Cherry Springs State Park
00 reviewC/O Lyman Run SP, 454 Lyman Run Road, Galeton, Pennsylvania, 16922, United States
Cherry Springs State Park
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Stargazing tours hosted by outfits like Wild Asaph Outfitters cost around $20 per person, and campsite reservation fees are likely similar.
About this campground
Beneath some of the darkest skies east of the Mississippi, Cherry Springs State Park beckons stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts to experience the cosmos like never before. This remote sanctuary, cradled within the expansive Susquehannock State Forest, offers visitors a rare glimpse into the night sky as our ancestors saw it—unpolluted by artificial light, where the Milky Way stretches across the heavens in breathtaking clarity. By day, the park reveals its wild character through dense forests and untamed landscapes that seem worlds away from civilization.
The park offers primitive camping and some RV accommodations with electric hookups for astronomy equipment. Tent camping is common, and group camping options are available.
Historical SignificanceNamed for the wild black cherry trees that once dominated these highlands, Cherry Springs carries echoes of Pennsylvania's pioneer past. In the 1930s, this remote mountaintop served an unexpected purpose as an emergency landing strip, carved from the wilderness during an era of expanding aviation. Today, those same wide-open spaces that once welcomed aircraft now offer unobstructed views of the universe, transforming a forgotten airfield into one of America's premier astronomical destinations.
Weather and SeasonsCherry Springs transforms with the seasons, each offering its own celestial rewards. Summer nights bring warm, comfortable conditions perfect for hours of stargazing, while crisp autumn evenings showcase brilliant stars against cool, clear skies. Winter transforms the park into a crystalline wonderland where dedicated astronomers brave the cold for some of the year's clearest viewing conditions. Spring arrives with renewed life and increasingly mild nights, though visitors should always pack layers—mountain weather can surprise even in warmer months.
ElevationPerched at 2,300 feet atop the ancient Allegheny Plateau, the campground's elevation places visitors closer to the stars in more ways than one. This lofty position above the surrounding valleys creates ideal atmospheric conditions for astronomy, with cooler, more stable air that minimizes the twinkling effect that can blur celestial objects. The thin mountain air and distance from sea-level moisture combine to create exceptionally transparent skies on clear nights.
Natural Features and SceneryThe highland forests of Cherry Springs paint a portrait of Pennsylvania's wild heart, where towering black cherry trees share the canopy with maple, oak, and hemlock. This pristine habitat atop the Allegheny Plateau supports a thriving ecosystem where black bears lumber through the underbrush, barred owls call through the darkness, and white-tailed deer graze in moonlit meadows. At night, the haunting songs of coyotes remind visitors that this is still very much wild country, where nature's rhythms continue undisturbed beneath the starlit sky.
Geological RegionRising from the ancient Allegheny Plateau, Cherry Springs occupies a unique geological throne 2,300 feet above sea level, surrounded by the vast 262,000-acre Susquehannock State Forest. This elevated tableland, carved by millions of years of erosion, creates the perfect natural amphitheater for stargazing—with low horizons in every direction and a natural buffer against light pollution from distant cities. The plateau's isolated position and the protective embrace of the surrounding forest preserve darkness levels that have become increasingly rare in the modern world.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly described in the sources.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as 'not too big but not small,' with adequate space for a picnic table, benches, and a fire pit. Some sites border the forest and provide tree cover.
Sites PrivacySites are close together, but quiet and respectful neighbors are common due to the stargazing focus, as noted by Rami Nasr.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCamping on a moonless night or crescent moon is ideal for stargazing. Sites near the south end of the campground offer the most shade.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
8:00 AM
Check-out
10:00 PM
Stay Limit
No more than one family unit or five unrelated persons per campsite.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Afamily unit or up to five unrelated people.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampsites are clean, orderly, and shaded, with picnic tables and movable fire pits included.
Open and Closed SeasonThe Astronomy Field is open and available year-round, with a few exceptions.
Reservation PlatformsThe DCNR Calendar of Events is required for Public Stargazing program bookings.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not detailed, though the Astronomy Observation Field is open year-round.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations and modifications must be made in accordance with Pennsylvania State Park Rules and Regulations.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
The primary activity at Cherry Springs State Park is stargazing, with facilities and rules tailored to enhance night sky observation. Other activities include hiking, fishing, and swimming within a 10-mile radius.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are limited within the park. The nearby Susquehannock Trail offers extensive backpacking and hiking options with 85 miles of trails.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available within 10 miles of the park, but specific details such as species and quality are not provided.Swimming
Swimming is accessible within 10 miles, with a small dam-created beach nearby for swimming and boating, as noted by Henry Hilgendorf.Boating
Boating opportunities exist within 10 miles, and a small dam-created area nearby allows for such activities.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife sightings are common, including deer, bears, and coyotes. The remote nature of the park enhances opportunities for wildlife observation.Cultural and Educational Programs
The park offers scheduled stargazing programs and private guided astronomy tours, such as those by Greg Snowman and Wild Asaph Outfitters. These include constellation stories and telescope use.Winter Activities
Winter-specific activities are not mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports, such as kayaking or canoeing, are not specifically referenced but may be possible in nearby areas with boating facilities.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated fire pits.
- Quiet hours are 9 PM to 8 AM
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife such as deer, bears, and coyotes are common. Visitors should follow proper food storage guidelines to avoid attracting animals.
Weather forecast
65
°F
Aug 24
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 83%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 9.7 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are not specifically detailed. The nearest city, Galeton, likely provides emergency services, but this is not confirmed.
Good to know
Peak season datesNo specific peak season dates are provided.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling details are not explicitly mentioned. Visitors are instructed to clean and dispose of waste properly before leaving.
Proximity to water featuresThere is a small dam nearby with a beach area for swimming and boating.
Common complaintsBathrooms were frequently described as inadequate, with several users mentioning unpleasant smells from vault toilets.
HostRangers visit periodically to check on guests and enforce rules.
Campground Map
C/O Lyman Run SP, 454 Lyman Run Road, Galeton, Pennsylvania, 16922, United States
Driving directionsCherry Springs State Park is on PA 44 in Potter County. Use the following address for GPS devices: 4639 Cherry Springs Road, Coudersport, PA 16901.
The park is accessed via PA 44, which is a rural road. No specific mention of difficult terrain or seasonal closures was provided.Nearby places
Coudersport (9 miles, approx. 15 minutes), Galeton (15 miles, approx. 20 minutes).
Nearby supplies
There is a country store a few miles away. The nearest camp store is within 10 miles of the campground, and a laundromat is more than 10 miles away.
Camper Reviews
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0 reviews
Cherry Springs State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are highly positive regarding the stargazing opportunities, with many describing it as a transformative and unforgettable experience. However, bathroom facilities receive mixed reviews, largely due to the lack of running water in restrooms at the campsites and the reliance on vault toilets.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Users consistently praise the park for its exceptionally dark skies and stargazing opportunities. Rami Nasr writes, 'The stars here on a clear night will take your breath away.' The community of...
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Common Concerns
The primary complaint is the quality of vault toilets, described by Rebecca L as smelling 'like death.' The lack of shower facilities and limited hiking trails are also noted concerns.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing red flashlights or modifying regular lights to preserve night vision. Rami Nasr suggests sticking tape colored red with a Sharpie over your phone or flashlight. Warm...
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Seasonal Insights
The park's popularity peaks during the Milky Way season and new moon phases. Visits during full moons or cloudy weather are discouraged due to reduced stargazing visibility.
Camper Quotes
1. 'The stars here on a clear night will take your breath away.' - Rami Nasr
2. 'Awesome place for stargazing. Only red lights are allowed...' - Janelle
3. 'The bathroom does not have running...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Specific campsite reviews vary. Sites near the south end are described as offering more shade by Katie Ann. Sites are noted as close together but quiet.
Accessibility Features
No user reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are not allowed in the campground or the astronomy observation field. This is confirmed by official rules and a complaint by Dury Martin about the lack of pet-friendly accommodations.
Last updated August 10, 2025