Home to a Rustic Campground and named one of the 7 best places on the planet to Stargaze, Cherry Springs State Park is nearly as remote and wild today as it was two centuries ago.

Stargazing at Cherry Springs State Park

Night sky enthusiasts flock to the park for its dark skies which are famous for great views of the Milky Way, planets, and hard-to-see astronomical objects and phenomena.

Due to its exceptionally dark skies, Cherry Springs State Park is one of the best places on the eastern seaboard for stargazing and the science of astronomy, which is the study and observation of:

• Planets
• Nebulae
• Galaxies
• Stars
• Other heavenly bodies

A dark night sky is a natural resource, just like plants, waterways, and wildlife. Recognizing this unique resource needed to be managed and protected, during 2000, DCNR declared Cherry Springs State Park its first Dark Sky Park.

Camping at Cherry Springs State Park

The Cherry Springs State Park features 29 rustic camping spots that are perfect for stargazers. If you prefer a less rustic camping experience, you may want to check out the Cabins for Cherry Spring State Park.

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.