The Rappahannock County Park was granted a Silver Tier Dark Sky Park status on February 21, 2019 by the International Dark-Sky Association. Upon request, the Rappahannock County Recreational Facilities Authority (RCRFA) will make the Park available for at least 9 scheduled events in 2025:  either presentations organized by the Rappahannock League for Environmental Protection (RLEP) or scheduled Dark Skies viewing nights overseen by a Rappahannock County Recreational Facilities Authority (RCRFA) board member.  All Dark Skies events will be supervised by a RCRFA board member. Participants on Free Observations Evenings must register at least 24 hour prior to viewing date. Check this link to find Dark Skies documents, including Registration Form. ‍

All standard Park Regulations for use of Park apply to Dark Skies events.

‍Dark Skies Plan‍

The Dark Skies program will follow the most recent Dark Skies Plan approved by RCRFA. To see plan, policy, and 2025 event dates, visit our Dark Sky page.

Have Questions?‍‍

Email rappdarkskies@gmail.com  or call 540-675-5330‍

Designated Areas for After Dusk Use

Areas of the Park designated for after dusk use include:

• The gravel parking lot
• The pavilion and restrooms
• The asphalt pad where the shuffleboard and cornhole facilities are located‍

All other areas of the park are excluded from after dusk use including the tennis courts, basketball court, skateboard park, and walking trails in the forested area. ‍

Park Rules for After Dusk Use

1. Only astronomical observations, night photography, and dark sky events are permitted.
2. Scheduled Dark Skies nights will be scheduled and posted on the Rappahannock County Park website and in local media.  Any cancelations due to weather or other reasons will be posted on the website.
3. Participants in Dark Skies events must stay in designated areas listed above.  Other areas of the Park are closed at dusk.
4. Participants using the Park during Dark Skies events are solely responsible for injury or damage to property or persons. The RCRFA, the County of Rappahannock, its agents or employees accept no responsibility for injury or damage to property.
5. The individual/group using the Park on Dark Skies nights agree to pay for damages caused by their use.
6. Trash and debris must be removed from the Park on the date of use.
7. Alcohol, fireworks, and unleashed pets are prohibited.
8. Electric generators are prohibited.
9. Amplified sound is not permitted without prior consent by the RCRFA.
10. Use of car headlights shall be minimized and directed away from adjacent private residences.