Virginia is home to five International Dark Sky Parks, four of which are state parks. They earned their designations from DarkSky International for their exceptional quality of starry nights. However, light pollution is a growing concern.

Join Sky Meadows for the inaugural Stars & Guitars event on Saturday, April 19. What better way to celebrate Earth Day and Global Astronomy Month than an evening of music under the stars surrounded by the beauty of the great outdoors?

With cooler temperatures approaching, this is the perfect time to enjoy the foliage and fall festivities at a Virginia State Park. There are numerous events throughout the Commonwealth for the whole family to enjoy. Get outside and enjoy the season.

Whether you enjoy hiking, boating, biking, fishing or simply relaxing, Bear Creek Lake, James River, Lake Anna and Powhatan state parks are all within an hour’s drive of Charlottesville, making them perfect for day trips or weekend getaways.

While Virginia’s state parks are known for their daytime activities, they offer a new world of adventure after dark. From stargazing and firefly watching to owl prowls and moonlit kayaking tours, there's something for everyone.

Looking for the best places to stargaze in Virginia State Parks? A good place to start is to visit one of our four state parks that are designated as International Dark Sky Parks. Let us give you tips to make it a great experience!

Whether you're an avid outdoor enthusiast or someone seeking a peaceful escape, James River State Park has something to offer everyone during the winter months. So, bundle up, pack your sense of adventure and head to James River.

An itinerary for you to see three state parks in three days in south central Virginia: Occoneechee, Staunton River and Staunton River Battlefield State Parks. Find out the best way to experience these parks and get closer to completing Trail Quest.

Find out what it's like to attend a star party and why you should plan to attend one at Virginia State Parks. Staunton River State Park is one of our four Dark Sky Parks that host star parties that are out of this world.

Festivals, pumpkin painting, tree decorating, birdwatching, stargazing, water adventures and many more activities are available at Virginia State Parks this fall. Get some new ideas on how to make the most of your park visit.

Explore what makes Staunton River State Park a must on your visit list.

Beat the heat: head toward the water for these adventures at a Virginia State Park near you.

Astronomy for Everyone program at Sky Meadows State Park.

Artificial light pollutes our night skies and prevents us from seeing the full sky. Escaping the light can be difficult, but luckily there are several locations where dark skies exist.

We invite you to become a part of our ongoing history at Sky Meadows State Park. These are just a handful of reasons to visit, the list could go on and on.

James River State Park in Buckingham County will become the second state park in Virginia, the 44th park in the United States and only the 64th park in the world with the designation.