Cherry Springs had a great campground with decent space between campsites. Each campsite had a fire pit and a picnic table and most had trees behind them. We stayed in a drive up site that was close to the restrooms and had a clear field near us to look up and stargaze.
We mainly came to this camp ground for stargazing and it was awesome! We brought our own telescope and set it up but there were a lot of people with telescopes willing to share with people who didn't have one.
This is a great little camp right beside the star field. The camp is wooded and well maintained. There are a ton to totally level spots which is why I took the one star off, but my family of four enjoyed it. The latrine toilets are kept very clean. We had a group that partied all night and definitely got sick in the latrine but the park staff were there by about 9 am cleaning it out. I do wish they were a bit more strict with some of the campers, as the party group also had a movie screen and projector and it was a bit of a bummer to have that much light near the star field but it was fine. Most campers are good about maintaining low light or red light to help maintain night vision. Tons of birds to see and you can hear cyotes. Go on a new moon so you can see the most stars.
There are no trees here so you can see the stars more easily; but keep in mind that means there isn't an easy way to hang a tarp if it rains so be prepared. Sites are far apart and pretty large. No cell service, vault toilets.
not the best camping area personally, we ended up staying at Lyman run state park for camping last time we went which is about a 20 min drive to cherry springs which worked out great! (check out my review and photos of there) but cherry springs really was worth it and if absolutely go again. absolutely beautiful! I went in October so I wish I brought more layers! definitely chilly without any tree coverage! definitely a must see!
this amazing park has one of the most amazing views of the stars on the east coast. its a dark sky park so there are not lights to spoil your viewing. its on the top of a mountain with some very beutiful overlooks too. everyone has to at least go there once to see the starts… i wish i had star pictures to show you but they would not do it justice.
Pros: Great for viewing the night sky Quiet Inexpensive Remote, not even a park office on site
Cons: Not all people observed the red light rules which ruins the dark sky effect The park ranger didn't come to drop off reservation slips until more than an hour past check in time All sites are very close together
The campground at Cherry Springs State Park has 30 sites and vault toilet restrooms. Pets are not permitted.
But don’t go for the camping. Cherry Springs State Park is an International Dark Sky Park and measures a 2 on the Bortle dark-sky scale. Go for the night skies - to see the stars and the Milky Way.
There are nearby state parks with daytime activities (try Lyman Run State Park for the swimming beach, hiking, and ATV trails).
Helpful Tips:
- Astronomy field is only for serious amateur astronomers and must be reserved (observe from the public viewing area behind the campground)
- Use red light even in the campground (free red cellophane available near the amphitheater)
- Site 26 is the best for unobscured night sky viewing
- Dress warmly (evenings are very cold, even in the summer)
- Do not expect cell service (even within an hour driving radius)
- Be prepared (nearest city of Williamsport is an hour away; firewood may be available at Lyman Run State Park concession stand)
