The One Oregon Airbnb You Need To Book for Epic Dark Sky Views

No matter where the wind takes you, there are really only two ways to "vacation." On the one hand, you can head somewhere new and spend a long weekend exploring: visiting museums, rodeos, and festivals, and enjoying the area's unique culture and eats before you head home knowing you experienced a place to the fullest. On the other hand, you might prefer a quiet, unplugged getaway that's far, far away from the downtown scene—whether that be at the beach, in the mountains, or somewhere in between. For those who prefer the latter (same here!), Prineville, Oregon, is quite possibly one of the cutest towns in Central Oregon that you've never thought to visit. Not only is Prineville a rockhounding mecca that's packed with outdoorsy things to do, it's also home to Prineville Reservoir State Park, Oregon's original International Dark Sky Park.

On the International Bortle Scale, Prineville Reservoir State Park rates a solid 2, which means the park's skies are absolutely phenomenal for stargazing. But head just beyond the park's outskirts into the wilds of East-Central Oregon's outback and you'll find equally stunning skies with just a tad more breathing room. This is where the heavens really come to life. Out here, soaring above the scenic, untouched Oregon high desert, the skies are crystal-clear, expansive, and full of more stars and swirling galaxies than seemingly possible, all perfectly visible with the naked eye. If you're ready to experience all this celestial magic for yourself, you'll find a stargazing Airbnb here that's so perfectly positioned to admire the heavens that you'll almost forget you're not floating through outer space.

Set on 20 private acres, just over a mile from the edge of the state park and right in the heart of Oregon's Dark Sky Country, is Pete's Cabin: a darling family cabin perched on a hill with breathtaking views. From up here, you'll enjoy spectacular views of the lake and Crooked River from above, as well as the state park stretching out below, lined by the Ochoco Mountains and the sweeping Ochoco National Forest. The panoramic views can't be overhyped—with so much beauty and serenity right outside the front door, there's a reason why guests return to this cabin time and time again. In fact, you don't even have to leave the front porch to enjoy all the natural beauty.

Historic, lovingly built, and the perfect blend of rustic-modern, Pete's Cabin is spacious, peaceful, and well-appointed with everything you need to enjoy the property's magnificent seclusion. From fluffy towels and darling vintage quilts to the family dining table that feels like home (but better), every corner oozes warmth with dozens of cozy, familiar touches. The upper floor bedrooms are particularly welcoming with their massive windows, wide-open views, and historic furnishings. However, you'll find brilliant views from just about every corner of the cabin. Pete's Cabin houses up to eight guests, meaning there's plenty of room for the whole family.

On chilly nights, the stone fireplace at the heart of the cabin is the perfect place to snuggle up and admire the expansive views, but on warm nights, the spacious front porch has the best seat in the house to catch a cool breeze and a gorgeous sunset over the valley.

Internet access here is limited, which is perfect for those craving an unplugged retreat. But don't worry about being bored! Between the horseshoes, the pool table, the darts, and the swings, kiddos of all ages will be fully entertained by day, while adults might prefer kicking back in the hammock, lighting up the grill, or hitting a nearby trail. This is the peaceful cabin getaway you've always dreamed of, with easy access to the state park and boat launch if you feel like embarking on a quick adventure.

As the sun starts to sink below the horizon, that's when Pete's Cabin really shines ... or twinkles, perhaps. With so much acreage all to yourself, and both the state park and the national forest just steps away, the quiet here is unmatched, save for the sounds of wildlife. The area's trademark dark skies are all-encompassing too, glittering with the celestial beauty of thousands of constellations. Stay up late enough, and the Milky Way will feel so close you can almost touch it. Lunar events, meteor showers, planetary alignments—whatever astronomical events are on the horizon, this cabin is in the perfect spot to enjoy them, not only because of the pitch-black skies, but because of its elevated vantage point.

There's plenty of room to set up even your most over-the-top astronomy gear for peak celestial views, if you have it. Or, more casual stargazers can also admire the heavens the old-fashioned way: sitting around the fire pit with loved ones, wrapped up in a throw blanket on the front porch, from one of the many lounging spots around the property, or from the deck hot tub.

Pete's Cabin typically accepts guests year-round, and there's no bad season to enjoy this special spot. Fall and winter have the longest nights and the clearest skies, but spring and summer have the benefit of comfier viewing temperature-wise.

Prineville Reservoir State Park is a haven for astronomy enthusiasts of all levels, with dozens of scenic corners to set up a telescope, as well as ranger-led dark-sky programs during peak seasons. But as brilliant as the cosmos are in this area, stargazing isn't all Prineville has to offer. Ochoco Wayside State Park has plenty of trails of its own to explore, and Crooked River Scenic Drive is the perfect way to view some of the area's most amazing scenery. Or, if you're ready to play amateur geologist for a day, Prineville is well-known for its rockhounding, with agates, geodes, and various gemstones all able to be spotted along the town's creeks. Grab an official rockhounding guide to find all the best spots so you can officially add "treasure-hunter" to your resume!

Planning an epic stargazing adventure this season? Use Only In Your State's AI Travel Planner to map out all the best camping spots, eats, and daytime activities along the way.