affords visitors the opportunity to see more than 2,000 stars with the naked eye. Which is why Big Bend National Park stargazing is such a magical experience.

Located hundreds of miles away from the nearest civilization, Big Bend is among the most remote, and least visited, national parks in the lower 48.

Big Bend is one of the darkest places in the entire world. It's so dark, in fact, that the park was officially designated by the International Dark Sky Association in 2012.

Only 13 other places worldwide share the park's gold-tier designation awarded by the IDA. Even more impressive, the organization ranked Big Bend #4 on its list of the top seven stargazing destinations on earth. Hot Springs Canyon Trail and Rio Grande Village Nature Trail provide some of the least obstructed vistas, and three different campgrounds give you somewhere to sleep to avoid a long, potentially dangerous hike back out in the dark.

Experts estimate about 2,000 stars are visible to the naked eye on any given night. That's in stark contrast to the mere few hundred that one can see in a big city with light pollution.

This is the Pleiades Star Cluster, located in the constellation Taurus. It's the star cluster closest to Earth and most obvious without the use of any equipment. Isn't it beautiful? You might even catch a glimpse of the International Space Station while your eyes are turned skyward.

Nearby Big Bend Ranch State Park is also a Dark Sky Place, receiving its certification three years ago. It's the largest state park in Texas, sitting on more than 300,000 acres of rugged landscape. River Road, the West Contrabando Trailhead, Big Hill, and the Hoodoos offer the best views, and all are accessible by vehicle.

If you need a place to stay and aren't keen on camping, the Marathon Motel is just north of the national park. It has a high-powered telescope on site so visitors can see the stars up close and identify constellations.

There are so many enchanting places to stay near Big Bend National Park. Take a look at these VRBO rentals for some fun ideas.

You can also spend a night at the gorgeous Gage Hotel. Rumor has it -- its' a haunted hotel!

I love staying here when I'm in the area. Though I've never seen a ghost at the Gage, I have enjoyed a delicious steak dinner and I got a gorgeous view of the night sky.

Visit Big Bend's official page or the International Dark Sky Association website to learn more about stargazing at this Texas state park.

Have you ever gone stargazing in Big Bend National Park? If so, what area of the park had the best celestial views?