Location

Directions from:

Durham
  • Take exit 176B on I-85 in Durham and turn north on US-501 (Duke Street)
  • Drive north to Roxboro, then turn left onto US-501/N Main St in north Roxboro
  • Cross the state line into Virginia
  • As you are about to enter South Boston, turn right onto US-58/Bill Tuck Hwy
  • Turn left at stoplight onto US-360 north
  • Drive 8.3 miles, and turn right onto VA-344/Scottsburg Rd
  • Drive 9.9 miles through Scottsburg and arrive at Staunton River State Park
  • Continue in the park to the Visitor’s Center
Richmond
  • Take US-360 south out of Richmond
  • Drive for around 120 miles until just before South Boston
  • Turn left onto VA-344/Scottsburg Rd
  • Drive 9.9 miles through Scottsburg and arrive at Staunton River State Park
  • Continue in the park to the Visitor’s Center
Greensboro
  • Take US-29N out of Greensboro
  • At the VA/NC border, take the Danville Expy east toward South Boston
  • In 7.3 miles, merge onto US-360/US-58 E toward South Boston
  • Drive 28.8 miles, and then after entering South Boston, turn left following US-360 E
  • Drive 8.3 miles, and turn right onto VA-344/Scottsburg Rd
  • Drive 9.9 miles through Scottsburg and arrive at Staunton River State Park
  • Continue in the park to the Visitor’s Center
Norfolk
  • Take US-58 out of the Norfolk area toward Suffolk
  • Stay on US-58 around Suffolk continuing to South Hill, VA
  • Immediately after crossing I-85, turn right onto VA-47 north/east
  • Drive 34.6 miles, pass through Chase City on 47, and turn left onto US-360 W in Randolph, VA
  • Drive 3.5 miles, and turn left onto State Road 716
  • Drive 7.3 miles, and turn left onto VA-344 E
  • Drive 3.8 miles and arrive at Staunton River State Park
  • Continue in the park to the Visitor’s Center

Dark Sky Classification

The star party is held at Virginia’s first international dark sky park – Staunton River State Park in Halifax County, Virginia near Scottsburg and about 30 miles east of South Boston, Virginia. GPS coordinates are 36° 41′ 46″ N latitude and 78° 41′ 06.9″ W longitude.

The area is in a blue area on light pollution maps, but just barely … as can be seen on the map below from the Dark Site Finder web site. As an IDA-certified dark sky park, the park continues to work with local goverments and businesses to maintain and extend the dark skies at the park!

Observing Field Layout

Once you arrive at the park, follow the main road to the visitor center. The star party will be held on the field directly adjacent to the visitor center. Entrance to the field will be via the visitor center roads. Then follow the painted lines on the field.