Dark Sky Stargazing -
Viewing Calendar, Guides & Tips

Cowboys and Angels Retreat offers some of the finest stargazing conditions in Texas, with our remote location earning a coveted Bortle 3 rating on the Dark Sky Scale. 

Located on 50 pristine acres in the Texas Hill Country near Kerrville, our campground sits far from major cities and light pollution sources, providing the dark skies essential for exceptional astronomical observation. At Bortle 3, the Milky Way appears prominently overhead, faint galaxies become visible to the naked eye, and planetary details emerge clearly through modest telescopes.

Our elevation and clear atmospheric conditions, combined with minimal light pollution, create ideal viewing for a full range of celestial events throughout the year. Whether you’re tracking planetary oppositions, hunting meteor showers, observing deep sky objects, or capturing astrophotography, our dark skies offer the pristine viewing conditions that urban areas simply cannot provide. The lack of atmospheric interference allows for crisp planetary detail, while our dry climate ensures numerous clear nights perfect for extended observation sessions.

Below you’ll find our comprehensive astronomy calendar featuring monthly highlights, optimal viewing times, and specific guidance for observing from our Bortle 3 location. From the spectacular Geminid meteor showers in December to rare planetary oppositions like Uranus in November, we provide the exact information you need to plan your stargazing adventures. 

*Please note that the stargazing calendar below shows what you will be able to see from your current location. In other words, if you are viewing the calendar in Seattle, it will show what will be visible in Seattle. If you are viewing it in the vicinity of Texas Hill Country, you will see the same results at our campground.