Do you know that Pennsylvania is home to some of the darkest skies in the eastern US and a paradise for stargazers? Well, after spending the afternoon hiking and exploring at the PA Grand Canyon, we drove about 40 minutes north to our next stop: Cherry Springs State Park.
Cherry Springs is a small park, just over 80 acres, tucked away in the Susquehannock State Forest, but it’s world-famous for one big reason: the night sky. Recognized as a gold-tier International Dark Sky Park, it’s one of the best places on the entire East Coast (and honestly, the country) to see the Milky Way. Because it sits at 2,300 feet above sea level, far from city lights, the park offers unbelievably clear views of the stars, planets, and meteor showers.
Here’s the thing: most stargazing spots along the East Coast suffer from light pollution, so even when you look up, the stars appear faint. Cherry Springs is different; it feels like someone switched the sky back on. You can see the Milky Way stretching overhead with the naked eye, which is something many people only experience out west in places like Arizona or Utah. The fact that Pennsylvania has this kind of sky view makes it pretty special.
For us, it was the perfect way to end the day — camping under the stars after a full afternoon at Pine Creek Gorge.
Arriving at the Campground
We pulled into Cherry Springs around 6:30 p.m., just as the sky was starting to fade with evening light. The campground was easy to find, tucked right next to the open star field. Campsites here are simple but comfortable, with picnic tables, fire rings, and enough space to set up without feeling crowded.
The fee was just $20 per night (plus taxes), which is a steal considering you’re camping in one of the best stargazing locations on the entire East Coast.
PS: Camp Sites here get booked months in advance, so plan your trip accordingly.
Setting Up the Camps and Settling In
After checking in, we got to work. Tents went up first, then we made a quick run to a nearby store to grab firewood ($10 for a bundle). There’s something about gathering wood and getting that fire started that makes the whole camping experience feel real.
Dinner was simple: grilled cheese skewers over the fire as the sun dipped. By the time we finished eating, the sky was already starting to darken, and the real show was about to begin.
The Stargazing Experience
Cherry Springs is famous for being a gold-tier International Dark Sky Park, which basically means it’s one of the best places in the U.S. to see the stars without light pollution. When the sky finally went fully dark, it felt like a curtain had been pulled back.
The Milky Way stretched across the entire horizon, brighter and clearer than I’ve ever seen it. Planets popped, constellations were easy to spot, and every so often, a shooting star flashed by. We lay back, wrapped in blankets, and just stared upward in awe. It’s the kind of view that makes you feel both tiny and completely connected at the same time.
Tips for Visiting Cherry Springs State Park
- Book early: Campsites can fill up, especially on weekends and during meteor showers.
- Bring layers: Even in summer, nights can get chilly in northern Pennsylvania.
- Don’t forget blankets or reclining chairs: Stargazing is way better if you can comfortably lie back.
- Firewood: Buy locally (about $10 per bundle). Outside woods are prohibited.
- No bright lights: Flashlights and lanterns should have red filters to protect night vision.
- Timing: The best stargazing is during new moon phases or meteor showers.
Other Things to Do Nearby
- PA Grand Canyon (Pine Creek Gorge): Perfect for pairing with your Cherry Springs trip.
- Wellsboro: A charming small town with diners and shops to explore before or after camping.
- Lyman Run State Park: Just a short drive away, great for daytime hiking or swimming.
Camping at Cherry Springs State Park was the perfect way to end our trip. Between the crackling campfire and that unforgettable star-filled sky, it was one of those experiences that feels magical and stays with you.
If you’ve ever wanted to see the Milky Way with your own eyes, without traveling across the country, Cherry Springs is the place. Pair it with a stop at the PA Grand Canyon, and you’ve got the perfect Pennsylvania weekend getaway.
