Collinsville.
The definitive guide to dark skies and celestial observation in Collinsville, VA. Verified using National Park Service and NASA Night Sky Network Clubs data.
Quick Guide for Collinsville
- Top Community Pick: Mayo River State Park (~21.6 miles)
- Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 5.0 at Blackrock Summit
- Local Experts: Star City Astronomy Network
- Verified Observations: 5 distinct spots
Stargazing in Collinsville is surprisingly rewarding if you know exactly where to set up your tripod. While enthusiasts often gather at Mayo River State Park for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Blackrock Summit provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 5.0. The transition between the urban infrastructure of Collinsville and the more rural stretches of VA creates several ‘dark sky’ corridors.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Collinsville
Since Collinsville sits in a transitional light zone, viewing is best during the New Moon or after midnight when some commercial lighting is reduced.
Expert Tips for Collinsville Observers
When visiting Mayo River State Park, remember to check if the gates close at sunset or if a night-use permit is required. A medium-aperture telescope is ideal for resolving the rings of Saturn and bright star clusters here. Local enthusiasts often frequent this spot, making it a great place to meet experienced observers. Regardless of your gear, allow 30 minutes for your eyes to fully dark-adapt.
Virginia Guide
Local Top Spots
Community-vetted locations known for clear horizons and accessibility for telescopes and astrophotography.
Mayo River State Park
" 'Join the Greensboro Asteonomy Club from 1:00-3:00 at Mayo River State Park for an afternoon of solar Observing.', 'Please join the Greensboro Asteronomy Club from 1:00-3:00 for solar observing.', 'Dress for the weather.' "
Hanging Rock State Park, NC
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Haw River State Park Iron Ore Belt Access Area
" 'Join the Greensboro Astronomy Club for an evening under the stars at Haw River State park, Iron Ore Access. Observing begins approximately 30 minutes after sunset.', 'Please dress warmly.', 'Join members of the Greensboro Astronomy Club as we spend a night under the stars at Haw River State Park. "
Pilot Mountain State Park
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Staunton River State Park
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
NPS Sky Measurements
Instrumented readings from the National Park Service Night Sky Program, providing the most accurate SQM and Bortle classifications.
Blackrock Summit
Shenendoah NP
"Exceptionally clear skies and air for this eastern US site. Very dry air with some moderate winds provided visibility of 50-75+ miles during the day. At night the horizon is almost completely illuminated by cities, small towns and rural farms and ranches. Some very bright direct glare sources in the cities of Harrisonburg and Fishersville (Hospital?). The Milky Way was visible to the horizon in the SW and obscured at about 25 degrees above horizon in the NE. Very good detail in Cygnus near the zenith. Washington D.C. light dome easily visible to the ENE. With some lengthy dark adaptation, this observer was able to see 6.7 magnitude star in Pegasus."
Big Meadows
Shenandoah NP
"Site 300 meters south of Big Meadows gas pump and Wayside café, seeing good, transparency good, but windy and getting hazier. Light dome from Washington D.C. brightest, many smaller ones around the horizon. Milky Way easy to see especially brightest parts in Cygnus and Cassiopeia. As night progresses, however, haziness increases and contrast decreases, especially along the southwestern horizon. SQM 21.27. Glare from several lights at Wayside and visitor center very distracting, kills night vision, illuminates landscape, much brighter than Venus from this location. By 4th set low clouds move in from the northwest and very hazy and windy."
International Dark Sky Parks
Premier locations certified for their exceptional dark sky quality and commitment to light pollution mitigation.
Natural Bridge State Park
Virginia’s 37th state park, Natural Bridges was dedicated in 2016. The park preserves 607 hectares of land once owned by U.S. President Thomas Jefferson…
Staunton River State Park
Staunton River State Park is a 971-hectare property situated squarely in the heart of southern Virginia, about 40 km north of the North Carolina border.
Local Astronomy Clubs
Connect with experts and fellow enthusiasts through local astronomical societies and community groups.