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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.