Hidden Hollow Star Party 2025

The Hidden Hollow Star Party returns in 2025 with another weekend of stargazing, education, and astronomy activities. Set in the woods near Bellville, Ohio, the event runs from Friday, September 19 through Sunday, September 21. It takes place at Hidden Hollow Camp, home to the Warren Rupp Observatory and the Richland Astronomical Society.

The event has built a reputation over the years as one of the most comfortable and welcoming star parties. It offers quiet surroundings, wooded trails, and clear fall skies. Hidden Hollow’s location gives attendees a dark sky setting and access to large telescopes like the 36-inch “Big Blue.” The site also includes indoor spaces for lectures, meals, and social activities.

The Hidden Hollow Campground sits in the rolling hills southeast of Mansfield, Ohio. Its physical address is: 5127 Possum Run Road Bellville, OH 44813

Pictured above: Sh2-108 ngc6910 by Bob Rossiter
AT80EDT with .8 reducer 384mm
Sirius EQ-g mount
Guided with ZWO 120mm-s & 30mm guide scope and ZWO ASIair
Modded Canon 90d ISO 800
24-600 seconds 4 hours

Hidden Hollow Star Party 2025

The area offers dry camping space for tents and RVs. For those who prefer more comfort, there are bunkhouses and cabins available by reservation. Restrooms are modern, showers are available, and the observing field is well-groomed and drains well in wet weather. In the case of rain, the event continues indoors. There are warm areas to gather, watch movies, play games, or hang out with other attendees. The event kicks off Friday evening with registration, vendor displays, and the first lecture. Saturday includes a full day of speakers, solar observing, and prize raffles. Observing resumes each night after sunset. A Sunday morning checkout wraps up the event.

Friday, September 19:

• 5:00 PM - Registration, raffle, and vendor displays open at Camp Lodge
• 5:30 PM - Great Lakes regional meeting
• 7:00 PM - Tom Wertman of MUFON gives a talk on UFO research
• 9:00 PM - Registration and raffle ticket sales close
• 9:00 PM - Observing begins or indoor movies if cloudy
   

Saturday, September 20:

• 9:00 AM - Camp Lodge reopens for speakers, vendors, and more
• 10:00 AM - Bob Morrow discusses telescope collimation
• 12:00 PM - Lunch and solar observing on the lodge deck
• 1:00 PM - Francis Graham speaks on the mystery of Venus
• 2:30 PM - James St. John presents on Moon geology
• 3:45 PM - Chuck Allen covers asteroid impacts and the K-T boundary
• 5:00 PM - Raffle ticket sales and silent auction end
• 6:00 PM - Raffle drawing and prize distribution
• 7:00 PM - Dinner break (on your own)
• 8:00 PM - Camp Lodge closes
• 9:00 PM - Night observing begins (or movies indoors if cloudy)
   

Sunday, September 21:

• 9:00 AM - Guest check-out
• 10:00 AM - Final departure requested to allow cleanup
   

Observing conditions and sky targets

The 2025 event takes place during a new moon, meaning skies will be as dark as possible. This makes it an ideal time for deep sky viewing.

• Saturn at Opposition - Visible all night, perfect for viewing ring structure
• Deep Sky Objects - Andromeda Galaxy, Double Cluster, and various nebulae
• Potential for Satellite Passes - Flares and ISS flyovers may be visible
   

Telescopes are welcome, but not required. Those without gear can observe through other attendees’ setups or the large observatory scopes. A range of prizes are offered, donated by astronomy companies and club members. Sponsors include Agena Astro, Celestron, and the Richland Astronomical Society. Prizes may include telescopes, binoculars, eyepieces, accessories, and books.

Raffle tickets are sold on site. Door prize tickets cost $10 each. At least 50 tickets must be sold, or refunds will be issued. If you cannot be present at the drawing, write your name on the ticket. Prizes must be picked up by 11:00 AM Sunday or will be forfeited. Food service is provided by Grub Brothers, who will serve meals, snacks, and drinks on-site throughout the weekend. There are also nearby restaurants in Bellville and Mansfield if you'd rather eat off-site. Attendees can order a 2025 Hidden Hollow Star Party T-shirt using a form on the official event website. Designs for this year’s shirts are posted online. To help everyone enjoy the weekend, the organizers ask guests to follow a few guidelines:

• No white lights after dark. Use red flashlights only.
• Keep quiet during observing hours and presentations.
• Don’t touch raffle prizes or gear that isn’t yours.
• Label raffle tickets with your name if you can’t be present.
• Clean up your area, and use trash and recycling bins.
• Vehicles should park downhill with lights facing away from the observing field.
• Respect the volunteer staff cabins and guest speaker areas.
• Leave the site by 10:00 AM Sunday so cleanup can begin.
   

If there’s an emergency or you need help, contact a Richland Astronomical Society staff member. Registration is now open. You can download the registration form as a PDF from the official event website. Fees are:

• $60 for an individual
• $75 for a family (two adults and children under 18)
   

This includes access to all scheduled talks, the observing field, and on-site camping. RV sites and bunkhouses must be reserved in advance.

To register, email Christy Wallace at momto3daughters@hotmail.com. Use “Hidden Hollow 2025” in your subject line. Accommodations include:

• Several lodging options are available:
• On-Site: Tent camping, RV camping (dry), bunkhouses, and cabins
• Nearby: Hotels and motels in Mansfield and Bellville
• Amenities: Hot showers, restrooms, and potable water
• A map of nearby lodging and directions from I-71 are available as downloadable PDFs from the event website.
   

This event welcomes everyone, from seasoned astronomers to people who have never looked through a telescope. Kids, families, beginners, and advanced imagers all attend. There’s no pressure to stay up late, participate in talks, or even bring gear. Come to learn, relax, and enjoy time under the stars.

Hidden Hollow Star Party 2025 event details

• Name: Hidden Hollow Star Party 2025
• Dates: Friday, September 19 - Sunday, September 21, 2025
• Location: Hidden Hollow Campground, 5127 Possum Run Road, Bellville, OH 44813
• Observatory: Warren Rupp Observatory
• Registration: $60 individual, $75 family
• Registration Contact: Christy Wallace - momto3daughters@hotmail.com
• Camping: Tent, RV, cabins, bunkhouses (RV/cabin reservations required)
• Main Features: Night observing, speaker presentations, raffle, solar viewing, vendors
• Observing Field: Groomed, well-drained, spacious
• Food: Grub Brothers food vendor, plus nearby restaurants
• Sponsors: Agena Astro, Celestron, Richland Astronomical Society
• Prize Drawing: Door prize tickets $10 (50 ticket minimum for drawing)
   

Register