Posted in Oklahoma Camping, Nature December 06, 2022 by

This Year-Round Campground In Oklahoma Is One Of America’s Most Incredible Dark Sky Parks

Black Mesa in Oklahoma offers a one-of-a-kind camping experience. People travel from all over the world because it boasts some of the darkest nighttime skies on publicly accessible land in the country. And, the great thing about Black Mesa State Park where it is located, is that it has a year-round campground with primitive campsites and RV spots, so you can view millions of majestic stars at night while enjoying nature.

Black Mesa State Park and Black Mesa Nature Preserve are located in the town of Kenton, along the tri-state border with Colorado and New Mexico. There's nothing around for miles and miles, which makes it the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is also home to the highest point in Oklahoma at 4,973 feet above sea level.
bingo dingo/Tripadvisor
Kenton is one of the most isolated and remote towns in Oklahoma. As such, there's nothing around for miles and miles, which makes it the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is also home to the highest point in Oklahoma at 4,973 feet above sea level.
The park is not only famous for having the highest point in the state...
aliza brown/google photos
... but it also boasts some of the darkest nighttime skies on publicly accessible land in the country.
Camping is very popular here, as there are not very many lodging options in the area. The campground is open year-round, so you can enjoy the night skies 365 days a year.
centibot/Tripadvisor
The campground is open year-round, so you can enjoy the night skies 365 days a year.
Guests can choose from three different camping areas or if you have an RV they have a special section with hookups.
Latasha B/Tripadvisor
If you need to pick up any items for your stay ahead of time, you might consider stopping at one of the many great flea markets in Oklahoma.
While visiting, consider a daytime hike up to the peak or to view these unusual rock formations called "The Wedding Party."
around the world/google photos
If you enjoy hiking and camping in Oklahoma, this is definitely the place!
The dark skies draw thousands of astronomy enthusiasts to the park every year, as they make star gazing ideal.
becky sears/google photos
What you will see here are some of the most breathtaking views in the state.
Even the sunrises are majestic and worthy of an early morning wake-up.
bingo dingo/Tripadvisor
Can you imagine waking up to this kind of colorful sky where dinosaurs once roamed?
Campsite rates per night are very budget-friendly so you can experience all of this magic for a nominal fee. Just remember be sure to bring all your supplies with you because the area is very desolate and the nearest store is miles and miles away.
prithviraj kadiyala/google photos
Another important consideration is the weather, which varies dramatically throughout the year, especially during the winter.

Have you ever been to Black Mesa? If so, what did you like best? We’d love to read about your experiences in the comments below, as well as see your beautiful night sky photos! To book a campsite or for more information on Black Mesa, go to the Black Mesa State Park Campground website.

Black Mesa is not only famous for its night skies but for its unique rock formations that look like something from another planet. If you’re interested in learning more about hiking to these rocks, read this interesting article.

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Address: Black Mesa State Park & Nature Preserve, OK-325, Kenton, OK 73946, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

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December 11, 2022
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