In an open field within Staunton River State Park, miles away from city lights, find the perfect place for stargazing. The first time I camped at Staunton River I was lucky enough to have a clear, star-filled night sky and it had me in awe. Conveniently, the visitor center lends telescopes to visitors for free, so I happily took one out onto their open observation field (next to their visitor center) after dark.  

Stars shine above the star party at Staunton River by Steve Andrews 

I was setting up the telescope when a kind fellow stargazer, Luke Matthews, helped me out and pointed it at Jupiter for me to see close-up. It was amazing! The nice gentleman happened to be with the Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observational Society (CHAOS), who hosts star parties twice a year at Staunton River – the annual spring star party is coming up on March 4-10, 2024. 

CHAOS donated telescopes to the park in 2014, the park now has 6 available.

Experiencing a star party 

After my first starry visit, I excitedly went back to attend Staunton River’s fall star party. This time the observation field was filled with campers and many powerful telescopes. More nice people, like Luke, were at each station delighted to show off amazing views of the galaxy through their telescopes and teach me about our place in the universe. 

An example of just one station among many at the star party.

It was surely the darkest and quietest party I’ve ever been to. To protect the natural darkness you won’t see a white light in the park, only red lights so that your eyes can stay adjusted to the darkness and optimally see the stars. And everyone reverently admires the sky together. Quiet, intriguing conversations about galaxies far away are rolling throughout the festival. Curious minds like mine love the atmosphere as every question is answered with an eye opening astronomy lesson. 

Seeing other planets and galaxies with my own eyes gives me incredible perspective. It’s humbling and wondrous, feelings many others love to chase. 

Learn more about these star parties by listening to the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Podcast, episode 41, where Jayme Hanzak with CHAOS is interviewed. 

The Milky Way captured at Staunton River by Johnathan Piques

Dark Sky Park designation

Why does Staunton River draw so many stargazers, astronomers, and night sky photographers? Because it’s designated by the International Dark Sky Association as a Dark Sky Park, meaning it has enough natural darkness to see the stars well. For example, you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye. Sadly, 99% of Americans cannot see the Milky Way where they live (according to NPR), especially on the east coast. Staunton River was the first park in Virginia to be designated as a Dark Sky Park. Now Virginia has five Dark Sky Parks, four of them being state parks, learn more here.

Starry events to attend

Experience a Staunton River star party for yourself at their free public night on March 8, 2024 between 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Limited campsites remain available for those who want to stay the night, click here to check availability and reserve.  

Staunton River has 47 campsites and seven cabins to choose from. To camp on the observation field during a star party you must register to the event. Cabins have limited availability during star parties.

For the full experience of the spring star party, plan on attending March 8-10, 2024 (registration is required by emailing stauntonriverstarparty@gmail.com). You could camp on the observation field with CHAOS members and astronomers from all across the east coast and beyond as they come together to look through telescopes, take astrophotography, and take turns showing each other what they’ve discovered through their lens. For those considering registering, it’s so worth it. The dedicated park staff goes all out for the star parties, keeping attendees full of hot made-to-order meals, and bottomless coffee for the late nights. 

Mark your calendars for Staunton River's Fall Star Party on September 30 - October 6, 2024, which is even more robust with speakers and planned activities. Their Fall Star Party's Public Night is October 4, 2024.

Our other Dark Sky Parks, and even those without the designation, also host astronomy events regularly. Scroll down this dark sky page to find all upcoming events listed.  

I am so grateful that Virginia State Parks values dark skies. With the busy and brightly lit world we live in, it’s so nice to switch off every once in a while. See for yourself at a Dark Sky Park soon!