Our Favorite Star Parties in Pennsylvania, Virginia and Florida
Whatever you call it a – motorhome, RV or land cruiser – it’s how to go to a star party. If you have a motorhome you know the many advantages for traveling in one, but if you’re not an RV owner you don’t have to buy one, rent one! There’s never been more places to rent a recreational vehicle and see for yourself the benefit of going to a star party in an RV. Some rental companies will deliver the motorhome to where you want it for an additional charge.
We priced out renting a standard RV that sleeps five for three nights from CruiseAmerica. For three people driving an estimated 300 miles, the total cost came to $477, which includes the RV rental, fuel and a refundable $500 security deposit. Not included was the kitchen kit for $125, which includes dishes and cookware.
The convenience of having everything you need when and where you want it makes a motor home an ideal way to stargaze with binoculars to experience the wonders of the night sky. There’s sure to be room for astronomy binoculars, often called jumbo binocs, and a sturdy tripod to hold them.
And if you need space to transport a telescope with mount and tripod to an observing field, you’ll find plenty of storage space for it.
The extra gear we bring to set up our rig is a 10×10 pop up canopy that’s quick and easy to assemble, along with a small folding table and chairs. The canopy is well used as a place to enjoy a meal and sit during the day protected from the sun (or rain). And it’s a catchall spot to keep extra gear. To set up and take down our rig needs little time and can be quickly disassembled and packed into its case.
Daytime activities
Many star parties have daytime lectures by experts, activities like swap meets, drawings for door prizes donated by manufacturers, and a food vendor. Or you can easily bring along whatever else you want to enjoy your free time like frisbees, gameboards and walking shoe to go exploring. Don’t forget a good book and a music device.
If you have sun filters for jumbo binoculars, bring them and enjoy observing the sun during the day. Be warned: you’ll have lots of passers-by who want to take a look. Bring compact binoculars for walking nearby nature trails because you’re sure to enjoy some birdwatching. And don’t forget to bring bicycles, especially for kids, to give them wheels to explore.
3 STAR PARTIES WE KNOW AND LOVE
September 6-8 2024 BLACK FOREST STAR PARTY
Black Forest Star Party www,bfsp.org will be held Friday, September 6 to Sunday, 8 at Cherry Springs State Park in Coudersport PA. The immense view of dark skies can be awe-inspiring and we think this is one of the best places to observe. Whether you use binoculars or a telescope you won’t be disappointed.
The Black Forest Star Party (BFSP) is an annual dark-sky amateur astronomy observing event hosted by the Central Pennsylvania Observers (CPO). Cherry Springs State Park is one of the darkest sites in the state of Pennsylvania and has been designated as Pennsylvania’s first Dark Sky Park. Here’s a light pollution map of Pennsylvania, courtesy of the International Dark-Sky Association to illustrate the dark sky.
NOTE: In June 2025 the annual Cherry Star Party is held at Cherry Springs State Park. It is sponsored by the Astronomical Society of Harrisburg. Here’s a link for more information go to https://sites.google.com/astrohbg.org/Cherry-Springs-Star-Party.
September 30-October 6 2024 STAUNTON RIVER STAR PARTY
Another favorite star party we like to attend is in Virginia at the Staunton River State Park in Scottsburg VA. The week-long event is sponsored by the Chape Hill Astronomical and Observational Society (CHAOS) from Monday, September 30 through Sunday October 6 this year. This park is the designated an International Dark Sky Park with access to Buggs Island Lake for freshwater fishing, and boating. There’ also picnic shelters, three playgrounds, tennis and volleyball courts, and more than 17 miles of multi-use trails. For more information go to https://chaosastro.org/starparty-home/
2025 January 27-February 2 WINTER STAR PARTY
The Winter Star Party sponsored by the Southern Cross Astronomical Society of Miami is held in the Florida Keys near Marathon, Florida, and one of our favorites. The 2025 event is scheduled for Monday, January 27 to Sunday, February 2. Activities include a Beachwalk and Laser Tour, but you’re in the heart of the FL Keys so you have all day to swim, fish, scuba dive and of course, enjoy Margaritaville in Key West. Go to https://www.scas.org/winter-star-party/?y=2025 for information.
Where to Rent a Motorhome
Here are some websites with listings of where to rent an RV, motorhome, camper van or travel trailer. The choices are many, Do you want a small and compact unit or a large luxurious motorhome? Can you bring your pet along or have the unit delivered to your destination? There are so many rigs to choose from so spend time at these websites to understand the breadth of options you have.
Cruise America https://www.cruiseamerica.com/rv-rentals
Good Sam RV Rentals https://www.rvrentals.com/
Outdoorsy https://www.outdoorsy.com
- A Lot to Know about Astronomy Crossword Puzzle
- Choosing Binoculars for Boating
- Stars at Home and Backyard Stargazing
Gene and Katie Hamilton are amateur astronomers who follow the stars and write about their dark sky adventures. They are members of the Outdoor Writers Association of America.
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