An IDA International Dark Sky Park (IDSP) is a land possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment. The land may be publicly owned, or privately owned provided that the landowner(s) consent to the right of permanent, ongoing public access to specific areas included in the IDA designation.
If you are interested in applying or learning more about how to become an International Dark Sky Park, click here:
2018 Submission Deadline Dates
| 29 January 2018 | 26 March 2018 |
| 28 May 2018 | 23 July 2018 |
| 24 September 2018 | 26 November 2018 |
| 28 January 2019 |
2019 Submission Deadline Dates
| 28 January 2019 | 25 March 2019 |
| 27 May 2019 | 29 July 2019 |
| 30 September 2019 | 25 November 2019 |
Download the current International Dark Sky Park guidelines
NOTE: IDA published a major revision of the IDSP guidelines on 1 June 2018. New nominations initiated between 1 June and 1 December 2018 may, at the discretion of the initiator, follow either the existing (2015) or new (2018) guidelines version. All nominations initiated after 1 December 2018 MUST use the 2018 version.
2018 IDSP Guidelines
2015 IDSP Guidelines
Resources for applicants
How to conduct a night sky quality survey
For current International Dark Sky Parks
Writing International Dark Sky Park annual reports
Certified IDA International Dark Sky Parks
- Albanyà (Spain)
- Antelope Island State Park (U.S.)
- Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (U.S.)
- Ballycroy National Park and Wild Nephin Wilderness (Ireland)
- Big Bend National Park (U.S.)
- Big Bend Ranch State Park (U.S.)
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (U.S.)
- Bodmin Moor Dark Sky Landscape (England)
- Bükk National Park (Hungary)
- Canyonlands National Park (U.S.)
- Capitol Reef National Park (U.S.)
- Capulin Volcano National Monument (U.S.)
- Cedar Breaks National Monument (U.S.)
- Chaco Culture National Historical Park (U.S.)
- Cherry Springs State Park (U.S.)
- Clayton Lake State Park (U.S.)
- Copper Breaks State Park (U.S.)
- Craters Of The Moon National Monument (U.S.)
- De Boschplaat (Netherlands)
- Dead Horse Point State Park (U.S.)
- Death Valley National Park (U.S.)
- Eifel National Park (Germany)
- Elan Valley Estate (Wales)
- Enchanted Rock State Natural Area (U.S.)
- Flagstaff Area National Monuments (U.S.)
- Galloway Forest Park (Scotland)
- Geauga Observatory Park (U.S.)
- Goblin Valley State Park (U.S.)
- Grand Canyon National Park (U.S.)
- Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument (U.S.)
- Great Basin National Park (U.S.)
- Headlands (U.S.)
- Hortobágy National Park (Hungary)
- Hovenweep National Monument (U.S.)
- Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park (Japan)
- Joshua Tree National Park (U.S.)
- Kartchner Caverns State Park (U.S.)
- Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park (U.S.)
- Lauwersmeer National Park (Netherlands)
- Mayland Earth to Sky Park & Bare Dark Sky Observatory (U.S.)
- Møn and Nyord (Denmark)
- Natural Bridges National Monument (U.S.)
- Newport State Park (U.S.)
- Northumberland National Park and Kielder Water & Forest Park (England)
- Obed Wild and Scenic River (U.S.)
- Oracle State Park (U.S.)
- Petrified Forest National Park (U.S.)
- Pickett CCC Memorial State Park & Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area (U.S.)
- Ramon Crater (Israel)
- Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument (U.S.)
- South Llano River State Park (U.S.)
- Staunton River State Park (U.S.)
- Steinaker State Park (U.S.)
- Stephen C. Foster State Park (U.S.)
- Tumacácori National Historical Park (U.S.)
- UBarU Camp and Retreat Center (U.S.)
- Warrumbungle National Park (Australia)
- Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park (Canada/U.S.)
- Weber County North Fork Park (U.S.)
- Winklmoosalm (Germany)
- Yeongyang Firefly Eco Park (South Korea)
- Zselic National Landscape Protection Area (Hungary)
