Virginia has some beautiful dark sky areas. The further west you can go the darker the skies will become in Virginia.
The list here comes from my experience observing in Virginia. All of these places have been vetted by real astronomers who have gone out and set up.
Virginia has just 4 designated Dark Sky Parks:
James River State Park
Natural Bridge State Park
Staunton River State Park
Sky Meadow State Park
You will want to head towards the mountains to find the darkest areas.
In this article we are going to talk about more of the off the beaten path spots.
I visited James River State Park, and it was a great night. The biggest advantage to going to these areas is that there are often Star Parties or other dark sky events.
The places on this list are the hidden gems that are loved by Virginia astronomy clubs and amature astronomers all over the state.
James River State Park
We visited James River State Park as it was the closest IDA area to us. It is about 2 hours from Richmond and 3 and a half hours from Arlington.
James River State Park hosts regular Star Parties and they are well attended. They host events in conjunction with local musicians which make it for a great place for a family who will want something to do during the day.
We found that the cabins were really beautiful and comfortable. The kitchen was well stocked, the hiking trails were easy enough for our small children and enjoyable for the whole family.
The clearing that is used for telescopes does not have electricity in the field, but the nearby picnic shelter had electricity available. If you will be there on your own you can set up in the parking area and use extension cords.
I enjoyed this site and I will go back.
This is a good example of what IDA requires as far as lighting. Directed down and minimize stray light.
Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park is accessible from DC and Richmond within less than 2 hours of each.
We went up there in 2021 and had a great time.
The park is a great place to get off the beaten path and enjoy some dark skies. It is not near as dark as the skies out in the west, but it is pretty good for the East Coast!
Most of the observing takes place in Big Meadow. This is where the public events take pace.
When we visited we skipped the star party and set up outside our cabin.
The cabins were wonderful, well maintained and comfortable.
We found that setting up right in front of our cabin was just right. The added bonus was that our neighbors came out to see the sky through the scope as well.
I love sharing astronomy and it was a great night with a great group of people.
The park hosts a Night Sky Festival in August of each year that is well attended by local astronomy clubs from Virginia, DC and Maryland.
On clear nights close to a new moon you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye.
You can enjoy the sky here with or without a telescope, binoculars or special equipment.
Nelson County
Nelson County is an area that embraces the dark skies.
There are regular star parties and astronomy events in the area making it a great place to spend the day and night.
Find more information about the dark sky events on the Dark Skies of Nelson website. They have events to celebrate the equinox and even have solar observing events.
Perfect for a tucked away excursion.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Driving the Blue Ridge Parkway is one way to find a dark area to observe.
Blue Ridge Parkway is a dark part of Virginia, so heading towards the scenic drive is a good way to find dark skies.
Groundhog Mountain Park is at mile marker 189 is a very dark spot where you can see the Milky Way unaided. A magical place in southern VA.
The Blue Ridge Parkway does run through the Shenandoah State Park, and there are many opportunities for camping along the parkway.
Roanoke is a great place to start your trip through the Blue Ridge Parkway if you would prefer not to camp.
I know this isn’t a very specific spot, but with over 200 roadside pull offs you are sure to find a great place to park.
The Blue Ridge Parkway avoids major cities, so you will be driving rurally most of the time, keep the gas tank full and be prepared to camp or detor to find your evening lodging.
Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
Mount Rogers is the highest natural point in Virginia. This makes it a great place to observe away from the high humidity that makes it difficult to observe in Virginia.
Mount Rogers has several great places to set up and observe and there are a lot of great places that have accessible parking locations.
Astronomers who have visited here say the skies are some of the darkest in VA. It can be hard to find a good dark sky on the East Coast, but this is a great spot that is away from the city lights.
This spot is in very southern Virginia, it is about 5 hours from Richmond.
Whitetop Mountain
Whitetop Mountain is a mountain close to Mount Rodgers and inside the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area.
The parking area is at over 5,000 feet above sea level.
Clear nights provide great views of the Milky Way and Omega Centauri.
Hurricane Campground
The nearby Hurricane Campground is a good place to camp off grid. The sites are mostly tent sites meaning you will not see too much stray light from neighbors.
This is a great hidden gem for those who are willing to rough it, but would like electricity and a bathhouse nearby.
Spruce Knob West Virginia
So, I know, this is not in Virginia, but if you are traveling from the heavily populated DC, NOVA area this is the best secret spot.
Three hours outside Arlington, you can find deep dark skies and a well established astronomy community.
This is a well known area to the astronomy community. There is no electricity, and the drive down can feel a bit risky. All wheel drive is a good idea here.
The best place to observe at Spruce Knob is at the summit of the mountain, but wind is a consideration, consider setting up in the shelter of the trees at the edge of the clearing.
This area is host to the Almost Heaven Star Party in August, it is very accessible for those who are new or experienced.
Where Can I See the Milky Way in Virginia?
You can see the Milky Way with the unaided eye in Shenandoah National Park, along the Blue Ridge Parkway, at Mount Rogers, at Natural Bridge, James River State Park, in Nelson County and in many other rural towns in western Virginia.
The best time to observe the Milky Way is on a clear night with little to no moon. Check an app like Astrospheric to see the moon phases around your visit. You can usually see the moon phase in your normal weather app as well.
Light pollution makes it difficult for 80% of the population to see the Milky Way, so take the drive and join the minority of those who take the time to behold the wonder of our galaxy.
The Best Places to Stargaze In Virginia
Plan to head to the mountains of Virginia to enjoy a darker sky and less traffic.
A leisurely traveler will enjoy the Blue Ridge Parkway and it’s over 200 pull offs. The skies are beautiful and the parkway avoids most major cities. This is a great rural drive for a road trip.
If you will be visiting Northern Virginia or DC, the most accessible dark skies are Shenandoah National Park. Reserve early and take your time, it is a beautiful park.
