Cathedral Gorge Star Party
April 17-18, 2026
LVAS has reserved the Group campground nearest the restrooms, marked on the map. The Telescope Field is in the volleyball court next to the group campsites. Whether you camp in the main campground, the group site or park an RV in the overflow area, you may (and are encouraged to) set up your telescope in the Telescope Field.
The Group Site is tent camping only. Cars can be parked along the roadway (marked in green) and in the driveway up to the restrooms.
The roadway encircling the telescope field has some space for overnight camping, but a path must be kept clear at all times. If you are not sleeping in yoiur car in this area, you must leave before sunset to keep lights to a minimum.
Over the years, a number of attendees have decided to start the weekend on Thursday. Should you decided to do so, know that you can set up telescopes in the Telescope field on Thursday, rather than observe from your campsite and move on to the telescope field on Friday.
Non-Camping lodging suggestions:
Shady Hotel - Caliente
Hot Springs Motel - Caliente
Overland Hotel - Pioche
Pine Tree Inn - Panaca
Cathedral Gorge State Park campground uses a reservation system now.
Click to see information on the reservation system
Click to make a reservation
Click here for the Cathedral Gorge State Park website
You will have to set up an account to make reservations. As explained in the "Reservations" page, if you have a state park permit, you email them a picture of your permit and they will add it to your permits list, so you won't have to pay for your reservation.
You do not use the reservation system if you are planning to camp in the group area. Just pay the fee when you arrive.
Join the Las Vegas Astronomical Society at our Cathedral Gorge Campout and Star Party, held at Cathedral Gorge State Park near Panaca, Nevada. This event is often graced with two nights of clear dark skies - a great opportunity to get out and observe some of the Wonders of the Night Sky. All astronomers and visitors are welcome.
Whether you are an astronomer (bringing a scope to share with the public) or a member of the public, please register using the above link. This gives us an email address for updates. We have had to cancel due to weather in the past, and email is the main method for alerting attendees.
Attendees are responsible for all park fees, for entry and camping.
Entry Fee: $5.00 ($10.00 non-Nevada) per vehicle
Camping Fee: $15.00 ($20.00 non-Nevada) per night for group site
There is a "kiosk" with envelopes for submitting payment at the campground
