Before any trip I take I pull up the dark sky map: darksitefinder.com. This incredible tool is great in finding low light pollution areas nearby.

However, when I don't feel like driving many hours away on dirt roads, this is a great alternative in the Southeast. Spend a night with professional and amateur astronomers at Deerlick Astronomy Village. Whether you are looking to image deep space objects with your telescope or are just tired of city lights drowning out your stars, this place is as good as it gets for night skies close to home. This gated astronomy village has strict rules on lights only allowing red lights for head lamps to be used. An annual membership is required by at least one member of your party. Memberships are easy to get here: deerlickgroup.com