10 great places to slumber under the stars

— -- The warm weather of summer makes it the perfect season for sleeping outdoors, and there is no more relaxing vacation than stretching out under a dark sky filled with bright stars and planets. Stephanie Pearson, senior editor of Outside magazine, shares with USA TODAY some of her favorite places for camping under clear skies — and possibly enjoying an otherworldly experience.

Assateague Island National SeashoreMaryland/Virginia

This long sliver of an island, famous for its bands of wild horses, has Chincoteague Bay on one side, the Atlantic surf on the other and endless miles of hiking trails between. "There's no potable water," Pearson advises, "so bring your own, and you'll have the stars to yourself." 410-641-3030; nps.gov/asis

Canyonlands National ParkMoab, Utah

"This unsung park does not get as crowded as neighboring Arches National Park," Pearson says. "As night begins to fall, watch the sun blaze crimson until the 200-foot red-rock canyons frame the stars." 435-719-2313; nps.gov/cany

Big Bend National ParkTexas

"Right around Labor Day, things start cooling off in southwest Texas," Pearson says. "The guaranteed coolest part of the park, with the biggest views to Mexico and the stars above, are the Chisos Mountains. Camp out in the Class A campground or stay at one of six stone cottages at Chisos Mountains Lodge (chisosmountainslodge.com)." 432-477-2251; nps.gov/bibe

Sequoia High Sierra CampGiant Sequoia National Monument, Calif.

"The Sequoia High Sierra Camp, a 36-tent retreat nestled in the majesty of the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, comes equipped with down comforters and serves gourmet dinners — a welcome alternative to tight mummy bags and freeze-dried ice cream," Pearson says. "Plus, at 8,282 feet, there's very little to obstruct your view of the heavens." 866-654-2877; www.sequoiahighsierracamp.com

Loreto BayBaja California, Mexico

"There are no private beaches in Mexico, so anyone can spend the night on a sandy stretch on the pristine Sea of Cortez, along the eastern shore of the Baja Californian peninsula," Pearson says. Campers can even pick a spot right behind a hotel. Since there is rarely cloud cover, in summer or winter, the view of the stars is nearly always assured. gotoloreto.com