Can you hear it? Nebraska’s Sandhills are calling. This fall the Niobrara National Scenic River and its partners are offering a series of free night-sky programs.
These special events are especially friendly to RVers who enjoy guided stargazing and informational talks on nocturnal wildlife. What’s more, volunteers with telescopes will be on hand with star charts to help you find the good stuff.
What and where
The National Park Service has scheduled multiple programs at Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area and at the Niobrara Valley Preserve. Events listed include an evening at Boardman Creek Campground (Merritt Reservoir) and a night-sky viewing at the Nature Conservancy’s Niobrara Valley Preserve. Scheduled activities range from bat and owl talks to guided stargazing. All events are free and open to the public.
Here’s the itinerary
September 27, 2025. Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area (Boardman Creek Campground), 8:00 p.m. This evening program features a presentation on bats plus volunteer-led stargazing.
October 17, 2025. Niobrara Valley Preserve (Nature Conservancy), 8:00 p.m. “Adventure Through the Night Sky” with NPS rangers and volunteers. Topics include impacts of light on nocturnal wildlife (owls, bats, moths) and guided sky viewing.
October 18, 2025. Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area (Boardman Creek Campground), 8:00 p.m. A second night of stargazing and nocturnal-creature programming led by NPS staff and Nebraska Game and Parks volunteers.
A top pick
Here’s a bit of information about each site:
Merritt Reservoir sits in a large, sparsely populated stretch of the Sandhills and is recognized for its very dark skies. That low light pollution makes it a favorite for organized gatherings like the Nebraska Star Party and smaller ranger-led viewings.
On clear nights, you can expect to see the great Milky Way and views of the deep sky. If you want a reliably dark patch of sky with RV camping right nearby, Merritt is one of the best local options.
Niobrara Valley Preserve is a large Nature Conservancy. This managed property lies along the Niobrara River in northern Nebraska. It protects the river corridor and its surrounding prairies, woodlands, and bluff habitats.
Niobrara is prized for its unusually high biodiversity, with plants and animals from both eastern and western North America. It’s a favorite for birding, wildlife viewing, and scenic hiking.
Campgrounds nearby
Merritt Reservoir’s campgrounds offer a mix of electric-plus sites and basic sites. There are modern restrooms and showers, and an on-site dump and fill station. Many sites can be reserved in advance. (Reservations open up to 180 days ahead for some sites.)
Niobrara State Park also has electric-plus and basic RV sites with drinking water, showers, and a dump station. Plan your hookup needs and reserve a site if you want a guaranteed spot near event locations.
Permits and fees
The stargazing programs themselves are free. However, Nebraska requires a vehicle park entry permit for motorized vehicles entering state parks and recreation areas. Annual and daily permits can be purchased online or at park offices.
Check the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission permit page before you head out so you’re legal and ready to roll.
How to prepare
- Park staff recommend you dress warmly and bring a telescope if you have one. Also, pack water and snacks.
- A red flashlight (or red LED headlamp) is great for preserving dark-adapted night vision while moving around camp.
(Note: Bring binoculars. They’re small, fast to set up, and perfect for scanning the Milky Way band and star clusters.)
Stargazing etiquette and safety
- Arrive early enough to find a safe, level pull-through or parking spot.
- Keep RV lights off or use red light.
- Avoid loud generators during programs.
- Pack layers. Nebraska nights can get chilly even if the day was warm.
- If you’re parking off-site near an event, obey posted signs and follow ranger directions for where to park overnight or for the program.
Extend your trip
If you want to extend your stargazing trip, explore the broader Nebraska Astronomy Trail and regional events.
Lincoln is the state’s go-to spot for amateur astronomy, and just outside the city you’ll find the Branched Oak Observatory. It’s right beside Branched Oak Lake State Recreation Area, a handy place to camp and watch the sky.
The site at Branched Oak includes two observational buildings: a dome with a permanently mounted telescope and a second observatory with a roll-off roof. The facility is built for practical stargazing, with poured concrete observing pads and piers, power and water hookups, and even Wi-Fi.
Many local tourism sites also list guided dark sky tours, telescope rentals, and nearby RV services if you need hookups, fuel, or a dump station outside of the park.
You should go!
One tourist commented, “The Milky Way is so bright, it cast shadows!” That’s a good enough recommendation for me! How about you? Plan your trip today.
RELATED
- Amazing experience at Utah’s Dark Sky RV Campground
- Thousand Hills State Park: Missouri’s first official Dark Sky haven
- Here are the best “Dark Sky Parks” to stargaze in the U.S.
RVT1126b
Thank you for the news and all the additional information, Gail! Sounds fascinating. Sadly, we’ll be hundreds of miles away or tens of miles and having our RV repaired. Have a great weekend and safe travels!