Washington State Star Party 2025

If you've ever looked up at a clear, dark sky and felt small, curious, or just completely amazed, you're not alone. That feeling is exactly what brings hundreds of people together every summer at the Washington State Star Party. It’s not just about telescopes and star charts—it’s about stepping away from the daily grind, sitting under a sky full of stars, and being part of a welcoming, slightly nerdy, totally wonderful community of people who love space as much as you do. Whether you’ve never touched a telescope or you’ve been mapping the moons of Jupiter for decades, this event is your chance to get lost in the night sky—and maybe find a few new friends along the way.

Washington State Star Party 2025: A Stargazing Tradition Reimagined at Jameson Lake

The Washington State Star Party, formerly known as the Table Mountain Star Party, continues its long-standing tradition of bringing together astronomy enthusiasts from across the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Now held at the scenic Jameson Lake site in Moses Coulee, this event offers both seasoned astronomers and curious newcomers an unforgettable experience under some of the darkest skies in the region. With its welcoming community, educational programs, and strict respect for the night sky, the Washington State Star Party (WSSP) is more than just a camping trip—it’s an immersive dive into the wonders of the cosmos.

Despite the word "party," a star party is not a rowdy social gathering. Instead, it’s a peaceful, community-centered event where amateur astronomers, families, and curious skywatchers unite to share their passion for the night sky. Star parties are about camaraderie, learning, exploration, and, of course, observing the heavens. Many attendees return year after year, building friendships that often start with a simple, “What are you looking at tonight?” Even if you don't own a telescope, you're welcome to come, look through other attendees' equipment, and soak in the experience.

The move to Jameson Lake in 2024 was a significant change for the event, but one that has been met with excitement. Located about 30 miles north of Ephrata and west of Coulee City, this site places the event closer to Washington's Puget Sound population centers, making it more accessible than previous years.

Jameson Lake offers expansive horizons, with unobstructed north and south views and minimal obstructions to the east and west. The site's natural coulee walls sit about 20 degrees above the true horizon, providing excellent observing conditions, particularly for deep-sky targets and planetary viewing.

Event Dates and Duration

The 2025 Washington State Star Party runs from Tuesday, July 22, through Saturday, July 26, with Sunday, July 27, designated as pack-up-and-depart day. Attendees are welcome to arrive and leave at any point during the event, although strict rules apply to arrivals after dark to protect the observing environment.

You do not need a telescope to attend. In fact, attending WSSP is one of the best ways to explore your options if you're considering buying one. The field is full of telescopes of all shapes, sizes, and price points, and their owners are often more than willing to share views and advice.

WSSP has a well-deserved reputation as a family-friendly event. The Student Program keeps kids engaged with educational activities like building stomp rockets, while adults can enjoy guest speakers, workshops, and, of course, nighttime observing. If you’re comfortable taking your kids camping, they’ll fit right in here.

What to Expect During the Day

While the main event happens under the stars, there’s plenty to do during daylight hours. The event offers:

• Presentations from expert speakers
• Astronomy workshops and seminars
• A vendor area with telescopes, accessories, and astronomy gear
• The Stuff Shack for WSSP merchandise
• The always-popular Swap Meet on Saturday morning
• Hiking, biking, and exploring the beautiful Moses Coulee area
   

Food and Amenities

Hillside Catering will provide short-order food service throughout the event, offering everything from burgers and hot dogs to smoothies and espresso. Pre-purchased meals are no longer offered, so attendees are encouraged to bring their own food as well. Please note that no open fires, charcoal grills, or campfires are allowed; only propane or gas stoves may be used for cooking.

Portable toilets are stationed around the site, and a large dumpster is provided for trash. However, there is no on-site potable water, so attendees must bring sufficient water for drinking and cooking.

Rules and Regulations

To ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for all attendees, WSSP has detailed rules in place. Some of the most important include:

• A valid Washington Discover Pass is required for each vehicle.
• No fires of any kind are permitted.
• Red lights only after 10:00 PM to preserve night vision.
• Quiet hours are from midnight to 10:00 AM.
• Generators may only be operated between 10:00 AM and 10:00 PM.
• Pets must be leashed at all times and cannot roam onto public areas.
• Bicycles are not allowed in the main camping areas.
• Absolutely no laser pointers are permitted (except for official programs).
• RV gray or black water dumping on-site is strictly prohibited.
   

Violations of these rules may result in removal from the event.

Registration and Fees

Pre-registration for WSSP 2025 closed on July 5, but on-site registration is available for those arriving during event hours. Note that a $25 group surcharge applies to primary on-site registrants. Registration fees are structured per vehicle, not per person, encouraging carpooling to reduce the number of vehicles on-site.

Registration fees are as follows:

• $75 - First person with vehicle
• $75 - Additional adults
• $15 - Students (ages 7-17)
• Free - Children (6 and under)
   

Optional apparel, including annual shirts, sweatshirts, and hoodies, are available for purchase during registration (while supplies last).

Camping is first-come, first-served, with designated areas for RVs and tents. Dispersed camping options are available for those who prefer solitude. Most campsites lack shade, so bringing a canopy or awning with proper tie-downs is highly recommended.

The ground is rocky in places, so heavy-duty stakes or bucket-style anchors filled with rocks are recommended for securing tents and shelters. Be prepared for hot days, cool nights, occasional gusty winds, and insects like flies or mosquitoes.

Due to the remote nature of the Jameson Lake site, cell phone coverage is minimal to nonexistent. The nearest reliable phone service is at Jack's Resort. Emergency services can be summoned from there, but response times are estimated at a minimum of 30 minutes. Attendees should bring a basic first aid kit for minor injuries.

Jameson Lake is public land managed by the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife. Attendees are expected to treat the land with respect, clean up after themselves, and avoid causing damage. Trash, animal waste, and inappropriate items must not be disposed of in portable toilets. Illegal dumping may result in removal from the event.

The Washington State Star Party represents more than just a chance to look at the stars. It's a celebration of shared passion, an opportunity for education, and a break from the hustle of modern life. Whether you're an experienced observer, a newcomer curious about astronomy, or simply seeking a unique, family-friendly summer event, WSSP is a welcoming place to connect with the universe—and each other.

Event Quick Facts and Details

• Event Name: Washington State Star Party (WSSP)
• Dates: July 22 - 26, 2025 (Pack-up day: July 27)
• Location: Jameson Lake, Moses Coulee, approximately 30 miles north of Ephrata, WA
• Discover Pass Required: Yes, per vehicle (purchase online or through vehicle registration)
• Registration Fees:
• $75 - First person with vehicle
• $75 - Additional adults
• $15 - Students (ages 7-17)
• Free - Children (6 and under)
• $25 - On-site group surcharge for primary registrant
• Apparel Costs: T-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies available (various prices, while supplies last)
• Food:
• Hillside Catering food truck onsite
• Menu includes burgers, hot dogs, gyros, fries, sandwiches, coffee, espresso, smoothies, ice cream
• No pre-purchased meals available
• Amenities:
• Portable toilets around the site
• Dumpster for trash
• No potable water provided, bring your own
• No fires or charcoal grills allowed (propane/gas stoves only)
• Activities:
• Guest speakers, workshops, astronomy programs
• Student activities and educational programming
• Vendor area with astronomy gear and accessories
• Saturday Swap Meet
• Hiking, biking, exploring Moses Coulee
• Rules Highlights:
• Red lights only after 10:00 PM
• Quiet hours: Midnight to 10:00 AM
• No fires of any kind
• Pets must be leashed at all times
• No bicycles in camping areas
• No laser pointers (except for official programs)
• Generators allowed 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM only
• No gray/black water dumping onsite
• Emergency Info:
• Nearest phone service: Jack's Resort
• Expect emergency response delays (30+ minutes)
• Bring basic first aid kit
• Camping Info:
• First-come, first-served campsites
• RV and tent areas available
• No shade, bring canopy/awning with proper anchors
• Secure all tents and shelters due to potential winds
• Social Media: Follow WSSP on Facebook for updates
• Website: Visit the official Washington State Star Party website for full details, registration info, and updates
   

When the telescopes are packed up, the campsite is quiet, and the stars begin to fade with the first light of morning, what really stays with you isn’t just the view through the eyepiece—it’s the conversations, the laughter, and that simple, shared awe of looking up at the universe together. The Washington State Star Party isn’t just about astronomy, it’s about connection—to the sky, to each other, and to that childlike wonder that reminds us how vast and beautiful this world (and everything beyond it) really is.

Register here