I am getting back into astronomy after many, many years. I just ordered an 8" dobsonian telescope which should be light years ahead of the department store scopes I had as a kid. I won't receive the new scope until the end of March at the absolute earliest.
I live in the St. Louis area, so light pollution is an issue. I started researching areas with less light pollution and found 4 state parks within an hour or so drive from me that I'm interested in.
I have been trying to find information about coming and going at night and found the following on mostateparks.com:
Robertsville state park:Summer Hours (On-Season)
April through October
7 a.m. to 9 p.m., daily
Winter Hours (Off-Season)
November through March
7 a.m. to 6 p.m, daily
Park gates open and close at these times.Hawn state park:Summer Hours (On-Season)
March 15 through Nov. 14
7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Winter Hours (Off-Season)
Nov. 15 through March 14
7:30 a.m. to sunset
Entrance gates open and close at these times. Washington state park:7 a.m. to sunset, year-round.
Meramec state park:April through October
7 a.m. to 10 p.m., daily
November through March
7 a.m. to 9 p.m., daily
The park gate opens and closes at these times.It's been a while since I have camped at any of the MO state parks. When I have gone, we usually get there in the morning, camp for a few days, then leave in the afternoon, so I never experienced a closed gate. I had just assumed that you could come and go as you pleased.
My plan for stargazing would be to arrive while there is still some light, set everything up, stay for a couple of hours, then leave. From what I have found so far, it sounds like that would not work.
Most people would probably call the park offices for more information, but I'm not most people.
I wanted to find out if anyone had any first hand experience coming and going at night at the state parks.
Thanks!