Cherry Springs State Park Campground

I booked this trip back in January hopeful everything would just work out but it poured all weekend. We saw a few stars for about 40 minutes last night and went back inside because of the rain. However, the actual park is pretty nice. There's not much to the park but it offers incredible views of the night sky. There are two camping options: the airstrip campground that you reserve online and can have a fire and other white light things, or you can camp first come first serve at the observation field where you can only have red lighting and basically a tent or pop up. We stayed at actual campground across from the observation field. They have no flush bathrooms and a water pump in the center of the campground. Unfortunately we missed out on the stars but the park itself was nice and we are determined to make it back on a clear night. 

Rainy weekend but I'd still go back

I write this with the caveat that we did not actually spend the night in Cherry Springs State Park. I favor campsites with privacy in the woods, even if they lack the amenities of public campsites. That being said, we did spend the evening on the public viewing field falling asleep under the stars. Sleeping on the field all night isn't actually allowed, so we camped at Little Lyman Vista, which we found on a map of the area. The whole area is very gorgeous and I HIGHLY recommend going for stargazing. If you have flexibility with your dates, try to go on a new moon or a meteor shower!

Cherry Springs

Arrived on a rainy afternoon noon that cleared up shortly afterward. That night it was overcast and muggy so there was nothing to see. The following two nights however were crystal clear and the temperature dropped drastically.

New moon camping and star gazing 

_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)_

Camping in an International Dark Sky Park

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.

STARS!!!!

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! 

awesome stargazing 

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.

Open, good sized sites, no trees so great for seeing the stars

I went with 2 of my best friends and the stars were magnificent! Saw multiple shooting stars as well! The campsites are a little too open and close for my liking but the area in general is beautiful! So many hiking trails as well with hills and water!

Stars galore

We got so lucky to be able to have two nights of clear skies. The people who bring the pro equipment to view the skies are so so nice! We walked around and everyone let us view what they were looking at in their telescopes! Even without equipment, you can just lay out and view some incredible skies. This place is an absolute dream!

We love love love Cherry Springs 

After arriving at Cherry Springs we pitched our tent and took in the beautiful scenery, it gets even better at night! The skies opened up and the stars came out. It was truly breathtaking.

Beautiful campground and night sky

Okay for one night. Pretty open campground. Great place to see the stars of the conditions are right.

Good for a night

Easy in, easy out!! Gorgeous drive from Philadelphia if you go the long way!! No highways.. Stars were incredible and we were there when it was cloudy!!