Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m., now through April 30. Learn more.


Virginia State Parks' International Dark Sky Parks


Virginia State Parks has four parks designated as International Dark Sky Parks by DarkSky International - 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 DarkSky International,  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 photo by Jonathan Piques

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

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

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
Mount Bleak House at Sky Meadows State Park Photo by James Rios

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

location of International Dark Sky Parks

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.


Sky Meadows Dark Sky Photo James Rios
Staunton River State Park Dark Sky photo by Steve Andrews
Natural Bridge Dark Sky Photo
James River State Park stars
Sky Meadows Dark Sky Photo John Kroon
Natural Bridge State Park
Sky Meadows Dark Sky Photo Brian Cummins
Sky Meadows Dark Sky Photo Bob Diller
Sky Meadows Dark Sky Photo John Kroon
Natural Bridge State Park
Sky Meadows Dark Sky Photo John Sojka
Sky Meadows Dark Sky Photo John Sojka
Sky Meadows Dark Sky Photo John Sojka
Hungry Mother State Park stars
New River Trail State Park stars
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Dark Sky Events

Information on this page changes occasionally so check back often.

Staunton River State Park Observation Field
March 24, 2025 12:00 p.m. - March 30, 2025 12:00 p.m.
Widewater State Park Boat Launch
March 27, 2025. 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
False Cape State Park Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Parking Lot
March 28, 2025. 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Chippokes State Park Jones-Stewart Mansion
March 28, 2025. 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Widewater State Park Boat Launch
March 28, 2025. 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Staunton River State Park Observation Field
March 28, 2025. 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sky Meadows State Park Historic Area
March 29, 2025. 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Bear Creek Lake State Park Bear Creek Hall
March 29, 2025. 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park Gazebo
April 5, 2025. 7:45 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Pocahontas State Park Visitor Center
April 12, 2025. 7:15 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park Visitor Center
April 13, 2025. 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
False Cape State Park Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Parking Lot
April 13, 2025. 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
High Bridge Trail State Park High Bridge
April 14, 2025. 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Staunton River State Park Observation Field
April 16, 2025 11:00 p.m. - April 25, 2025 11:00 p.m.
Sky Meadows State Park Historic Area
April 19, 2025. 4:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Sweet Run State Park Interpretive Center
April 19, 2025. 7:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Powhatan State Park Equestrian Parking
April 19, 2025. 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park Gazebo
April 19, 2025. 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
York River State Park Visitor Center
April 19, 2025. 9:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Staunton River State Park Observation Field
April 19, 2025 11:00 p.m. - May 28, 2025 11:00 p.m.
Natural Bridge State Park Skyline Trailhead Parking Lot
April 25, 2025. 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Sky Meadows State Park Historic Area
April 26, 2025. 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
False Cape State Park Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Parking Lot
April 26, 2025. 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park Gazebo
April 26, 2025. 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sky Meadows State Park Historic Area
April 26, 2025. 8:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
Staunton River State Park Observation Field
April 26, 2025. 9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Widewater State Park Boat Launch
April 27, 2025. 8:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Widewater State Park Boat Launch
April 29, 2025. 8:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park Picnic Area
May 3, 2025. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park Gazebo
May 3, 2025. 8:15 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park Blockhouse Parking Lot
May 9, 2025. 8:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
False Cape State Park Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Parking Lot
May 10, 2025. 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
High Bridge Trail State Park 1466 Camp Paradise Rd, Rice VA (Visitor Center)
May 10, 2025. 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park Visitor Center
May 11, 2025. 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park Gazebo
May 17, 2025. 8:15 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
False Cape State Park Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Parking Lot
May 24, 2025. 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sky Meadows State Park Historic Area
May 24, 2025. 8:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
James River State Park Shelter #4/IDA viewing area
May 24, 2025. 8:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Staunton River State Park Observation Field
May 24, 2025. 9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
James River State Park Shelter #4/IDA viewing area
May 24, 2025. 9:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Staunton River State Park Visitor Center
May 25, 2025. 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Powhatan State Park Equestrian Parking
May 31, 2025. 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Staunton River State Park Visitor Center
May 31, 2025. 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park Gazebo
June 7, 2025. 8:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park Visitor Center
June 8, 2025. 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Grayson Highlands State Park Visitor Center
June 11, 2025. 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
False Cape State Park Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Parking Lot
June 13, 2025. 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Staunton River State Park Visitor Center
June 14, 2025. 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Sky Meadows State Park Historic Area
June 21, 2025. 8:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park Gazebo
June 21, 2025 8:30 p.m. - June 28, 2025 11:30 p.m.
Staunton River State Park Observation Field
June 21, 2025. 9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
James River State Park Shelter #4/IDA viewing area
June 21, 2025. 9:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
False Cape State Park Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Parking Lot
June 27, 2025. 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Staunton River State Park Visitor Center
June 28, 2025. 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
James River State Park Shelter #4/IDA viewing area
June 28, 2025. 9:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Staunton River State Park Visitor Center
July 4, 2025. 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Staunton River State Park Visitor Center
July 5, 2025. 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park Gazebo
July 5, 2025. 8:45 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
False Cape State Park Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Parking Lot
July 11, 2025. 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Staunton River State Park Visitor Center
July 12, 2025. 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Staunton River State Park Observation Field
July 12, 2025 11:00 p.m. - Aug. 23, 2025 11:00 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park Visitor Center
July 13, 2025. 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Staunton River State Park Observation Field
July 17, 2025 11:00 p.m. - Aug. 24, 2025 11:00 p.m.
Powhatan State Park Equestrian Parking
July 19, 2025. 8:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park Gazebo
July 19, 2025. 8:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
Staunton River State Park Visitor Center
July 19, 2025. 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
False Cape State Park Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Parking Lot
July 25, 2025. 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Sky Meadows State Park Historic Area
July 26, 2025. 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Caledon State Park Front Lawn
July 26, 2025. 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Sky Meadows State Park Historic Area
July 26, 2025. 8:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
Staunton River State Park Observation Field
July 26, 2025. 9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park Gazebo
Aug. 2, 2025. 8:15 p.m. - 11:15 p.m.
Staunton River State Park Visitor Center
Aug. 2, 2025. 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
False Cape State Park Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Parking Lot
Aug. 8, 2025. 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Staunton River State Park Visitor Center
Aug. 9, 2025. 8:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park Visitor Center
Aug. 10, 2025. 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park Gazebo
Aug. 16, 2025. 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Staunton River State Park Visitor Center
Aug. 16, 2025. 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
James River State Park Shelter #4/IDA viewing area
Aug. 16, 2025. 9:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
False Cape State Park Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Parking Lot
Aug. 22, 2025. 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Sky Meadows State Park Historic Area
Aug. 23, 2025. 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Staunton River State Park Observation Field
Aug. 23, 2025. 9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Caledon State Park Front Lawn
Aug. 30, 2025. 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
James River State Park Shelter #4/IDA viewing area
Aug. 30, 2025. 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Staunton River State Park Visitor Center
Aug. 30, 2025. 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Staunton River State Park Visitor Center
Aug. 31, 2025. 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
False Cape State Park Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Parking Lot
Sept. 5, 2025. 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park Gazebo
Sept. 6, 2025. 7:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Powhatan State Park Equestrian Parking
Sept. 13, 2025. 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park Visitor Center
Sept. 14, 2025. 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
False Cape State Park Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Parking Lot
Sept. 19, 2025. 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Caledon State Park Front Lawn
Sept. 20, 2025. 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park Gazebo
Sept. 20, 2025. 7:15 p.m. - 10:15 p.m.
Sky Meadows State Park Historic Area
Sept. 20, 2025. 7:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Staunton River State Park Observation Field
Sept. 20, 2025. 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
High Bridge Trail State Park High Bridge
Sept. 27, 2025. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Staunton River State Park Observation Field
Oct. 2, 2025 11:00 p.m. - Nov. 7, 2025 11:00 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park Gazebo
Oct. 4, 2025. 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
False Cape State Park Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Parking Lot
Oct. 7, 2025. 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Powhatan State Park Equestrian Parking
Oct. 11, 2025. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

See more events

Setting up for a Dark Sky event at Sky Meadows State Park

Virginia Outdoors podcast - Stargazing in Virginia's Dark Sky Parks - Click to listen



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