Fenton Lake State Park

Sky Score 63/100≈ Bortle 2

8 places to stay nearby, rated for darkness ↓

Fenton Lake State Park is a protected area in New Mexico with a measured darkness of 89/100 (≈ 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 74% of the night sky is clear.

Tonight's outlook: 31/100. The moon is 98% lit and above the horizon 96% of the night; typical September clear-sky odds here are 74%. Updated daily.

Best time to stargaze at Fenton Lake State Park

MonthClear night skiesSky Score (new moon)
January54%56/100
February62%62/100
March61%61/100
April67%65/100
May68%66/100
June67%66/100
July55%57/100
August58%59/100
September ★74%70/100
October71%68/100
November69%67/100
December60%60/100

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

Where to stay near Fenton 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 Fenton Lake State Park for each.

88/100sky darkness at this stay

#1Darkest sky of these stays

La Cueva Lodge

Sky darkness
88/100
To the spot
8.3 km
Location
Jemez Springs

88/100sky darkness at this stay

#2

La Cueva Lodge

Sky darkness
88/100
To the spot
8.3 km
Location
Jemez Springs

More stays nearby

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Live prices around Jemez Springs

Jemez Springs is the closest base to Fenton 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).