El Vado Lake State Park

Sky Score 64/100≈ Bortle 2

8 places to stay nearby, rated for darkness ↓

El Vado Lake State Park is a protected area in New Mexico with a measured darkness of 90/100 (≈ Bortle 2), among the very darkest measurable skies we have rated: the Milky Way casts visible shadows on moonless nights. The best month to come is typically September, when about 77% of the night sky is clear.

Tonight's outlook: 32/100. The moon is 98% lit and above the horizon 96% of the night; typical September clear-sky odds here are 77%. Updated daily.

Best time to stargaze at El Vado Lake State Park

MonthClear night skiesSky Score (new moon)
January50%54/100
February59%60/100
March59%60/100
April64%64/100
May69%68/100
June72%70/100
July61%62/100
August63%64/100
September ★77%73/100
October73%71/100
November68%67/100
December56%58/100

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

Where to stay near El Vado 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 El Vado Lake State Park for each.

90/100sky darkness at this stay

#1Darkest sky of these stays

Brazos Lodge

Sky darkness
90/100
To the spot
29.4 km
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80/100sky darkness at this stay

#3

The Lodge At Chama

Sky darkness
80/100
To the spot
30.7 km
Location
Chama
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More stays nearby

Booking links are affiliate links, see the disclosure.

Live prices around Chama

Chama is the closest base to El Vado 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).