Star Party – Santa Margarita Lake Park

Our stargazing site is located in the parking lot of the marina and boat launch at Santa Margarita Lake Park (SMLP). The park is approximately 8 miles south of the town of Santa Margarita, off of Pozo Road.

Address: 4695 Santa Margarita Lake Road, Santa Margarita, CA 93453.

Please see their website for more information on the park: slocountyparks.com/camp/santa-margarita-lake/

Arriving at the park:
We highly recommend that you arrive before dark!

Once you arrive at the park entrance kiosk, inform the Ranger that you are a CCAS member arriving for our ”Star Party”. You will be given access at no charge (providing your arrival time is reasonably close to sunset.)  Ask for directions or simply proceed straight ahead and down the hill 1/4 mile to where the road flattens out at the very wide marina parking lot entrance. Our star party will be located at the parking lot of the marina and boat launch.

Telescope area:
The telescope area is at the south end of the parking lot beyond the San Luis Rowing Club building.

Telescope operators: Please park vehicles in two rows, ensuring that a clear lane remains open on either side of the equipment & vehicles.

Attendees not setting up telescopes: Please park in the northern half of the parking lot
with headlights facing towards the parking lot exit and away from the telescope zone. 

Groups: If you have a group of eight or more people, instead of attending a star party, please consider Contacting Us to arrange a custom outreach event.