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Cherry Springs
Overview
Cherry Springs State Park in Coudersport, Pennsylvania, stands as a premier destination for travelers seeking the darkest skies on the East Coast. Designated as a Gold Level International Dark Sky Park, it offers a rare opportunity to view the Milky Way and distant planets with incredible clarity. The atmosphere here is intentionally quiet and primitive, preserving the natural environment for astronomers and nature enthusiasts.
Location & Surroundings
Situated in the heart of the rugged Potter County mountains, the park sits at an elevation of 2,300 feet. It is completely surrounded by the vast Susquehannock State Forest, creating a remote and tranquil setting far from city lights. The drive to the park involves winding roads through dense hardwoods, making the journey a scenic experience for RV travelers exploring the PA Wilds region.
Amenities & Park Features
The park offers a rustic campground featuring non-electric RV sites for those who enjoy a traditional camping experience. While full hookups are not available, the park provides essential utility services including:
- A convenient sanitary dump station for waste disposal.
- Communal potable water spigots and vault toilets.
- Individual fire rings and picnic tables at every site.
These features provide the essentials for a tranquil mountain retreat while prioritizing the preservation of the dark sky environment.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The primary draw is the Night Sky Viewing Area, where visitors can witness breathtaking celestial displays through telescopes or the naked eye. Beyond the stars, guests can trek the Susquehannock Trail System for world-class hiking and wildlife viewing. Other local highlights include the unique Coudersport Ice Mine and the nearby Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, which offers stunning vistas and seasonal river rafting.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for self-contained RVers who prioritize natural beauty and silence over high-end resort amenities. It is a sanctuary for amateur astronomers, astrophotographers, and those looking to unplug and reconnect with nature. If you appreciate off-grid style camping and want to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of a truly dark sky, Cherry Springs is an essential stop.
Amenities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Cassie Hamilton (Cassie Hawkins)
My husband and I and our friends went here on the 28th of Sept. and had a great time. The stars were wonderful, the weather was nice, bathrooms were pristine, and the rangers were friendly. Only hiccup was the dew point! Never experienced that before but even that was cool, even if it was a bit inconvenient. There is a pavilion at the astronomy observation area that has two grills and some extra firewood left behind by others who have stayed here, the fire does need to be put out an hour before nightfall though. Forgot to take a pic of the concrete pad set up but there are 120V receptacles, comfortably fits a dobsonian telescope.
Geoff Butland
I stayed in the overnight astronomy field. It's a wonderful place for serious stargazing. Zero white light, clean restrooms, available power, all under Bortle 2 skies. Have I seen darker skies? Sure, but these skies are the best when you consider all the available amenities and the wide open space all within driving distance.
Jenna Liebermann
Love love love this state park. Spacious sites and close general store for wood and provisions if needed. Make reservations as there are only 32 sites. Bring warm clothing, summer nights are even cold. Don’t forget your headlamp/red flashlight. Keep that light pollution out! And enjoy the stars. Pro tip… go to bed at 930p and get up 2-4am for the most magnificent night sky!
Jeffrey Guzman
I only visited the public viewing area but it was great. It's so dark You can see the Milky way. They renovated to public viewing area made the parking better added EV chargers for people that need them. And there's so many other great things near by. Also if you go at certain times of the month the park rangers will walk you through the night sky and tell you the stories behind the constellations.
D Heb
500,000 acres of wilderness......Also an excellent view of the celestial bodies in the night sky with naked eye. I was told "A picture doesn't really capture what you actually see while standing there in person." They were absolutely correct.