Looking to photograph stars for the first time. Need some advice on picking a good night

I've got a fast wide angle lens and a camera body that I'm very comfortable with. I've got a remote release so thatI can use bulb exposure as well. I'm just looking to try my hand at photographing stars for the first time. I live out in the suburbs on Long Island so there's lots of light pollution.

I have one location in mind (Captree State Park on Long Island, NY). It's not completely ideal but it's definitely secluded save for a couple of dock lights. I would normally go to one of the Fire Island beaches but because of Sandy the entire area is in shambles.

Anyways, I know I should probably pick a clear night where the moon isn't out but are there any other signs I should look for that aren't so obvious? Also, say the moon IS out. Will that make it a lot harder to get any stars? I'm a college student so I'm only home until early January so I only have a limited amount of time to try this