Dark Sky Paradise
On a soft summer evening in mid-July, the sun has set, the light is fading, the sky turns from shades of blue to grey, and the quiet of the night is broken only by the whisper of a breeze through the trees. Clouds that have lingered throughout the day begin to part, revealing the half moon hanging low in the darkening sky, overlooking the reservoir at the Junipers Reservoir RV Resort. This is Oregon’s Premiere Dark Sky RV Destination, located near Lakeview, Oregon. It is one of the most optimal places for stargazing, and looking up you will travel back in time, traversing the galaxy filled with billions of stars.
Oregon’s Premiere Dark Sky RV Destination – Junipers Reservoir RV Resort
“Let Your Heart Wander, Wherever it May Roam.” This is the credo of Junipers Reservoir RV Resort. It was created for those who wander and roam, eventually finding their way to the KV Bar Ranch, on which the RV campground is found. It is a 5,000 acre working cattle ranch, also the place that John and Teresa Shine call home. John’s family history is integral to the legacy of the KV Bar Ranch. Originally owned by his great uncle and grandfather, the KV represents their name, Kavanaugh Verling. The Shines had the opportunity to reclaim the ranch for the family, and did so in 2014 with his brother George Shine and his wife Robin. The RV Resort was established by former owners, Chuck and Treva Kelley. In continuing the vision of the Kelley’s, John and Teresa have created a haven for those wishing on a billion stars, finding a peaceful place to fish, bird watch, hiking, biking and a myriad of outdoor activities. There are 40 RV spaces, all with hook-ups, picnic tables and shade trees. There is also a common area for use as a wedding venue, reunions, gatherings of all types for guests and locals. Teresa Shine is also an Oregonian by way of Vernonia. It has been her mission to create at Junipers Reservoir RV Resort, a place of community and along with her very friendly staff, Lois Reinarz, Maggy Gillbert and Scott, she as well as John, have provided a Dark Sky Experience for the RV traveler. Her advice on what to bring, “ a chair to sit in while you are looking up, and a smile.”
A visitor to Junipers wrote in the guest book, a sentiment that very succinctly sums up the Dark Sky Experience at Junipers, “peaceful surrender.” Junipers Reservoir RV Resort was included in the top 16 best RV campgrounds in 2026, by Forbes Magazine.
Exploring Lakeview, Oregon – Lake County
As you journey to and into the Oregon Outback, you will travel through an ever-changing landscape. The road takes you past a forested countryside that leads to rolling pastures with hues of variegated greens. The high desert is painted with sage brush and splashes of goldenrod bringing the meadows to life. The endless, cloudless sky is cornflower blue, the stars unseen for now.
The town of Lakeview, Oregon is located in Lake County. After driving along the Oregon Scenic Byway, and arriving in Lakeview, at an elevation of 4,798 feet, you have reached the tallest town in Oregon. Established in 1874, its history is an eclectic mix of it being Native American land as long ago as 14,000 years, the arrival of European explorers and cattle ranchers settling in the area. This is evidenced by the characteristics of the ongoing restorations of the classic buildings in the downtown area. The intermixing of charming, cottage style homes and classic Victorian style with their old-fashioned porches, along with newer homes in the neighborhoods.
A centerpiece of the downtown renovations is the historic Alger Theater. Built in 1940 it is being restored to its Art Deco glory. It is managed by the Lakeview Community Partnership and many devoted volunteers. The venue is host to community events, fundraisers, theater productions, and movies. The goal is to provide community well being through the arts. A walking tour through the downtown takes you to a variety of shops and unique boutiques, one of them being the Painted Fringe Boutique, a convenient neighbor to the Alger Theater. Lakeview also offers a burgeoning culinary scene. The classic burgers and fries, Burger Queen with a throw back to the 50’s feel, the traditional Mexican or Chinese restaurants, food trucks were also making inroads into the food culture. To top it all off is Lacey’s Coffee and Flowers, a shop filled with fresh pastries, gifts, bouquets and an array of coffee drinks all to your taste.
Lakeview, Oregon is a city built with a pioneering spirit, embracing its history and paying homage to those who chose to settle in this high desert country of the Oregon Outback. In addition to being recognized as one of the world’s darkest places and becoming a Premiere Dark Sky Destination, allowing those seeking the sanctuary of Lake County, to experience the phenomenon of viewing the stars, there are many other adventures in Outdoor recreation to include in your visit. In this region there are the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge, the Goose Lake State Recreation Area, and the Old Perpetual Geyser, located one mile from Lakeview and Oregon’s only geyser. It is not only a Dark Sky Paradise but also one for the outdoor adventurer.
What Does Dark Sky Mean?
The definition of the word dark, is the absence of light. In the words of John Shine, “the Dark Sky is a never ending horizon, an immense canvas to immerse ourselves in the quiet. People have the feeling of being ‘grounded here’, and now more than ever, seeking peacefulness.”
The mornings at Junipers Reservoir RV Resort are also enveloped in the quiet, the only sound is a bird chirping. The sunlight gently illuminates the drifting clouds, and dances off the sparkling water of the reservoir. A walk in the early morning takes you on the hiking trails of the KV Bar Ranch. Bird watching and a glimpse of the wild life, begin the day. Plans can be made for the day to include fishing, hiking, or mountain biking. It all leads back to the evening when stargazing is the only activity. Discover the Oregon Outback High Desert Country, reserve your stay at Junipers Reservoir RV Resort and Dark Sky Sanctuary. Your first visit will not be your last and you will already be returning before you even leave.
