Park · VA, US
Sky Meadows State Park
Sky Meadows State Park in Delaplane, Virginia, is an International Dark Sky Park, certified in 2021. Turner Pond is the Dark Sky Observation Area, open after dusk until 2 a.m. with a $10 parking hang tag, and volunteer astronomers lead monthly programs. Camping is primitive and hike-in only: 19 sites, reached by a one-mile walk on Hadow Trail.
Official site (opens in new tab) View on OpenStreetMap (opens in new tab) Source (opens in new tab)
| Type | Park |
| State / Province | VA |
| Country | United States |
| Nearest town | Delaplane |
| Certified | 2021 |
| Coordinates | 38.9910, -77.9589 |
| Source | https://darksky.org/places/sky-meadows-state-park-dark-sky-park/ (opens in new tab) |
Plan Your Night
Tonight’s moon
Waning Crescent
1% illuminated. Rises 6:19 AM EST. Sets 4:28 PM EST. Times are local to the park.
Next new moon
November 9, 2026
The darkest, best-for-stargazing night in the current lunar cycle. See the full trip planner for the next 12 months of new-moon windows.
Upcoming meteor showers
- Leonids Meteor Shower Peak 2026, November 17, 2026
- Geminids Meteor Shower Peak 2026, December 13, 2026
- Ursids Meteor Shower Peak 2026, December 22, 2026
5 nearest dark sky places
- Rappahannock County Park · 35 km (22 mi)
- Observatory Park at Turner Farm · 56 km (35 mi)
- James River State Park · 169 km (105 mi)
- Natural Bridge State Park · 205 km (127 mi)
- Watoga State Park · 215 km (134 mi)