Address: 4639 Cherry Springs Rd, Coudersport, PA 16915, USA
Phone: +18144351037
Sunday: Open 24 hours
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Karla Recinos
Definately a once of a lifetime experience , I spent the 4th of July weekend here !!! N i will definately be coming back traditionally , the stars are so beautiful to look at, and the skies are so clear n its super dark , n it gets super cold at night i suggest bringing a sweater n some sweatpants n a long sleeve for the night n a comforter to be warm. I never thought it was gonna get eeally cold but it gets so cold at night to the point that the air starts to condensate n it looks like it rained at night , early in the morning , the sun does shine really bright as well. There is a pit that you can create a campfire to either roast marshmellows or to cook, thw space was very spacious , n my favorite part was going to the bathrooms actually , to be a state park this has to be one of the first bathrooms ive seen CLEAN. And with paper toliet i was shocked !!!! Lol , but i didnt feel disgusted with going to the bathroom i felt comfortable. The sites are spacious n its limited to whoever is making reservations so I like that too that its not overly crowded. People over there are very friendly. The shop that they have the employees are very friendly n helpful , i brought ab $135 worth in merchandise they also sell ice cream n u can pump gas into ur car before leaving too ! Very unforgettable experience n i will be coming back every year !!!
Kenny Xie
We went there June 1-3 2022 for camping and stargazing. It was a wonderful experience! We reserved the reservation on the park website in January and the weekends in summer were all sold out. It was not an very easy drive to get there as the road has a lot of turns and slopes (hairpin turn!). The check-in was easy (get a paper from a box at the wall of an office). The campground seemed to be relatively well maintained. It was clean, the grass was recently mowed, and the restroom was equipped with enough toilet papers (I see campsite 10's grill and the well water faucet near us were not working). There are about 30 campsites and all are equipped with a charcoal grill and wooden table and benches. The campsites are on a slope so not much water puddles, good for even rainy day camping. Cars can be parked next to the tents. Most campsites are close to each other so privacy is minimal. We can hear our neighbors' voices, although not the content. I was sure everyone in the campground heard our kids when they were screaming 🤣. But in a sense we felt pretty safe because everyone was close by. The stargazing is the best part. We unfortunately experienced two days of thunderstorms and rains, but considered ourselves lucky to see the clear sky on the last night at 3 am. The stars were so visible and were like pouring into you. Even with our phones, we captured stunning stary pictures. The only really down side is the restroom. A few reminders: 1. Bug spray 2. Foil for the grill 3. Cell phone signal was very weak for most carriers (ATT had sporadic signal). If you need to search information, download star map apps, or navigate to a place, better get prepared before arrival. 4. The multi day reservation is valid even though you do not check in the first night. 5. Try to use red lights or wrap lights with red cellophane to mitigate interference with photos.
G. Funk
Cherry Springs State Park is a beautiful 80+ acre park located on top of the Alleghenies in a wild setting. This state park is mostly noted for being a “dark skies” park. Due to the remote setting and lack of light pollution from nearby towns, Cherry Springs offers astronomers a unique place to make astronomical observations that few other places in the Eastern United States can. The park has observation areas for both public and amateur astronomers, a large campground with primitive amenities, and a large pavilion with scattered picnicking areas. Time your trip accordingly with astronomical events and the weather and be prepared to be in awe of the beautiful night time skies!
Tony Rudy
True dark out astronomy park. Look at the moon cycle before going. If it is a full moon -it will be a great full moon but you may not see a lot of stars.
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The parking area is pretty big enough. You can park your car and get a nap there. But you'd be out stargazing for most of the night. Also carry a mosquito repellent for your trip. Cheers
Lyman Run State Park has showers, about 20 mins away.
Yes, but also consider its nearby parent park that manages it. Quick drive, more space, more for scouts to do including swimming and trails. Call the rangers at the managing park - Lyman Run State Park. 814-274-9300. Reservations and programs are done for Cherry Springs through them.
Around 30 campsites and they book up quickly. They provide outhouse, fire pits with Grill. Bring a red light flashlight. That is the only flashlight they allow at night
I always bring my own just in case, but they always were stocked the two times I've stayed there.
There used to be a Lake be not too far from there called Lyman Lake. They had it set up like a beach. It’s been years since I was up there so I’m not sure if it’s still open.
You need your own camping gear. I kept it pretty simple to tent, chair, and a cot to sleep on. It gets a little chilly there at night even in the summer so plan that out accordingly. The nearest store is limited in what they have and is cash only, if you want a full grocery store it's about 30 minutes away. If you're trying to go on a weekend of a new moon the reservations will probably be full, or if a special event like the height of the perseids. It's a great place to camp and would highly recommend it. Another answer was right, it's primitive meaning there is a bathroom building but it's basically a permanent port-a-potty. I'd plan a trip during the day to use a restroom with running water for anything other than going #1. There's also no showers so if you're staying more than a day I'd bring wet wipes just to clean off a bit.
Yes, there is usually firewood available at the park's main range office.
The camping area (airfield side) is closed in January. Same for Lyman Run, the nearby park with larger facilities. The Astronomy Field is open all night, but you must observe rules like using red light. The park is administered by Lyman Run State Park. Call the park office during the week to speak with a ranger and get full details. Numerous campgrounds and rustic cabin rentals, in addition to motels and bed and breakfasts are available throughout Potter County. Be aware that any reservations during peak hunting and fishing seasons are harder to find and will cost more.
Please check lunar calendar and the best day is during new moon. Also note that the weather up there changes constantly.
It would seem to depend on how the planet aligns with that season best determining which system of stars are available...still in any event it was a perfect time when we went in November...chilly clear and full of stars...best time of season to go
Go farther up to Paterson state park and camp there instead of at Lyman which is much farther South if cherry.
Yes you can park there it's better to be outside of the car behind the berm as people don't always turn off their lights.
The park is open all year round for hiking or stargazing. If you plan to go in December it's best to dress appropriately and keep socially distanced from others outside of your traveling party. The park itself does not have a test requirement but it's best to check state covid-19 guidelines before going.
Take a winter coat it gets cold
Yes, you can.
Did not see one
Was the moon below the horizon when you were there? That is the best time to go for viewing the milky way, however astronomy photos will always be able to see more than the naked eye with long exposures and editing.
Yes you are correct. You need a rubberband and red cellophane.
Yes, it is free. There is a very large parking lot with a hill separating it from the observing field to protect from the headslights. The viewing field has plenty of space to socially distance. You can stay through most of the night, free, but sleeping is not allowed.
There are two aites public view site not sure but astronoly site no fire of any kind.
Yes it is on both the Astronomy field and campground. Check the reservation site for pricing and availability. There are some spots on the campground side reserved for tents only. The reservation site will tell you if RVs are allowed.
Online or if you stop in they have paperwork you can fill out by the flush bathrooms .
Quick tip, wait a few minutes after all the lights are off in your car before you head out, your night vision will work much better that way and you wont bump into this, this place is truly dark
In order of a little more space and privacy sites for tents 1, 3, 2, 5, 4, 8, and 9. Site one is tucked all away on it's own. Drawback is not a a clear view of the sky like the other locations due to the trees. Sites 3, 5, and 8 are against the forest line. You will only have access to the Northern sky, but these 3 are still nicely tucked in. Sites 4 and 6 sit in the open so everyone around you can see you, BUT everyone is far enough away that if you are talking at normal volume you can't really be heard. Lots of great hammocking trees there.
No. The best time to see the night sky/milky way is the new moon and 4 to 5 days on either side. The full moon produces too much light.
The Big Dipper lodge is walking distance, but I don't know availability. The Mill Stream in Coudersport is nice, but fills with frackers.
Depends how many campsites you reserved. Definitely couldn't get four cars in 1 campsite, maybe 2 cars. We had 2 sites for 5 adults and 2 kids, 3 tents total. The lot by the observation field has plenty of parking. Was there last weekend, nightime lows were around 40.
Yes. On one side of the road there is access to a large field that is free. Please either plan on not using a flashlight or using red light (it explains this in the park info board). There is also camping on that side, but you typically have to reserve the sites. On the other side of the road, there is all night parking which means if you're parked there until dark, you're locked in until morning.
It's amazing an yes basically the same just different sides of the street. I just went 2 weeks ago. You can try to get an actual camp site too. They are all within walking distance of the sky viewing areas. Over night camp sites are $15. Most are on top of each other. Best site if possible is the last site #1. It is surrounded by the most trees. It looks like site 2 is used for the park to put wood that is free to use for fires.
The astronomers field goes by a trust system. You put $15 in an envelope per night. And you can camp on the field. Only use a red light, and as little as possible out of respect for others. Or you can rent a campsite and go to the free visitors lot. But you cant sleep there.
As an out of State resident I paid $22 per weekend night. Just glanced quick at the website and it looks like it's $15 a night on weekdays. It's a rustic camp site for sure, but worth it.
It's beautiful you shouldn't
Parking lot within walking distance of to field Map on web site for park
It called a new moon( little or no moon at all) it's near the first of the month this summer , also you need a clear or mostly clear night
Yes you can get pretty close. There is a trail that a few (probably not even two even with the boot) minutes walk opens to wide open viewing areas.
Absolutely
Ya you can go for a hike near Bushkill falls and if you wanna enjoy star gazing you can rent a cabin in cherry springs state park and enjoy the ambiance ✌️🙂. Don't forget to take a dslr with you my friend 😊
There is a sign at the entrance to the night sky public viewing area (not the overnight one) stating that no pets are allowed. But, I certainly saw dogs out in the parking area and many people sitting out at their cars, doing stargazing from there.
If you to star gaze and not camp, I do not think there is a charge. If u like camping it's cheap, $30 a night and well worth every penny. I did not see much Milky way because of the time of year. I did see many galaxies
There is a public area that has red lights for ease of finding a location and it has a large berm to keep parking lot lights out
Anywhere on the observation field is good. And it is usually not crowded unless there is a star party going on. It is not free. There is a registration form to be dropped into the ummm... post/box. All on the honor system. It is rather inexpensive. I am not sure if the same applies to both sides of the road. If you are coming from Coudersport. The observation field is on the right. You must be there before dark. Red light restrictions apply year round after dark. The rest room, which has running water, is also on that side. There is electricity available for scopes and other small things (We use it for our c-pap machines) but not for supplying everything a camper or RV might use. There are no showering facilities anywhere in either side of the park, but are available at a nearby Lyman's Run State Park. The public side of the park is a little more primitive.
There is also the Potter County Family Campground that is in driving distance.
The parking is open all year long and it is free.
Your each bringing a tent? Are you all going in the same car? The pad size would fit 5 single tents if you keep it relatively close. If you want the extra space book 2 side by side
Cherry springs is a great place to star gaze . You can take a tent and camp out there. You should be able to Google it for directions and the other items you need
Call 814-435-1037 for reservations
The parking lot is away from the viewing area. You'll not affect other star gazers. Preferably go around 9pm and drive out around 11 or 12 midnight. That way you'll not impact others. The viewing area is easily accessible using strollers. If you sre planning to get a telescope, plan to be there at least 30 mins before sunset which would give you enough time to set it up. The place will be very dark and you'll need the light to set it up.
Frosty hollow B&B is right down the road and Paterson park is about 4 miles north of Cherry springs on 44
Yes. Grates.
The schedule of events is listed on the site. Outside of that use I think you should be okay.
There is a dollar general store in town that's about 25 minute drive or there is a local store about 5 minutes away that sells camping stuff
Lyman run state park is near by. Great for trout fishing.you can camp at Lyman run too. Cherry springs is mostly for star gazer
You may do that but not in the general tenting area which is small and gets very crowded.
Well the Perseids are supposed to be there mid July to August. The August 11th weekend is probably the best chance since it's a new moon that night and the showers are supposed to peak on August 13
Younall can do it
Please check the Cherry Springs State park official site.All reservations are listed and you can also call them.
The state park has camping, and there are several other parks also with camping
Yes they do. They have two separate areas - but I believe both have electric hookups. One side is more basic than the other. I'm sure if you called them they could inform you for your exact needs. ☺
You can stay on a blanket as long as you want. U actually just slept on a blanket last time.
Frosty hollow b&b is about 8 miles north of Cherry Springs on route 44 and is a great place to stay. Elk country visitor center in Benezette is awesome.
I think Verizon has the best over there. All others hit or miss!
Yes you can camp with your dogs but they are not allowed on the viewing field. Exception is an ADA registered service dog would be permited on viewing field. Lyman Run campground 6 miles SE of Cherry Springs has a few dog sites as well with hot showers & electric. Hope that helps. From an ADA dog owner who was there last month. ENJOY!
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