If you’ve ever looked up at the night sky and thought, “Wow, I wish I could see more than five stars,” you’re not alone.
Between city lights and cloudy nights, finding a good spot to actually see the stars in Georgia can be tricky.
But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with the best stargazing spots in Georgia.
We’re talking about places where the sky goes full-on galaxy mode, where the Milky Way shows off, and where shooting stars are just part of the view.
Whether you’re into telescopes, campfires, or just laying on a blanket and looking up, these eight spots bring the wow-factor after dark.
Ready to find out where the real magic happens once the sun goes down?
Keep reading—you’re gonna want to add these to your nighttime bucket list.
1. Fort Mountain State Park
Fort Mountain State Park sits high in the North Georgia mountains, right outside the town of Chatsworth, and it’s packed with 3,712 acres of forest, scenic overlooks, and winding trails.
It’s known for its mysterious 885-foot-long ancient rock wall which was likely built by Indigenous people, as well as the short trail system that leads to epic sunsets and starry night views at 2,850 feet.
With super dark skies, minimal light pollution, and wide open spaces near the lake and fire tower, this spot is perfect for stargazing, especially on clear summer nights.
2. Stephen C. Foster State Park
If you want to see stars and alligators in the same night, Stephen C. Foster State Park is your place.
It’s deep in the Okefenokee Swamp, way down in southern Georgia near Fargo.
This park is actually a certified Gold Tier Dark Sky Park (aka one of the best stargazing spots in the entire Southeast), with skies so clear you can see the Milky Way stretch from one side of the sky to the other.
Bring a kayak or hop on a night boat tour to float through the swamp under a sky full of stars, with frogs croaking and Spanish moss swaying around you.
It’s like stargazing on a whole other planet.
3. Brasstown Bald
Next up is Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia at 4,784 feet, so yes, you can expect some pretty epic views.
You can hike the steep but short 0.6-mile Summit Trail or hop on a shuttle to reach the observation deck.
Once you’re at the observation deck, you’ll get 360-degree views stretching across four states (Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina) on a clear day.
At night, the sky turns into a planetarium show, with super dark skies and hardly any light pollution.
It’s just you, the stars, and the feeling that you’re on top of the whole world.
4. Deerlick Astronomy Village
If you’re really serious about stargazing, Deerlick Astronomy Village is next-level.
It’s a private community built entirely for people who are obsessed with the night sky.
Located near Sharon, Georgia (less than two hours east of Atlanta), this place has some of the darkest skies in the state and hosts public star parties where you can peek through giant telescopes and geek out over galaxies.
There’s no camping here unless you’re a guest or visiting for a specific public event, but trust me, it’s worth planning around—this place is like a secret club for star lovers.
Please note: Deerlick Astronomy Village is a private community, and regular access is limited to members. If you’re planning a visit, you’ll need to either become a member or time your trip with a special public event—like the Peach State Star Gaze—which requires advance registration.
5. Carter’s Lake
Carter’s Lake is a stargazing gem tucked in the North Georgia mountains near Ellijay, with 3,200 acres of water and some seriously peaceful vibes.
The boat ramps, campgrounds, and even Ridgeway Recreation Area offer wide-open skies and zero city lights, so you get pitch-black nights perfect for spotting constellations and maybe even a shooting star or two.
Set up a tent right by the shoreline, kick back in a hammock, and let the stars do their thing while the lake quietly reflects it all like a giant cosmic mirror.
6. Hard Labor Creek State Park
Hard Labor Creek State Park, the name might sound intense, but it’s actually one of the chillest stargazing spots around.
It’s also only about an hour east of Atlanta, near Rutledge, so it’s pretty easy to get to if you live in Atlanta.
It’s home to the Hard Labor Creek Observatory (operated by Georgia State University), and on public astronomy nights, you can peek through high-powered telescopes and learn all about what’s twinkling overhead.
There’s plenty of space to set up a blanket near Lake Rutledge or the golf course after dark, so you can soak up the stars without any city glare messing with your view.
7. Hogpen Gap
Hogpen Gap is a roadside pull-off with big-time stargazing power, sitting at high elevation along the seriously scenic Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway.
There’s access to the Appalachian Trail, and it’s surrounded by Chattahoochee National Forest, so there’s minimal light pollution, just a wide-open sky full of stars and the quiet hum of crickets.
Bring a blanket, park your car, and stay up late watching the sky light up with constellations, meteors, and maybe even the glow of the Milky Way if the night’s clear.
8. Red Top Mountain State Park
Last on the list is Red Top Mountain State Park, just 40 minutes north of Atlanta near Lake Allatoona—but it feels way farther once the sun goes down.
There are plenty of open spots along the shoreline and near the Visitor Center where you can catch clear views of the night sky reflecting off the 12,000-acre lake.
It’s super easy to get to, which makes it perfect for a spontaneous stargazing night.
Just pack some snacks, grab a red flashlight, and get ready for a sky full of stars without the long drive (if you live in Atlanta).
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