Park · NC, US
Cape Lookout National Seashore
Cape Lookout National Seashore is a chain of barrier islands off North Carolina, certified as an International Dark Sky Park in 2021. The islands are about three miles offshore and reached by ferry, so bring all the food, water and supplies you need. You can camp on the islands, stargaze on your own or join a public astronomy program.
Official site (opens in new tab) View on OpenStreetMap (opens in new tab) Source (opens in new tab)
| Type | Park |
| State / Province | NC |
| Country | United States |
| Nearest town | Harkers Island |
| Certified | 2021 |
| Coordinates | 34.8308, -76.3421 |
| Source | https://darksky.org/places/cape-lookout-national-seashore-dark-sky-park/ (opens in new tab) |
Plan Your Night
Tonight’s moon
New Moon
0% illuminated. Rises 6:03 AM EST. Sets 4:32 PM EST. 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
- Staunton River State Park · 297 km (184 mi)
- James River State Park · 381 km (237 mi)
- Natural Bridge State Park · 424 km (264 mi)
- Rappahannock County Park · 461 km (286 mi)
- Observatory Park at Turner Farm · 471 km (293 mi)