Best Places to See the Northern Lights in the U.S. in 2025

Panning across the northern U.S., the Aurora Borealis – better known as the Northern Lights – make their appearance. You can miss it if you’re not looking for it! In this blog, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the Northern Lights. We’ll talk about the science behind the aurora. Then, we’ll cover the best time and places to camp for optimal viewing of this spectacular event.

What is the Aurora Borealis?

The Aurora Borealis is a colorful light display in the night sky. According to this article from Space.com, it happens when charged particles from the sun collide with gases in the atmosphere, and the colors change depending on the type of gas and the altitude where particles collide. They can appear as brushstrokes of reds, greens, blues, and purples. Learn more about how this phenomenon works here.

So even though it happens at night, the sun has a lot to do with viewing the Northern Lights!  2025 is forecasted to be a unique and excellent year for viewing the aurora. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the solar maximum peaked in July 2025.

That’s great news for campers! Here are some of the best places to camp and explore to see the Northern Lights.

The Ultimate Northern Lights Destinations in America

The Aurora Borealis earned its nickname for a reason: the north! This is the perfect time to set up a cozy tent, bundle up with a warm drink, and watch the magic happen.

Check out these states and destinations to plan your Northern Lights viewing.

Fairbanks, Alaska

We couldn’t get away without mentioning Fairbanks, Alaska! Dark skies and strong geomagnetic activity make the Northern Lights extremely vivid here. Fairbanks is accessible by plane or car. There are lots of camping options in the area. Check out Hipcamp to find the perfect spot to set up your cozy camping tent and view the lights! 

Beaver Island, Lake Michigan

Beaver Island in Lake Michigan is a designated Dark Sky Sanctuary. Campers can enjoy exceptionally dark night skies surrounded by protected land and wildlife. It’s a perfect destination to watch the Northern Lights. There are two primitive campgrounds on the island. Additionally, there is one luxury glamping location.

Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument, Maine

Maine offers various remote, Dark Sky locations for East Coast enthusiasts. But the Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument is one of the very best. This is an International Dark Sky Sanctuary. That means it has pristine conditions for viewing the Northern Lights. Year-round camping is available by reservation.

Idaho Panhandle National Forest, Idaho

This unexpected location is special! The Northern Lights reflecting on Priest Lake is a must-see. Colors reflect on the water and seemingly expand the view of the night sky. There are many campgrounds to pitch your camping tent and watch the sky.

Glacier National Park, Montana

There are so many locations in Glacier National Park to get a spectacular view of the auroras. Whether you’re watching from your tent at the expansive Bowman Lake or the quaint Quartz Creek. Dark skies, scenic drives, and gorgeous lookouts make this an ideal place to watch. Camp inside the park for an unforgettable outdoor experience.

A Few Tips for Viewing the Northern Lights

Just like stargazing, viewing the Northern Lights takes a little adjusting. Even with the vivid colors. Follow these tips for the best experience viewing the Northern Lights.

Let Your Eyes Adjust

For the best experience, let your eyes adjust to the darkness for at least half an hour. This takes the strain off your eyes. If you must have light, try red light! Lanterns and headlamps often have a red light setting.

Track Aurora Activity

Watch the forecast! Solar winds, cloud coverage, moon phase, and more all affect visibility. Keeping an eye on these factors will help you plan and prepare for your viewing. Online resources like NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center provide updates and alerts. There are many apps to download with loads of current forecast information, too! Check out this informative blog for recommendations.

As with any outdoor adventure, knowing the forecast and what to expect will help you plan your trip to be the best!

How to Set Up Camp for Optimal Viewing of the Northern Lights

It’s time to plan the perfect camp setup for a successful viewing of the Aurora Borealis! With the proper tent, heating arrangement, and accessories, you’ll have a cozy time. Get ready to have an unforgettable Northern Lights experience!

Camping in The Perfect Tent

Watching the Northern Lights from your camping tent is so cozy and intimate. Pick an insulated, canvas tent for chilly nights. Large windows and doors for viewing are a must! For large groups, the Regatta, Altimus, and Avalon Bell Tents are ideal. They feature ample floor space for hosting multiple aurora enthusiasts.

What do all these tents have in common? Floor-to-ceiling door windows! Campers can arrange sleeping bags or chairs by the big doors and watch right outside the tent. Enjoy the colors from the comfort of your own tent!

Camping Accessories for Cozy Stargazing

The right camping accessories can really enhance your Northern Lights viewing! Bring multipurpose items, a warm sleeping arrangement, heating solutions, and more!

Multipurpose gear is a must on any camping trip. When viewing the Northern Lights, items like a tarp come in handy for a lot of reasons when camping. A canvas tarp is great to lie on if you want to view the lights outside. It’s waterproof, protecting campers from the dew and adding a layer of insulation in the night.

The Northern Lights take place at night. Meaning you’ll either be staying up late or waking up in the middle of the night. Disrupted sleep is never fun– even if you are watching a natural light show! Get the best possible rest in between viewings. Bring a comfy sleeping pad or platform. Complete with a down sleeping bag, extra blankets, and pillows. Red light headlamps and lanterns are great for nighttime visibility. Red light doesn’t disrupt the retinas as much as white light does. 

A tent stove is an absolute must for your Northern Lights excursion! Having heat radiate from your tent while you watch the stars is by far the coziest and best way to do it. Coming in from the cold night, and warming up by the glow of a tent stove can’t be beat.

Wrapping Up…

The Northern Lights display the relationship between the sun and Earth’s atmosphere. So, where will you go? There are so many remote locations, Dark Skies, and national parks across the northern U.S.– many of these are optimal viewing locations. So, if you’re craving to see them, make it a worthwhile adventure!

If you’ve never visited the northern U.S. before, the Northern Lights are a great excuse to make it happen. From the remote town of Fairbanks, Alaska, to the protected forests of Maine. It’s time to start planning your trip. For those located in the more midwestern region, you’re in luck, too. Idaho, Michigan, Montana– first of all, these states are gorgeous. They also offer more than just the perfect certified Dark Skies for viewing the lights. These locations also offer a wealth of outdoor adventure and unique experiences. So whether you’re visiting a national park, a monument, or just wanting a cool northern location, you can’t go wrong. 

As you plan a location, remember to constantly check the forecast. And we don’t just mean the weather (although that’s important, too)! We’re talking about the atmospheric forecast. Keep up to date on NOAA’s site, read blogs, and talk to rangers at the location you plan on visiting!

Prepare yourself and your crew for the best viewing experience. Set up camp with an amazing tent and gear designed to enhance your time. Multipurpose gear, stoves, and a reliable sleeping arrangement will serve you well.

Give yourself something to cross off your bucket list this year! 

Happy Camping!