Camas
Stargazing Guide.

Just 12 miles from the center of Camas, lies some of the region's best viewing at cruise ship. We feature instrumented readings from Burroughs Mountain to guarantee the most accurate sky quality data.

Scientific NPS Bortle Regional Benchmarking
4
~82.6mi at Burroughs Mountain
Scientific NPS SQM Instrumented Reading
21.28
Regional Atmospheric Base
Verified Spots Community Vetted
2
~12.0mi to cruise ship
Dark Sky Oasis Certified IDA Park
95.8mi
IDA: Antelope, Oregon

Stargazing Logistics for Camas

  • STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: cruise ship. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~12.0 mile radius.
  • STEP 2. Sky Quality Baseline: Classified as Class B (Rural). Use the instrumented 4 rating from Burroughs Mountain as your technical benchmark for the region.
  • STEP 3. Local Support: Contact Rose City Astronomers for updated site access and group observation schedules.
  • STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 2 recognized sites near Camas offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Local Observation Strategy

Camas acts as a primary gateway to the cruise ship zone. This proximity allows for scientific-grade viewing (Class 4) at Burroughs Mountain just a short 15-minute drive from the city center, making it a rare 'Hub' for serious observers.

The Best Times for Stargazing in Camas

Observation in Camas is most rewarding during the Summer months. During this time, the colder air masses over the Pacific region often result in significantly higher transparency, allowing you to see objects like the Andromeda Galaxy or Orion Nebula with much more definition.

Expert Tips for Camas Observers

If you're visiting cruise ship, bring a pack of chemical hand-warmers and rubber-band them to your eyepiece or camera lens. This acts as a 'budget' dew heater, which is essential for the humid nights often found in WA during the peak viewing seasons. Scientific Context: While local conditions vary, the instrumented reading of Bortle 4 at Burroughs Mountain (82.6 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.

Regional Perspective: Camas is situated just 7.8 miles from Orchards, but its local horizon often provides a more stable viewing experience for planetary targets.
Community Vetted
Methodology Verified

Best Spots for Stargazing in Camas

The most accessible and reliable viewing locations in the region, ranked by local observer feedback. Max out your local session by using the essential observer gear staged for the Camas environment.

Active Viewing Spot Confidence: 67.5%

cruise ship

12 mi
Distance

" Practically in Camas's backyard, we recommend this for spontaneous nights. Deep Sky Advice: Allow at least 20 minutes in total darkness for your pupils to fully dilate. You'll notice faint nebulae that were invisible at first. "

Vancouver, WA
Active Viewing Spot Confidence: 72.5%

Sasquatch Family Farms

61.4 mi
Distance

" For the dedicated Camas observer, this spot offers a superior escape from light pollution. Meteor Watching Tip: Don't look at one spot; keep your eyes moving across the sky. Your peripheral vision is more sensitive to motion. "

Toledo, WA 98591
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Celestial Alert
Real-Time Tracking

2026 Celestial Roadmap for Camas

Rural conditions near Camas provide excellent contrast for the Milky Way and bright star clusters.

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Instrumented Data

Sky Quality Reports for Camas

Access high-precision SQM readings from the National Park Service, providing the definitive baseline for regional darkness quality. To resolve the deep-sky objects measured in these scientific reports, Camas observers should check our recommended optics kit.

Burroughs Mountain

Mount Rainier NP

82.6 mi
Distance
21.28 SQM
Bortle Class 4

Local Relevance

Camas enthusiasts typically use the instrumented readings from Burroughs Mountain to calibrate their deep-sky expectations for the area.

"Sky quality measurements were recorded at Burroughs Mountain in Mount Rainier NP on 8/13/2007. The site demonstrated a scientific darkness reading of 21.28 SQM."

Observation Date
8/13/2007
Elevation
1938m
Zenith Brightness
21.27

Plummer Peak

Mount Rainier NP

86.3 mi
Distance
21.09 SQM
Bortle Class 4

Local Relevance

The scientific findings at Plummer Peak provide Camas residents with the most reliable data on regional atmospheric stability.

"Sky quality measurements were recorded at Plummer Peak in Mount Rainier NP on 9/23/2005. The site demonstrated a scientific darkness reading of 21.09 SQM."

Observation Date
9/23/2005
Elevation
1940m
Zenith Brightness
20.98
Certified Destinations

Dark Sky Oasis near Camas

Elite viewing locations officially recognized by DarkSky International for their pristine celestial environments. Certified dark skies like these are most rewarding when paired with the right aperture. Check out our suggested kit for Camas observers.

International Dark Sky Community Certified

Antelope, Oregon

Camas stargazers often look to Antelope, Oregon as the gold standard for regional darkness and pristine celestial horizons.

94237 McGreer St. Antelope, OR 97001

Scale
1.19 Sq. Km
Coordinates
44.9105, -120.7227
International Dark Sky Park Certified

Cottonwood Canyon State Park

As one of the closest certified environments to Camas, Cottonwood Canyon State Park offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.

99989 Highway 206

Scale
65 Sq. Km
Coordinates
45.4699, -120.4426
Community Hubs

Astronomy Clubs for Camas

Join the local community of observers for group viewing events, equipment swaps, and technical workshops. Don't show up to the club dark-site empty-handed. View the field kit we've curated for the The Forest Observer profile.

NASA Club ID
#381
13.1 mi
Distance

Rose City Astronomers

Portland, OR

NASA Club ID
#531
50.7 mi
Distance

Nightsky-45

Salem, OR

The Forest Observer's Staging Advice

Gearing Up for Camas Nights

"Staging for a night near Camas requires a balance of power and portability. Consider 10x50 binoculars as a primary scouting tool while your main telescope acclimates to the cooler rural air."

The Camas Field Kit

Designing a field kit for Camas requires understanding the specific transition from urban skyglow to the regional pristine benchmarks. With cruise ship sitting at a ~12-mile benchmark, your gear selection should mirror your willingness to travel. The following levels represent a logical path for growing your observatory without over-complicating your local field sessions.

Level 1: EssentialsLevel 2: OpticsLevel 3: Power