Camping Sites Near Cherry Springs State Park

Other Attractions Not To Be Missed

At the campground near Cherry Springs State Park, there is also the Austin Dam Memorial Park, the Lyman Run State Park, and the PA Lumber Museum.

The Lyman Run State Park is a massive 595-acre park with a forest containing a mix of maple and cherry trees, which surround the Lyman Run Lake and hence the name. There are also many snowmobile trails in Susquehannock State Forest which are popular with tourists. Many areas of public land are open to Snowmobiling and these bikes can be rented out in Potter County.

Camp At Cherry Springs State Park

Coudersport, Pennsylvania

Added by Brittany Weber

Experience a darkness so dark that it’s actually bright! Cherry Springs State Park is perfect for photographers, campers, backpackers and more with it’s easy 1 mile trail and access to over 550 miles of trails in the Susquehannock State Forest. This is the place to experience the wilderness as it’s meant to be.

Cherry Springs State Park was my first ever International Dark Sky Park and it stole my heart, and I promise it will steal yours too.

The park itself is very quaint, but don’t let it’s size deter you! The park is still as remote and wild as it was nearly two centuries ago, and that’s nearly impossible to find East of the Mississippi anymore.

The 82-acre park sits at around 2,300 feet above sea-level and is surrounded by the 262,000-acre Susquehannock State Forest which has about 550 miles of trails to explore! The Cherry Springs Interpretative Trail begins by the information kiosk and features wayside exhibits on forests and forestry practices. This 1 mile self-guided and easy trail will open your eyes to the ways forests are and will continue to be vital to human survival. Beside the Cherry Springs Working Forest Interpretive Trail, the Susquehannock Trail passes nearby and offers 85 miles of backpacking and hiking as well.

Where To Camp Near Cherry Springs State Park

If you dont stay overnight on the astronomy observation field, you can stay in the rustic Cherry Springs State Park campground. The campground has 30 campsites, each with a picnic table, lantern hanger, fire ring, and there are basic toilets nearby.

Several campers have noted that the park isnt exaggerating when they call the campground rustic, so be prepared for a back-to-nature camping experience. Fees vary depending on date, and campsites can be reserved online.

There are no trees here so you can see the stars more easily but keep in mind that means there isnt an easy way to hang a tarp if it rains so be prepared. Sites are far apart and pretty large. The Dyrt camper Katy R.

For a campground with more amenities, try the Lyman Run State Park campground, a 20-minute drive from Cherry Springs. There are two reservable campgrounds in the state park, for a total of 36 tent and RV sites, some with electric hookups.

The sites are affordable, spacious, and they allow dogs. The campground is quiet at night and the stars are sensational. Its also super close to Cherry Springs if you want the full dark sky experience. The Dyrt camper Jennifer P.

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Best Camping Sites In Pennsylvania To Check Out In 2021

• 592
• 37

The Keystone State, Pennsylvanias historic nickname dating back to 1802, offers some of the most compelling nature and outdoor activities to keep any camper enthralled.

One of the original 13 colonies, the state is rich in history and natural beauty, with the Appalachian Mountains running through the states middle, and Lake Erie at its northwestern border.

The state also offers up several pristine state parks for camping, as well as exceptional private campgrounds to explore. Each of the camping sites lay near rivers, lakes, mountains, and amazing waterfalls.

Get ready to set up your tent, park your RV, or settle into a cabin or yurt for a stay in one of the most beautiful states in the country.

Enjoy and explore the following twelve best camping sites in the State of Pennsylvania in 2021:

Stargazing At Cherry Springs State Park

Image by The Dyrt camper Trip Over Life

Cherry Springs State Park spans 82 acres in northern Pennsylvania and is bordered by the Susquehannock State Forest. The combination of surrounding forest and its 2300 elevation on the Allegheny Plateau creates night skies rarely seen elsewhere.

The dark skies of Cherry Springs are so striking that the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources named it the first Dark Sky Park, noting that dark night skies are a natural resource.

The first thing on your list should be to see the stars. But if youre looking for other activities, youll find them. There are 85 miles of hiking trails in the Susquehannock State Forest, or you can hit the ATV trails, swim, and fish in nearby Lyman Run State Park.

Hunting is prohibited within Cherry Springs, but you can hunt in Susquehannock. When not actively hunting, be sure to keep your firearm and archery equipment in your vehicle.

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Camping At The Dark Sky Park

There are thirty campsites & a sanitary dump station. They all include a picnic table, light lantern hanger and the fire ring. The campground is open from the second Friday in April and closes in November. Pets are prohibited in the campground.

Cherry Springs State Park is just about as remote, isolated, private, removed and wild today as it was 200 years ago. The dark skies make it a haven for astronomers. These dark skies make Cherry Springs State Park is one of the best places on the eastern seaboard for stargazing and draws astronomers from near and far. Stars, planets, northern lights, nebulae, galaxies, stars and other heavenly bodies abound.

This dark night sky is a natural resource, just like plants, waterways and wildlife. and is why the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources declared Cherry Springs State Park the first Dark Sky Park.

If you are going Camping, you Must make a reservation. MAKE YOUR RESERVATION HERE.

The Vitals

Amphitheater, your very own Picnic Table, Potable water, Restroom, Telephone, Contact Station, Dump Station and a Picnic Pavilion.

Located within 10 miles at Lyman Run Lake Park is a Bath House, Boating, Fishing, Swimming. Keeners Store is just north of the park on Rt 44.

Important information for Campers

Pets are not allowed on the Astronomy Observation field while the field is in use.

Pets are not permitted in the Campground

Pets are not permitted at public night sky programs

Hot To Get Here

41.65981, -77.82125

Cherry Springs State Park International Dark

https://www.darksky.org/our-work/conservation/idsp/parks/cherrysprings/Due to its exceptionally dark skies, Cherry Springs State Park is one of the best places in the eastern U.S. for stargazing. Situated at 700 m above sea level in the largely undeveloped 106,000 hectare Susquehannock State Forest, the Parks Astronomy Field offers an unobstruced 360-degree view. Cherry Springs is open year-round and 60 to 85

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Cherry Springs State Park Lodging

Apart from many good hotels, there are also many lodgings nearby. Some of these cottages have that delightful quaint and rustic look. One of these is Cherry Springs cottage, which is truly a cottage and cabin by the stream. It truly is a delightful place besides which runs a crystal clear bubby brook.

There are other Cherry Springs State Park lodging that promise to be a peaceful getaway for your hunting or fishing trip. There are also numerous hobby activities like biking, fishing, hunting, and simply exploring for those who are not happy with the delights that Cherry Springs State Park camping offers. While there are many good hotels near Cherry Springs State Park, lodges and hotels are not the only places to stay. There are many trailers and other forms of nonconventional residences in the campground near Cherry Springs State Park.

For those on a budget and who fancy roughing it out, there are trailers and caravans that can be rented too. The rates for these trailers range all the way from $80 per night to as high as $209 per night. During peak seasons, even the trailers are booked, so make sure that you make your reservations early enough, to use a rather cliched word avoid disappointment. Note that the rates mentioned varying from year to year and may also fluctuate depending on the seasons and the rush at the campground near Cherry Springs State Park.

Pennsylvania Getaways And Cabin Rentals Near Cherry Springs State Park

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Camping At Cherry Springs State Park

Cherry Springs State Park is open year-round, but the state park RV campground is only open seasonally, from spring until late fall. The campground contains 30 sites at the astronomy field which can accommodate vehicles up to 20 feet long. You won’t find any privacy in this campground, as the sites are somewhat close together and in a wide-open area. It’s a very social campground, though, and most visitors stay busy watching the heavens all night.

Campground amenities include picnic tables, potable water, and fire pits. There are no RV hookups, but a dump station is available. Vault toilets are accessible to visitors in wheelchairs. Unfortunately, pets arent allowed to join you while youre camping at Cherry Springs State Park.

Cherry Springs State Park

https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/CherrySpringsStatePark/Pages/default.aspxNov 20, 2020 ·Cherry Springs State Park. Cherry Springs State Park is nearly as remote and wild today as it was two centuries ago. Named for the large stands of black cherry trees originally found in the area, the 82-acre state park is surrounded by the 262,000-acre Susquehannock State Forest. The Susquehannock Trail passes nearby and offers 85 miles of backpacking and hiking.

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Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park Florida

The Kissimmee Prairie offers some of the darkest skies in the Sunshine State courtesy of its remote, rural setting along the headwaters of the Everglades north of Lake Okeechobee. The vastness of its dry prairie habitat provides a heck of a stage for taking in that unblemished firmamentand the opportunity to spot such awesome birdlife as crested caracaras and grasshopper sparrows while you wait for sundown. The more southerly location of this park also gives you a perch to see stars that dont break the horizonor at least dont spend much time above itfarther north, such as Canopus, the second-brightest star in the sky.

Use the Okeechobee KOA Resort as your H.Q. for an astronomical odyssey in the Kissimmee Prairie Preserve!

Faqs About Camping In Pennsylvania

• What’s the biggest state park in Pennsylvania?

  With more than 21,000 acres, Pymatuning State Park is the largest state park in Pennsylvania. It’s also one of the most visited state parks, and its 17,000-acre Pymatuning Reservoir is the largest lake in the Keystone State.

• How much is RV camping in Pennsylvania?

  RV camping in Pennsylvania is usually more than primitive camping. Overnight prices highly depend on the season, location, and amenities of the park. However, you can expect rates between USD$ 15 to 50 per night for RV camping in Pennsylvania.

• Where can you camp for free in Pennsylvania?

  Pennsylvania offers plenty of free camping opportunities. The prime destination for great hiking, the best views, and free camping are the Appalachian Mountains. Some of the most popular camping spots there are Tioga State Forest, Susquehannock State Forest, and Elk State Forest. Rothrock State Forest, Weiser State Forest, and Loyalsock State Forest are also fantastic locations to boondock.

• When does the camping season start in Pennsylvania?

  The camping season in Pennsylvania lasts from April through October. However, some campgrounds offer year-round camping, including French Creek State Park or Ricketts Glen State Park.

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Cherry Springs State Park Pennsylvania

Set within the Sussquehannock State Forest, Cherry Springs is one of the most celebrated stargazing destinations in the eastern U.S., and the regions first designated International Dark Sky Park. Set at 2,300 feet on the Allegheny Plateau, buffered by protected forestland and with the closest towns nestled in valleys, the park offers exceptional conditions for taking in the heavens. Choose between the Overnight Astronomy Observation Field with its 360-degree viewreservations and a fee are required to stake out here all nightor the Night Sky Public Viewing Area with its amphitheater, a good choice for those with only a few hours to skywatch.

The Kinzua East KOA provides fairly close camping and glamping accommodations to this very special oasis in the Mid-Atlantic.

Idyllic Lodging Near Cherry Springs State Park For Glamping In Pennsylvania Available Today Book The Best Alternative To Motels Near Cherry Springs State Park Today

Cherry Springs State Park, PA is located in Potter County, Pennsylvania. The park gets its name from the black cherry trees found in the area and remains as remote and wild as it did centuries ago. Cherry Springs, PA offers visitors many things to do, from hiking the nearby Susquehannock Trail and the Pine Creek Gorge and viewing Elk and bald eagles, to visiting the ruins of the Austin Dam and the Kinzua Sky Walk. Cherry Springs State Park is one of the world’s best places for stargazing as its dark skies and clear nights allow visitors to see stars, asteroids, planets, and even the Aurora Borealis. Now that you know what to do and what to see in Cherry Springs, take a look at these glamping getaways! Find the best cabin rentals near Cherry Springs State Park! Camping will never be the same! Go luxury camping near Cherry Springs State Park and discover the best of PA State Park cabins near Cherry Springs.

As a popular destination for nature lovers, Cherry Springs State Park cabin rental is a must to ensure that you make the most of your stay and are able to enjoy the dreamy clear skies at nighttime. So make sure to pack your telescope and take a look at these Pennsylvania springs cabins and rentals in Pennsylvania! The best options are available to you when you visit this great state! In addition to this, the most amazing PA State Park cabin rentals are here for you today!

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How To See The Stars At Cherry Springs State Park

Image by The Dyrt camper Trip Over Life

Seeing the stars at Cherry Springs State Park forces you to slow down and unplug. You wont get any cell service, and the park isnt close to anything, which is what youd expect of the darkest sky east of the Mississippi. Dont show up and expect to immediately experience the night sky in all its splendor, either. You have to give your eyes time to adjust to the darkness, at least 30 minutes, to be able to see everything.

The park is at the top of a mountain surrounded by a state forest, so you get 360-degree views of the night sky with very little light pollution. At Cherry Springs, you can see the Milky Way, thousands of stars, planets, the International Space Station, and more. There are two different areas designated within the park to view the sky. In both viewing areas, feel free to bring binoculars, telescopes, or other equipment, but note that pets are prohibited.

Lake In Wood Rv Resort

• Southeast Pennsylvania
• Mini-golf
• Boating

Located just about an hour and a half from Philadelphia, this Gnome-themed campground is one of the most unique places to escape the mundane in the area.

It features a six-acre lake, a Gnome cafe, and magnificent entertainment. Cool off in the swimming pool, fish, play mini-golf, boat, or relax in the spa waters while you leave the kids at the playground or the kiddie pool.

Lake in Wood RV Resort also offers a plethora of lodging options. Stay in your RV, pitch a tent, or rent a barn, yurt, tipi, or a covered wagon for an unforgettable experience. Deluxe park model rentals are available, too.

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Best Places In The Usa For Stargazing

There arent many things more magical than a night sky absolutely spangled with stars . Yet what once was a universal fixture of the after-hours human experience has become increasingly rare in our extravagantly electrically lit world. In the United States, a 2016 study suggested more than 99 percent of the population lived with light-polluted night skies, and estimated more than two-thirds of Americans cant see the Milky Way with the naked eye where they live.

That said, there are many places in the country still endowed with some magnificently dark night skies, far from the glow and glare of big cities and sprawl. Places where the constellations are hard to pick out simply because of the sheer, dazzling density of stars. Places where meteor showers are downright hot and heavy. Places where the keen-eyed can pick out the most distant object usually visible to the unaided human eye: the Andromeda Galaxy, about 2.5 million light years away. Places, in short, where the marvels of the heavens above are on full display.

The following are nine of the best sites in the USA to relish a deep, black, starry sky, all of them acknowledged in one way or another by the International Dark Sky Association, and all of them conveniently close to a KOA Campground for your overnighting pleasure.