Timberwood Park.

The definitive guide to dark skies and celestial observation in Timberwood Park, TX. Verified using National Park Service and NASA Night Sky Network Clubs data.

Bortle Scale
5
Best Regional Reading
Sky Quality
21.43
SQM Zenith Value
Verified Sites
5
Community Vetted
Dark Sky Parks
2
IDA Certified Nearby

Quick Guide for Timberwood Park

  • Top Community Pick: Raymond Rimkus Park (~16.3 miles)
  • Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 3 at LBJ Ranch Dales Trap
  • Local Experts: San Antonio League of Sidewalk Astronomers
  • Verified Observations: 5 distinct spots

Searching for a clear window into the cosmos near Timberwood Park, TX? While enthusiasts often gather at Raymond Rimkus Park for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at LBJ Ranch Dales Trap provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 3. The transition between the urban infrastructure of Timberwood Park and the more rural stretches of TX creates several ‘dark sky’ corridors.

The Best Times for Stargazing in Timberwood Park

For the best results in Timberwood Park, aim for a ‘New Moon’ window. In these dark-sky conditions, the absence of moonlight allows the Milky Way to cast visible shadows.

Expert Tips for Timberwood Park Observers

When visiting Raymond Rimkus Park, remember to check if the gates close at sunset or if a night-use permit is required. For the best views at this spot, try to observe targets when they are highest in the sky to minimize atmospheric interference. Local enthusiasts often frequent this spot, making it a great place to meet experienced observers. Regardless of your gear, allow 30 minutes for your eyes to fully dark-adapt.

Local Top Spots

Community-vetted locations known for clear horizons and accessibility for telescopes and astrophotography.

Premier Verified Hub Confidence: 100%

Raymond Rimkus Park

16.3 mi
Distance

" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "

Leon Valley, TX 78238
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Premier Verified Hub Confidence: 95%

Guadalupe River State Park

10.4 mi
Distance

" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "

Bergheim, TX 78004
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Premier Verified Hub Confidence: 95%

Guadalupe River State Park

13.6 mi
Distance

" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "

Spring Branch, TX 78070
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Premier Verified Hub Confidence: 87.5%

Crescent Bend Nature Park

15.9 mi
Distance

" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "

Schertz, TX 78108
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Premier Verified Hub Confidence: 100%

Pedernales Falls State Park

44.2 mi
Distance

" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "

Johnson City, TX 78636
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Scientific Audit

NPS Sky Measurements

Instrumented readings from the National Park Service Night Sky Program, providing the most accurate SQM and Bortle classifications.

LBJ Ranch Dales Trap

Lyndon Johnson NHP

21.31 SQM
Bortle Class 3

"Sky quality measurements were recorded at LBJ Ranch Dales Trap in Lyndon Johnson NHP on 4/1/2005. The site demonstrated a scientific darkness reading of 21.31 SQM."

Observation Date
4/1/2005
Elevation
460m
Zenith Brightness
21.71

LBJ Ranch airstrip

Lyndon B Johnson NHP

21.43 SQM
Bortle Class 5

"Stability Good, steady at 45. Transparency moderately low. Bortle - lit clouds, multiple domes, a few globulars visible, maybe 4-5."

Observation Date
4/21/2006
Elevation
460m
Zenith Brightness
21.7

International Dark Sky Parks

Premier locations certified for their exceptional dark sky quality and commitment to light pollution mitigation.

IDA Certified Distance: 31.0 miles

Wimberley Valley, Texas

The cities of Wimberley and Woodcreek (collectively known as “Wimberley Valley”), are neighboring incorporated municipalities in Hays County, Texas, U.S.

Category
International Dark Sky Community
Certified
2018
Land Area
97.6 km2
Coordinates
29.9968, -98.0954
IDA Certified Distance: 37.8 miles

Blanco, Texas

The City of Blanco is located in Blanco County in central Texas, U.S., in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. The Texas Hill Country is a geographic region…

Category
International Dark Sky Community
Certified
2022
Land Area
8.4 km2
Coordinates
30.2419, -98.4005

Local Astronomy Clubs

Connect with experts and fellow enthusiasts through local astronomical societies and community groups.

NASA Night Sky Club ID
#414

San Antonio League of Sidewalk Astronomers

San Antonio, TX

NASA Night Sky Club ID
#59

San Antonio Astronomical Association

San Antonio, TX