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 (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.

Dark Sky Events

Information on this page changes occasionally so check back often.

Solar Sunday

Natural Tunnel State Park Visitor Center

April 13, 2025. 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

False Cape After Dark

False Cape State Park Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Parking Lot

April 13, 2025. 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Lyrids Meteor Shower

Staunton River State Park Observation Field

April 16, 2025 11:00 p.m. - April 25, 2025 11:00 p.m.

Stars & Guitars

Sky Meadows State Park Historic Area

April 19, 2025. 4:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Earth and Sky Adventures

Sweet Run State Park Interpretive Center

April 19, 2025. 7:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Saturday Under the Stars

Powhatan State Park Equestrian Parking

April 19, 2025. 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Touring the Galaxy

Natural Tunnel State Park Gazebo

April 19, 2025. 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Stargazing

York River State Park Visitor Center

April 19, 2025. 9:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower

Staunton River State Park Observation Field

April 19, 2025 11:00 p.m. - May 28, 2025 11:00 p.m.

Dark Sky Night: International Dark Sky Week Celebration

Natural Bridge State Park Skyline Trailhead Parking Lot

April 25, 2025. 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Come Fly with Me: Model Rockets

Sky Meadows State Park Historic Area

April 26, 2025. 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

False Cape After Dark

False Cape State Park Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Parking Lot

April 26, 2025. 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Astronomy Star Party

Natural Tunnel State Park Gazebo

April 26, 2025. 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Astronomy For Everyone

Sky Meadows State Park Historic Area

April 26, 2025. 8:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.

Stories of the Stars

Staunton River State Park Observation Field

April 26, 2025. 9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Urban Astronomy at Widewater State park

Widewater State Park Boat Launch

April 27, 2025. 8:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Homeschool: Urban Astronomy

Widewater State Park Boat Launch

April 29, 2025. 8:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

International Astronomy Day Solar Viewing

Natural Tunnel State Park Picnic Area

May 3, 2025. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Touring the Galaxy

Natural Tunnel State Park Gazebo

May 3, 2025. 8:15 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Moon Rise Night Hike

Natural Tunnel State Park Blockhouse Parking Lot

May 9, 2025. 8:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

False Cape After Dark

False Cape State Park Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Parking Lot

May 10, 2025. 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Nighttime Adventure: Explore High Bridge Trail Under the Moon

High Bridge Trail State Park 1466 Camp Paradise Rd, Rice VA (Visitor Center)

May 10, 2025. 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Solar Sunday

Natural Tunnel State Park Visitor Center

May 11, 2025. 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Touring the Galaxy

Natural Tunnel State Park Gazebo

May 17, 2025. 8:15 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

False Cape After Dark

False Cape State Park Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Parking Lot

May 24, 2025. 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Astronomy For Everyone

Sky Meadows State Park Historic Area

May 24, 2025. 8:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.

Astronomy Dark Sky Viewing

James River State Park Shelter #4/IDA viewing area

May 24, 2025. 8:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Stories of the Stars

Staunton River State Park Observation Field

May 24, 2025. 9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Dark Sky Night: Memorial Day Weekend

Natural Bridge State Park Skyline Trailhead Parking Lot

May 24, 2025. 9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Special Dark Sky Program (Astronomy)

James River State Park Shelter #4/IDA viewing area

May 24, 2025. 9:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Movie Under the Stars

Staunton River State Park Visitor Center

May 25, 2025. 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Saturday Under the Stars

Powhatan State Park Equestrian Parking

May 31, 2025. 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Movie Under the Stars

Staunton River State Park Visitor Center

May 31, 2025. 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Touring the Galaxy

Natural Tunnel State Park Gazebo

June 7, 2025. 8:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.

Solar Sunday

Natural Tunnel State Park Visitor Center

June 8, 2025. 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Strawberry Fields Moon Glow

Grayson Highlands State Park Visitor Center

June 11, 2025. 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

False Cape After Dark

False Cape State Park Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Parking Lot

June 13, 2025. 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Movie Under the Stars

Staunton River State Park Visitor Center

June 14, 2025. 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Astronomy For Everyone

Sky Meadows State Park Historic Area

June 21, 2025. 8:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.

Touring the Galaxy

Natural Tunnel State Park Gazebo

June 21, 2025 8:30 p.m. - June 28, 2025 11:30 p.m.

Stories of the Stars

Staunton River State Park Observation Field

June 21, 2025. 9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Astronomy Dark Sky Viewing

James River State Park Shelter #4/IDA viewing area

June 21, 2025. 9:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

False Cape After Dark

False Cape State Park Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Parking Lot

June 27, 2025. 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Movie Under the Stars

Staunton River State Park Visitor Center

June 28, 2025. 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Special Dark Sky Program (Astronomy)

James River State Park Shelter #4/IDA viewing area

June 28, 2025. 9:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Movie Under the Stars

Staunton River State Park Visitor Center

July 4, 2025. 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Movie Under the Stars

Staunton River State Park Visitor Center

July 5, 2025. 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Touring the Galaxy

Natural Tunnel State Park Gazebo

July 5, 2025. 8:45 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.

False Cape After Dark

False Cape State Park Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Parking Lot

July 11, 2025. 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Nighttime Adventure: Explore High Bridge Trail Under the Moon

High Bridge Trail State Park 1466 Camp Paradise Rd, Rice VA (Visitor Center)

July 11, 2025. 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Movie Under the Stars

Staunton River State Park Visitor Center

July 12, 2025. 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower

Staunton River State Park Observation Field

July 12, 2025 11:00 p.m. - Aug. 23, 2025 11:00 p.m.

Solar Sunday

Natural Tunnel State Park Visitor Center

July 13, 2025. 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Perseids Meteor Shower

Staunton River State Park Observation Field

July 17, 2025 11:00 p.m. - Aug. 24, 2025 11:00 p.m.

Saturday Under the Stars

Powhatan State Park Equestrian Parking

July 19, 2025. 8:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Touring the Galaxy

Natural Tunnel State Park Gazebo

July 19, 2025. 8:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.

Movie Under the Stars

Staunton River State Park Visitor Center

July 19, 2025. 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

False Cape After Dark

False Cape State Park Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Parking Lot

July 25, 2025. 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Come Fly with Me: Model Rockets

Sky Meadows State Park Historic Area

July 26, 2025. 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

RAC Star Party

Caledon State Park Front Lawn

July 26, 2025. 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Astronomy For Everyone

Sky Meadows State Park Historic Area

July 26, 2025. 8:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.

Stories of the Stars

Staunton River State Park Observation Field

July 26, 2025. 9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Touring the Galaxy

Natural Tunnel State Park Gazebo

Aug. 2, 2025. 8:15 p.m. - 11:15 p.m.

Movie Under the Stars

Staunton River State Park Visitor Center

Aug. 2, 2025. 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

False Cape After Dark

False Cape State Park Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Parking Lot

Aug. 8, 2025. 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Nighttime Adventure: Explore High Bridge Trail Under the Moon

High Bridge Trail State Park 1466 Camp Paradise Rd, Rice VA (Visitor Center)

Aug. 8, 2025. 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Dark Sky Wagon Ride

Staunton River State Park Visitor Center

Aug. 9, 2025. 8:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Solar Sunday

Natural Tunnel State Park Visitor Center

Aug. 10, 2025. 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Touring the Galaxy

Natural Tunnel State Park Gazebo

Aug. 16, 2025. 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Movie Under the Stars

Staunton River State Park Visitor Center

Aug. 16, 2025. 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Astronomy Dark Sky Viewing

James River State Park Shelter #4/IDA viewing area

Aug. 16, 2025. 9:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

False Cape After Dark

False Cape State Park Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Parking Lot

Aug. 22, 2025. 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Astronomy For Everyone

Sky Meadows State Park Historic Area

Aug. 23, 2025. 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Stories of the Stars

Staunton River State Park Observation Field

Aug. 23, 2025. 9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

RAC Star Party

Caledon State Park Front Lawn

Aug. 30, 2025. 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Astronomy Dark Sky Viewing

James River State Park Shelter #4/IDA viewing area

Aug. 30, 2025. 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Movie Under the Stars

Staunton River State Park Visitor Center

Aug. 30, 2025. 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Movie Under the Stars

Staunton River State Park Visitor Center

Aug. 31, 2025. 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

False Cape After Dark

False Cape State Park Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Parking Lot

Sept. 5, 2025. 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Touring the Galaxy

Natural Tunnel State Park Gazebo

Sept. 6, 2025. 7:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Nighttime Adventure: Explore High Bridge Trail Under the Moon

High Bridge Trail State Park 1466 Camp Paradise Rd, Rice VA (Visitor Center)

Sept. 6, 2025. 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Saturday Under the Stars

Powhatan State Park Equestrian Parking

Sept. 13, 2025. 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Solar Sunday

Natural Tunnel State Park Visitor Center

Sept. 14, 2025. 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

False Cape After Dark

False Cape State Park Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Parking Lot

Sept. 19, 2025. 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

RAC Star Party

Caledon State Park Front Lawn

Sept. 20, 2025. 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Touring the Galaxy

Natural Tunnel State Park Gazebo

Sept. 20, 2025. 7:15 p.m. - 10:15 p.m.

Astronomy For Everyone

Sky Meadows State Park Historic Area

Sept. 20, 2025. 7:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Stories of the Stars

Staunton River State Park Observation Field

Sept. 20, 2025. 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Crewe Astronomy Club at High Bridge Trail State Park

High Bridge Trail State Park High Bridge

Sept. 27, 2025. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Orionids Meteor Shower

Staunton River State Park Observation Field

Oct. 2, 2025 11:00 p.m. - Nov. 7, 2025 11:00 p.m.

Touring the Galaxy

Natural Tunnel State Park Gazebo

Oct. 4, 2025. 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

False Cape After Dark

False Cape State Park Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Parking Lot

Oct. 7, 2025. 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Saturday Under the Stars

Powhatan State Park Equestrian Parking

Oct. 11, 2025. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Solar Sunday

Natural Tunnel State Park Visitor Center

Oct. 12, 2025. 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Touring the Galaxy

Natural Tunnel State Park Gazebo

Oct. 18, 2025. 6:45 p.m. - 9:45 p.m.

Staunton River Star Party: Fall 2025

Staunton River State Park Observation Field

Oct. 20, 2025 12:00 p.m. - Oct. 26, 2025 12:00 p.m.

Staunton River Star Party: Fall Observation Session

Staunton River State Park Observation Field

Oct. 24, 2025. 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Come Fly with Me: Model Rockets

Sky Meadows State Park Historic Area

Oct. 25, 2025. 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Astronomy For Everyone

Sky Meadows State Park Historic Area

Oct. 25, 2025. 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Stargaze with the Crewe Astronomy Club

Bear Creek Lake State Park Bear Creek Hall

Oct. 25, 2025. 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

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