The Ultimate Cherry Springs Guide

Cherry Springs State Park in Pennsylvania consistently ranks in the top 10 best places to see the Milky Way or go stargazing in the USA. Even more so, it’s usually #1 or #2 depending on who you ask east of the Mississippi River. If you’re on the east coast or Midwest and looking for the perfect place to see the Milky Way with your eye, Cherry Springs State Park is the perfect place to go. But there’s a few important things you should know before you go.

Overview of the 3 Sections and Important Information

The first thing you need to know is timing is everything. I touched on this in my previous article a lot more, but quickly: If you go on a cloudy night, or a full moon you will be disappointed. The best time to go is from April to October on a moonless night with a clear sky.

Cherry Springs State Park has three main sections in the park. The rustic camping, overnight astronomy observation field and public viewing. Each section has its pros and cons. A map of the park is shown below (mobile users rotate your phone)and will be referred to in the rest of this article. We’ll start by talking about public viewing.

Public Viewing Area Information

The public viewing field is free to all to use and the best for beginners. It is at the top of the map and if using google maps, you should punch in your directions to “Cherry Springs Night Sky Public Viewing Area Parking”. A small section of the parking lot is paved, with most of it being gravel. I arrived at 5:30 to explore all sections of the park, but you could arrive at any time and do not stress about parking. A short walk around the mound and you will be at the public viewing area. There are concrete pads and stations with 120V outlets if you bring a telescope. This field is also wheelchair accessible. This is the perfect field for you if you’re only looking to spend a couple hours at the park. Make sure to bring chairs or something to lay down on.

Public Viewing Area Rules/Courtesy

While the public viewing area does not have hardcore rules, there is common courtesy that should be followed. The biggest one that is a common theme is that white light should be refrained and is prohibited in terms of headlamps and flashlights. You must use red light for those applications. Some people may say it’s banned outright, but that is not true. If you have your phone or laptop to the minimum brightness, you will be fine, just make sure to cover the flash if you take photos on iPhone. Outside of minimum white light, be respectful! Other people are there to enjoy the park so be mindful of your surroundings.

Rustic Camping Information

The rustic camping has 30 non-electric campsites, non-flush restrooms, and a sanitary dump station that are open from the second Friday in April to the end of October. All campsites come with a picnic table and fire ring. I did not see a dedicated parking lot for the campsites as a lot of them are driven up to maximum vehicle lengths. Some sites the maximum vehicle length is 55’. Campsites are around $16 per night. Availability and booking can be accessed via this link.

Rustic Camping Rules/Courtesy

There are no lighting restrictions on the campground, but if you’re in one that borders the public viewing field, try to be mindful and aware of your white light usage. Nothing is worse than having one person’s headlamp ruin dozens of photos. Car lights should either be disconnected or shielded with red filters and campfires should be kept to a minimum after sunset. It is important to note that the campground area is not pet friendly.

Overnight Astronomy Observation Field

If you’re serious about astronomy, this is the place for you. Just bought that brand new telescope and ready to see Jupiter? This is the place. The overnight astronomy field is not limited to but is primarily for dedicated astronomers. It is a first come first serve basis every day and has a $25 fee per night. Forms can be picked up at contact station. Gravel roads and grass patches make up the field and if driving on the roads, be slow to not stir up dust and potentially ruin someone’s equipment. The gates close after dusk and don’t open until morning unless in case of an emergency. The field has amenities such as Wi-Fi for patrons, 120V outlets and concrete pads ranging from 4 to 6 feet.

The field has its own set of rules that can be found here, with the most important being the true prohibiting of white light. Even your laptop or phone must be covered with a red shield. If you really enjoy the field the first time, Cherry Springs offers a Galaxy Pass which is a one-time payment and lets you have unlimited nights. Price information can be obtained by calling the park office.

Enjoy Your Time at Cherry Springs!

Cherry Springs is truly a breathtaking experience whether you’ve never seen the Milky Way with your eye before, or you’re a astrophotographer with 10 years of experience. I had a great time myself and look forward to going again next year in a warmer month with better equipment. Make sure to follow me on social media by tapping on the icons below to not miss another trip report, gear review or anything else! Good luck!

Follow ZBOutdoors for More!