York River State Park Stargazing

Start time: Twilight (we ask that people setup before the end of twilight - you drive your vehicle right onto the observing field).

End time: we are authorized to stay all night though us old guys are usually tired by 0100-0200 (Troy Riedel is the last to depart & he locks the gate).

Observing Site: After entering the park (the entrance fee is waived for amateur astronomers), drive to & enter the ‘right’ parking lot. At the back/riverside corner of the lot, take the “No Admittance” dirt road (we are allowed to drive on it) to the observing site where you can park & unload. 

From May through September, we support YRSP’s programming. For example, they have a Night Hike or an evening Canoe Tour. At the conclusion - on the way out - participants stop & visit us.  Event size varies, but the normal range is 15 - 24. If there is a scout or other youth group involved, we could have 50. That’s a lot of people for only 2-3 amateurs and we’ll lose people who get tired of waiting. 

October through April, we are by ourselves … but obviously receptive to onlookers. YRSP lists our ‘winter’ observing dates on their web site - and they invite interested people to stop & visit us. But during the ‘winter’ period (Oct-Apr) we are not supporting a formal YRSP-sponsored program and thus we only have a couple of visitors, if any at all.

Park Phone: 757-566-3036
Outreach P.O.C. Troy Riedel: (757) 342-5173 Cell (texting is preferred)