Observing Field

Observing Field

Star party guests will be able to camp and park near their telescope equipment on the observing field. Please note that there are no hookups for power or water on the observing field. RV owners may camp in the main campground where those amenities are available. It is HIGHLY encouraged that you make those reservations ASAP as they fill up quickly.

Please look at the custom Google map below that we've created to see what restrictions are in place for trailers on the observing field.

In accordance with star party etiquette, if you choose to park next to your campsite, you should plan on not moving your car during the night so please plan accordingly. If you need to leave during the night please park in the dirt parking lot next to the mansion. There are four cabins within a mile of the observing field for rent. To reserve a park campsite or cabin, please visit the park’s reservation page.

Two 20 amp electrical power stations are available for charging batteries on a first-come, first-serve basis, and is available by the barn/registration table area. There is no power available on the field and generators are only permitted during the day. Please plan accordingly.

There is no WiFi available. Cell service is available throughout the park.

Toilet facilities, including porta-potties are on or near the observing field. The shower facilities are located in the main campground.

Other than the Saturday afternoon cookout, no food will be provided nor is any available for purchase in the park. The closest food is a Dollar General store that is a 15 minute drive away in the town of Surry and the choices are limited. It is highly recommended that you bring everything you need since it will be a significant drive by most people's standards to do a grocery run.

• Smaller utility/teardrop trailers are allowed to be parked on the observing field (see map)
• Larger trailers units, things typically over 20', motor homes and pulled travel trailers, would be better suited to be in the campground, if possible. PLEASE LOOK AT THE MAP BELOW. The area is a space marked in blue between check-in tent location Chippokes Plantation House (see map)
• We need to know how many people are bring a trailer / motor home over 20' so we can pass the information on to the park
• Generators are not allowed to run at night. If your trailer needs constant power, it should be in the campground
• We may setup equipment at the edge of the field, where the porta potties are located, but beware that this park is still open to the public and you may have visitors walking through during the day as that is designated as a trail and it has historical signage
• The area in blue south of Plantation Rd is a secondary option for large RV's if the first option is not acceptable after all. We may have all large trailers park here if there is a heavy rain before the ECSP so please remain flexible (see map)
• The original observing field will not be mowed before the event so we are in a slightly different location there (look at the map) but the views should still be good