Sanctuary · TX, US
Black Gap Wildlife Management Area
Black Gap Wildlife Management Area is a dark sky sanctuary in West Texas, certified in 2021, next to Big Bend National Park. The 103,000-acre area lies about 55 miles south of Marathon, 18 miles down FM 2627. Camping is allowed only at designated sites, and the only restroom is at the headquarters campsite, so bring water and all supplies.
Official site (opens in new tab) View on OpenStreetMap (opens in new tab) Source (opens in new tab)
| Type | Sanctuary |
| State / Province | TX |
| Country | United States |
| Nearest town | Marathon |
| Certified | 2021 |
| Coordinates | 29.5613, -102.8870 |
| Source | https://darksky.org/places/black-gap-dark-sky-sanctuary/ (opens in new tab) |
Plan Your Night
Tonight’s moon
New Moon
0% illuminated. Rises 6:44 AM CST. Sets 5:32 PM CST. Times are local to the park.
Next new moon
November 9, 2026
The darkest, best-for-stargazing night in the current lunar cycle. See the full trip planner for the next 12 months of new-moon windows.
Upcoming meteor showers
- Leonids Meteor Shower Peak 2026, November 17, 2026
- Geminids Meteor Shower Peak 2026, December 13, 2026
- Ursids Meteor Shower Peak 2026, December 22, 2026
5 nearest dark sky places
- Big Bend National Park · 39 km (24 mi)
- Big Bend Ranch State Park · 114 km (71 mi)
- Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve · 150 km (93 mi)
- Devils River State Natural Area, Del Norte Unit · 193 km (120 mi)
- South Llano River State Park · 312 km (194 mi)