Virginia State Parks' International Dark Sky Parks
Virginia State Parks has four parks designated as International Dark Sky Parks by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) - Staunton River, James River, and the recently added Natural Bridge and Sky Meadows. International Dark Sky Parks (IDSPs) are parks with an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that are protected for their scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment.
As well as the four state parks recognized by the IDA, Rappahannock County Park in Washington, Virginia, is a designated International Dark Sky Park.
As part of the designation process, the parks established an outdoor lighting policy that minimized light pollution, reached out to the local community, and organized and promoted programs for guests to enjoy stargazing.
 | Staunton River State Park (SR) | |
| Staunton River Park staff achieved the designation by establishing an outdoor lighting policy that minimizes light pollution. They also outreached to the local community by hosting and promoting the Staunton River Star Party for guests to enjoy stargazing and camping. Learn More |
Designation: July 2015 Location: Scottsburg | |
 | James River State Park (JR) | |
| The designation recognizes the park's commitment to providing visitors with the best opportunities to enjoy the night sky. It also protects all natural resources, from dark skies to water, land and wildlife. Learn More |
Designation: April 2019 Location: Gladstone | |
 | Natural Bridge State Park (NB) | |
| The Dark Sky designation is a continuation of the park’s effort to bring understanding and awareness to our natural resources in a unique and enjoyable way. The hope is to inspire surrounding communities to make quality outdoor lighting a priority so that Virginia can halt and reverse the decades’ long trend of growing light pollution. Learn More |
Designation: April 2021 Location: Natural Bridge | |
 | Sky Meadows State Park (SK) | |
| Volunteers initiated astronomy programs decades ago, leading to the designation process of Sky Meadows. They recognized the unique resource of dark skies outside of a growing urban area. Turner Pond is now a Dark Sky Observation Area for self-guided observations, where astronomers and stargazers may practice astronomy after regular park hours. Learn More |
Designation: April 2021 Location: Delaplane | |
Nighttime light pollution is common east of the Mississippi River, and natural nighttime darkness is disappearing, making stargazing more difficult. Dark Sky designation recognizes areas and organizations working to maintain spaces where the public can easily see the stars. The designation marks the beginning of our work in maintaining the dark skies, demonstrating that much of what visitors love about our dark sky parks hinges on resources and factors beyond our boundaries. It is a reminder that the designation's longevity must not be taken for granted. We hope it will inspire others to consider the impact that outdoor lighting choices at home and in their communities make on the conservation and enjoyment of our valued resources.
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