Cherry Springs State Park offers world-class stargazing at one of the darkest skies on the East Coast, with an 82-acre International Dark Sky Park featuring dedicated astronomy observation fields, rustic camping for 30 sites, and year-round access to celestial wonders in Pennsylvania's remote Potter County. Located atop the Allegheny Plateau at 2,300 feet, this Gold-tier International Dark Sky Park welcomes astronomers and nature lovers who can spot up to 30,000 stars on clear nights, making it the premier dark-sky destination between the Mississippi and Atlantic Ocean. Strategic access through Coudersport RV rentals and camper van options near Galeton positions visitors perfectly for Pennsylvania Wilds adventures.
Perched high in Potter County's wilderness, Cherry Springs State Park holds the rare distinction of being named only the second International Dark Sky Park in the United States by the International Dark-Sky Association. With a Bortle Dark-Sky Scale rating of 2—meaning almost no light pollution—this 82-acre sanctuary delivers what amateur astronomers and astrophotographers dream about: pristine views of the Milky Way's galactic core, nebulae, planets, and meteor showers that urban dwellers never see.
Named for the large stands of black cherry trees that once dominated the area, the park sits surrounded by 262,000 acres of Susquehannock State Forest, creating a natural buffer against light pollution. At 2,300 feet above sea level on the Allegheny Plateau, the park benefits from high elevation, minimal atmospheric interference, and remarkably clear skies. Historical clearings from 1930s-era settlement and an emergency runway provide expansive open areas with 360-degree views and low horizons—perfect for tracking celestial objects from horizon to horizon.
You'll find two distinct viewing areas here. The Night Sky Public Viewing Area welcomes casual stargazers for short visits (a few hours), while the Overnight Astronomy Observation Field accommodates serious astronomers with equipment who want to observe all night. Red-light-only policies protect night vision, and the park enforces strict lighting restrictions to preserve this precious natural resource. On clear nights, you can witness the Milky Way stretching across the sky, identify planets with binoculars, catch meteor showers during peak seasons, and even spot the Aurora Borealis during geomagnetic storms.
Beyond astronomy, Cherry Springs offers access to 85 miles of backpacking and hiking through the nearby Susquehannock Trail, wildlife viewing opportunities where black bears and white-tailed deer roam freely, and seasonal programming including ranger-led astronomy talks and nightscape photography workshops. The park hosts two annual Star Parties in June and September, attracting professional astronomers and enthusiasts from across the country who set up high-powered telescopes and share views with the public.
The remote location means you'll truly disconnect—cell service is unpredictable throughout the park—making this the perfect escape for those seeking solitude under the stars. The rustic campground operates mid-April through late October, positioning you steps from the Astronomy Field for all-night observations. Winter visitors can still access the park for stargazing, though camping options become limited to nearby accommodations.
Whether you're an experienced astrophotographer hunting for the perfect Milky Way shot, a family wanting to introduce kids to the wonders of astronomy, or a couple seeking a romantic weekend beneath billions of stars, Cherry Springs State Park delivers an unforgettable experience you simply can't find anywhere else east of the Mississippi.
Cherry Springs State Park is accessible via Pennsylvania Route 44, which runs directly through Potter County. The park entrance sits along this scenic byway, officially designated as the "Highway to the Stars" in recognition of the park's astronomical significance. From major cities, expect approximately four hours north of Pittsburgh, three hours south of Buffalo, New York, and about four hours from Syracuse.
The roads leading to Cherry Springs are well-maintained but traverse hilly, forested terrain with some winding sections. PA Route 44 handles most RV sizes comfortably, though drivers should proceed carefully on curves. Maximum RV length restrictions don't apply to PA 44 itself, but campground sites accommodate vehicles up to 20 feet. Winter driving can be challenging due to heavy snowfall, though the park remains open year-round for hardy visitors willing to navigate snowy conditions.
Potter County Hub—Coudersport Access: Coudersport RV rentals place you just 20 minutes from Cherry Springs State Park, making this the most convenient base for your dark-sky adventure. As Potter County's seat, Coudersport offers grocery stores, gas stations, and last-minute supplies before you head into the wilderness. This gateway town also provides easy access to other Potter County attractions, including nearby Lyman Run State Park.
Northern Gateway—Galeton: Galeton camper van rentals offer an alternative access point approximately 30 minutes from the park. This small lumber town provides basic amenities and serves as a quiet staging area for Pennsylvania Wilds explorations. Galeton hosts the annual Woodsmen's Show at Cherry Springs on the first weekend of August, featuring logging competitions and traditional lumber industry demonstrations.
The park's primary campground offers 30 sites in an open field setting adjacent to the Astronomy Field. Open from mid-April through late October, these sites accommodate RVs and trailers up to 20 feet in length. The campground deliberately lacks hookups to minimize light pollution, but you'll find essential amenities including picnic tables, light lantern hangers (for red-filtered lights only), fire rings, potable water spigots, and vault toilets with ADA accessibility.
Sites are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis—no advance reservations are accepted for the rustic campground. The open layout means minimal privacy between sites, creating a social atmosphere where astronomy enthusiasts naturally connect and share telescope views. Generator use follows Pennsylvania State Park regulations: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM only.
Important restriction: Pets are prohibited in the rustic campground to minimize disturbances during nighttime observations. This policy ensures the quietest possible environment for astronomers and protects wildlife in the surrounding forest.
The campground's location provides the ultimate convenience for stargazers—you're just steps from both observation fields. After a night of celestial viewing, simply retreat to your site for a few hours of sleep before sunrise, then wake to forest serenity and chirping birds.
Cost: Campsites run approximately $20-$30 per night. A sanitary dump station is available on-site.
Go ahead and pack the bikes in the RV so you can ride around on the one-mile trail around the park. If the lone trail is too short for you to enjoy for any length on a bike, however, just outside of the park's boundaries, several other trails wind through the thick Pennsylvania woods. Actually, the park itself is at the end of a 15-mile bike trail that starts at Denton Hill State Park. You can also explore some of the nearby Susquehanna Greenway Trail, which stretches over 50 miles through Pennsylvania. This area is open to the public for all recreation, as Pennsylvania Wilds.
Whether you have got your camera out to snap some photos of the surrounding wildlife or the awe-inspiring landscape, or are working on your nighttime photography, Cherry Springs State Park is sure to provide the perfect subjects to fill your photo albums. Many come here to perfect their planetary prowess and get the perfect shot of the Milky Way. Be sure to pack your telescope and nighttime lens for your camera in the motorhome before coming to the park to get the best shots of the night sky.
You may not have heard of geocaching, but it is the biggest treasure hunt on the planet. All you need is a phone with GPS, and you are all set. Of course, you will need to get on a geocaching website first to get some coordinates for caches left in the area, but then you can head out to find them. Bring along a pencil or pen and a trinket or token to place in the container after you find it. Don’t forget to sign your name and date to the logbook and put it back exactly where you found it so others can enjoy the find too.
The park features two distinct opportunities for astronomy enthusiasts, the Night Sky Public Viewing Area and the Overnight Astronomy Observation Field. Visitors who want to spend the entire night out, taking in the sky, are welcome to use the Overnight Astronomy Field for observation and photography. You can even park your rig out here - just make sure you are courteous of other visitors and park on the field's outskirts. When staying overnight, there is a small fee to set up in the overnight field or if you are a frequent visitor, get a Galaxy Pass that permits you access all year long.
Parking at Cherry Springs is straightforward but limited. The Night Sky Public Viewing Area north of PA Route 44 features designated parking lots for day visitors and short-term stargazers. If you arrive after dark, park in the visitor lot and walk in to avoid disturbing observers with vehicle lights.
The Overnight Astronomy Observation Field southwest of the highway has dedicated RV parking with electrical pedestals (120-volt, ground fault-protected outlets) for registered overnight users. The rustic campground provides parking at each of the 30 sites, though spaces are compact and arranged in an open field setting. A dump station is available for RV waste disposal.
Public transportation doesn't serve Cherry Springs State Park directly. The nearest bus service reaches Coudersport, approximately 20 miles away, but you'll need a vehicle to access the park itself. Most visitors arrive by car or RV, embracing the remote location as part of the authentic dark-sky experience.
For serious astronomers with equipment, the Overnight Astronomy Observation Field offers the most restrictive lighting environment. This area operates year-round and requires registration and a user fee (check current rates at the park bulletin board on the restroom exterior wall). Bring your astronomy registration permit envelope, available from the self-service payment station.
This field features:
Observatory shelters dot the field for those with larger telescope rigs. The field's expansive, flat terrain provides 360-degree horizon views, perfect for tracking objects as they rise and set. Last person leaving the field each morning is responsible for rolling up the light block tarp and securing it properly.
Located north of PA Route 44, this area welcomes casual stargazers for short-term visits (a few hours maximum—no overnight stays permitted). Free to access, it features:
This is the perfect spot for families wanting to introduce kids to astronomy without committing to overnight camping, or for visitors passing through the Pennsylvania Wilds who want to experience the legendary dark skies for an evening.
If the rustic campground is full or you need hookups and modern amenities, several excellent private campgrounds sit within 30 minutes of Cherry Springs:
These private campgrounds allow pets (unlike Cherry Springs' rustic campground) and provide amenities like laundry facilities, recreation rooms, swimming pools, and full hookups—luxuries that make extended Pennsylvania Wilds stays more comfortable, especially for families or those traveling with pets.
The Pennsylvania Wilds region surrounding Cherry Springs offers exceptional state park camping options:
Explore more RV parks and campgrounds across North America for your next adventure.
Do not forget to pack your fishing gear in the camper before heading out. While the park does not feature any areas for fishing, visitors can wade on over to neighboring Pine Creek's waters to get a few bites. The dense forest between Cherry Springs State Park and its sister park, Lyman Run State Park, houses branches of the creek that welcome fishing lines. These woods are part of Pennsylvania Wilds and are open to public fishing. Make sure all permits and licenses are in order for your excursions.
The peak, green seasons are not the only time you will see plenty of folks out enjoying Pennsylvania's varied climate. Winter weather typically means seeing plenty of the white stuff, and a higher elevation often helps to keep it so. Certain areas of public land are open for snowmobiling, and rentals can be found right in the heart of Potter County. While no snowmobiling can be done within the park itself, visitors can enjoy this recreation just outside the lands in the Pennsylvania Wilds.
Throughout the summer, park educators and guest speakers promote stargazing programs, which are extremely popular due to the darkness of the eastern sky here. These programs are open to the public as well as park guests and are held on the north side of the park, at the Night Sky Public Viewing Area. Some programs require prior registration. To find out which will be held during your stay, you can look up program schedules online.
The park's own one-mile long trail is easy, by all hiking standards. The trek begins at the information kiosk and continues through the surrounding forest. Along the way, side exhibits are featured that inform guests on the landscape and forestry practices. This self-guided trail tour is a great way to take in the park at your own pace and realign with nature. You can also learn about the history of the park and the nature that live within the park’s boundaries.
This annual three-day show attracts thousands of visitors every August. The event features tried and true lumberjack contests, such as log rolling, tree felling, block chopping, chainsaw events, and ax throwing. This is definitely one to tack under the unique column. Besides such attractions, other entertainment is hosted, as well as artisans and food. Make sure you pack your camera in the RV so you can get plenty of pictures to share with your friends on social media.
Cherry Springs State Park is part of the Pennsylvania Wilds, and these regions of the woods are also known as Elk Country. Scenic and remote, the park is not only a perfect location for spotting what is in the sky, but also what is on this Earth. Elk are such large, magnificent creatures, and it is a joy to spot one during your state park exploration. You will also see other critters such as weasels, deer, otters, rabbits, and chipmunks. If you are quiet, you may even spot some porcupines, raccoons, and even minks.
Just because Cherry Spring State Park does not have a lake does not mean you cannot cool off, so make sure you pack your swimsuit and beach toys in the RV. If you want to cool off from the Pennsylvania heat, you can go to nearby Lyman Run State Park. They have a huge sandy beach that is open from Memorial Day until Labor Day with a bathhouse, snack bar, and boat rental. You can spend your day there before coming back to the Cherry Spring State Park Overnight Astronomy Observation Field for the night.
Pack your family and friends in the RV and head to Cherry Springs State Park for a picnic. After spending the first part of the day hiking around, exploring other pieces of Potter County, it is nice to take a welcoming seat and enjoy a quaint picnic. Families staying within the campground each have a table within their site. For guests who want to meet outside of their sites, other tables and grills can be found near the Night Sky Public Viewing Area.
