2026 ABAS Stargaze Campout: Assateague Island
Join the American Bootes Astronomical Society for a relaxed night under the stars, accompanied by Atlantic breezes and wild horses.
We are heading to the pristine dark skies of Assateague State Park for a unique overnight stargazing experience. Located at Youth Group Site 3 (the northernmost group site on the dunes), we will enjoy a “private beach” feel perfect for deep-sky observation.
Schedule
Saturday, July 11, 2026
2:00 PM: Check-in & Camp Setup.
Afternoon: Relaxed beach time and wild horse watching.
8:30 PM: Main Event: Guided Sky Tour. A tour of the Summer Triangle, the Milky Way core, and various nebulae and globular clusters.
10:00 PM – Late: Open stargazing and meteor spotting.
Sunday, July 12, 2026
Morning: Enjoy the shore and beach walks at your own pace.
11:00 AM: Check-out and departure.
Registration & Fees
Capacity is strictly limited to 40 participants.
Ticket: $15 per person per adult and $10 per kid.
Essential “Pro-Tips” for Campers
Do not leave food or trash out. All food must be locked in your vehicle, as the wild horses are known to raid campsites and tents.
Assateague is famous for its “cow flies” and mosquitoes. Please bring heavy-duty repellent.
Sun & Shade: The site has no natural tree cover. A beach umbrella or pop-up canopy is highly recommended for the afternoon.
Dark Sky Etiquette: To ensure the best viewing, we use Red Lights Only after 8:30 PM. Please bring a red-tinted flashlight or headlamp.
Facilities: The site features clean bathhouses with hot showers and flushing toilets.
Liability waiver
By checking here, I CERTIFY THAT I am 18 years or older and I HAVE READ THIS DOCUMENT AND I FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS CONTENT. I AM AWARE THAT THIS IS A RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND A CONTRACT AND I SIGN IT OF MY OWN FREE WILL. I fully understands the risks involved in the activities, and fully, voluntarily and freely assume any and all risks. I understand that participant is fully responsible for all his/her activity and any consequence may occur. I acknowledge and agree that POC assume no liability for any accident, illness, injury, loss or damage to personal property or any other consequences arising or resulting directly or indirectly from the participation in the event.