Spending time in Oklahoma’s beautiful outdoors is even better when you can stay the night. Here’s a campground that not only offers you a place to pitch your tent… it’s situated under a night sky where you’ll see thousands of stars.

Black Mesa State Park is one of Oklahoma’s most remote state parks, located along the panhandle near the New Mexico border. You’ll find it near the town of Kenton, on State Highway 325.

Black Mesa State Park/Google

This gorgeous park covers 349 acres, and there are another 1,600 acres of protected nature preserve right next door. You can spend an entire day exploring and hiking here.

BEAR/Google

At the end of the day, settle in at the Black Mesa State Park Campground, which is nestled right on the banks of Lake Carl Etling. There are 25 tent sites and 29 RV sites here, and they’re first come, first served, so get there early.

2lateIwon/Organized Chaos/Google

Most of the sites are nice and shady, and the campground includes amenities like picnic tables, restrooms, showers, and a playground.

2lateIwon/Organized Chaos/Google

As the sun sets over Black Mesa, the best is yet to come.

bingo-dingo/Tripadvisor

This park is so remote that there’s almost no light pollution, making the stars in the night sky much more visible. People come here from all over the country to gaze heavenward, and the annual Okie-Tex Star Party is held here every October.

Okie-Tex Star Party/Facebook

Even while there’s still a bit of the sunset remaining, the stars start popping up, and there are soon way too many to count.

Becky Sears/Google

If you really want a stellar view of the sky, hike up to the top of Black Mesa before sunset. Before you make the journey to Black Mesa State Park, make sure that you have plenty of food, water, and supplies. The nearest town is Kenton, but with just 17 residents, there aren’t any services there. The closest town with groceries and gas is Boise City, with is about 35 miles from the park.

Travel Oklahoma

Have you stayed at Black Mesa State Park’s campground? We’d love to hear about your stargazing experience there!

Black Mesa State Park/Google

BEAR/Google

2lateIwon/Organized Chaos/Google

bingo-dingo/Tripadvisor

Okie-Tex Star Party/Facebook

Becky Sears/Google

Travel Oklahoma

Sometimes gazing at the sky is jaw-dropping; other times, getting an eagle’s eye view from the sky is amazing. Check out this drone footage above one of Oklahoma’s most beautiful waterfalls.

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