Starry Night Lodging: A Commitment to Sustainable Tourism and Watershed Stewardship

Watershed Steward Spotlight | March 2025

Starry Night staff volunteering at a Gallatin Watershed Cleanup.

Meet Starry Night Lodging

Starry Night Lodging is redefining travel with a commitment to sustainability and regenerative tourism. This small, family-owned business offers unique stays at campgrounds, hotels, and homes across the country while ensuring that their guests not only experience the beauty of nature but also leave their destination better than they found it. 

Supporting the Gallatin Watershed

As a Business Steward of the Gallatin Watershed Council (GWC), Starry Night Lodging actively protects the natural resources of the Gallatin Valley by supporting GWC's mission and implementing sustainable business practices. Beyond their financial and operational commitment, they also take direct action by participating in Gallatin Watershed Cleanups—removing trash from local rivers, streams, and roadsides. Their hands-on approach demonstrates a deep dedication to stewardship and is an inspiring model for guests and fellow businesses.

Meet the Owner: Eric Sheckleton

We had the opportunity to learn more about one of Starry Night Lodging’s owners, Eric Sheckleton, and his passion for conservation on the local and larger landscape scale (and, most importantly, what his job would be if he lived in a medieval village!).

Q&A:

1. What excites you the most about the work of the Gallatin Watershed Council?
   "Access to clean water is critical for a healthy community. As a tourism business that relies on the health of the community, we feel it is our responsibility to play a role in protecting this watershed for our residents and visitors alike. GWC makes it fun to do just that."

2. What do you love about living in the Lower Gallatin Watershed?
   "Whether it is swimming at Hyalite, rafting the Gallatin or fishing the lower Gallatin. Access is plentiful in the Gallatin Valley.”

3. If you could make one change to improve our natural resources, what would it be?
   "More knowledgeable and engaged visitors and residents that understand and practice water conservation and protection."

4. What sparks your curiosity about the natural world?
   "Just getting lost in the woods and finding the amazing tricks nature can play."

5. Bonus question: If you lived in a medieval village, what would your job be?
   "The Innkeeper, of course."

Learn More about Starry Night Lodging

Want to learn more about this Bozeman-based business? Check out their video on how Starry Night practices sustainability, or plan a stay at Bozeman Trail Campground for a firsthand experience. Thank you to Starry Night Lodging for their ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and for supporting the Gallatin Watershed Council!

Interested in becoming a Business Steward? Learn more about how your business can contribute to a healthier Gallatin Watershed today. 

Starry Night Volunteering at the Gallatin Watershed Cleanup