Brantley Lake State Park

Sky Score 51/100≈ Bortle 4

8 places to stay nearby, rated for darkness ↓

Brantley Lake State Park is a protected area in New Mexico with a measured darkness of 69/100 (≈ Bortle 4), a good rural sky: the Milky Way is clearly visible, with some glow on the horizon toward nearby towns. The best month to come is typically May, when about 75% of the night sky is clear.

Tonight's outlook: 23/100. The moon is 98% lit and above the horizon 96% of the night; typical September clear-sky odds here are 70%. Updated daily.

Best time to stargaze at Brantley Lake State Park

MonthClear night skiesSky Score (new moon)
January67%51/100
February64%49/100
March64%49/100
April71%53/100
May ★75%55/100
June70%52/100
July64%49/100
August61%47/100
September70%52/100
October72%54/100
November68%51/100
December64%49/100

Scores assume a moonless night, check the moon before you drive (methodology).

Where to stay near Brantley Lake State Park: sleep under a dark sky

We measured the night sky over each stay below, not just over the spot: the darkness score is computed at the hotel's own location, so you know what you'll see from the door. Sorted darkest sky first, with the distance to Brantley Lake State Park for each.

Comfort Suites#1Darkest sky of these stays

Comfort Suites

9.0Guests love it(656 reviews)

Comfort Suites Carlsbad offers a seasonal outdoor pool and hot tub, along with complimentary WiFi and hot breakfast each morning. Located 30 minutes' drive from Carlsbad Caverns National Park, the hotel features air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen TVs, free parking, and a fitness center.

Sky darkness
41/100
To the spot
17.1 km
Location
Carlsbad
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41/100sky darkness at this stay

#2

U.S. Travelers Inn and Suites

Sky darkness
41/100
To the spot
17.6 km
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Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Carlsbad#3

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Carlsbad

8.8Very well rated(140 reviews)

This Holiday Inn Express in Carlsbad offers comfortable family rooms with air-conditioning, free WiFi, and modern amenities including a coffee machine, refrigerator, and work desk in each room. Guests can unwind with access to an indoor swimming pool and hot tub, plus a 24-hour front desk for convenience.

Sky darkness
41/100
To the spot
18 km
Location
Carlsbad
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More stays nearby

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Live prices around Carlsbad

Carlsbad is the closest base to Brantley Lake State Park with rooms to book. The map shows everything available there right now, including the hotels, apartments and cabins we do not rate. Use the stays above when darkness decides, use the map when price or availability does.

Prices and availability come from the booking partners shown on the map, and we earn a commission on bookings made through it. Sky darkness is measured only for the stays listed above.

Nearby spots in New Mexico

Sky data: NASA Black Marble VJ146A4 2025 annual composite · clear-sky climatology ERA5 2015–2024 (methodology).