Cherry Springs State Park
Cherry Springs State Park, Coudersport: Address, Phone Number, Cherry Springs State Park Reviews: 4.5/5
Cherry Springs State Park
Cherry Springs State Park
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
263 reviews
Excellent
201
Very good
46
Average
11
Poor
4
Terrible
1
dv50
Milford, PA58 contributions
First off I researched the moon phases and picked a new moon. That being said, most people camping there do the same so campground books up VERY quickly. We saw the star show that we came for and my husband got some great photos. The campground itself is not my favorite. We were in site #1 which is practially on the road and is very muddy. Most of the sites are very open and this provided shade and some privacy which we wanted. The fireplace was stone and is falling apart, plus it faces the wrong way [faces away from table and camping area] Most of the campground is on a hill so if it rains prepare to get wet. Our site was one of the few with trees so we were able to string a tarp over tent- so one of the few pluses for that particular site. Rustic bathrooms smell bad but the observation area across the street has flush toilets and were amazingly clean. Worth the short walk! We took a short drive at night and saw several elk, which was cool. All in all it was a great experience and I would go back to stargaze but might try campground at Lyman Run and drive to Cherry Spring to see the night sky.
Written September 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Princess279
East Brunswick, NJ797 contributions
Friends
The public dark sky viewing area is just an open field, but it's not what you go there to see...
When planning your visit, make sure to research the moon phase and the timing of whatever it is you are looking to see. We went to see the Milky Way and were happy to time it right. As amazing as it was, as the Earth turns, the core may not be visible anymore. The same applies to the planets and constellations. We were leaving after 10 pm and the sky was very different from what it was at 8 pm. In the public area, make sure you are shielded from the parking lot. Your eyes become very sensitive to light and every headlight encounter becomes very uncomfortable. Try to stay away from the edge of the field, Carl driving out will ruin your experience otherwise. Dress warm! In September, a serious snow suit wouldn't hurt. If you are skeptical about how cold it can get, through as many blankets in your car as you have. You will need them! A thermos with hot tea is strongly recommended and much appreciated for this activity. FYI, no-running-water facilities on this side of the park, bring water for hand washing (hand sanitizer provided). Can't wait to go back! I'll drive the 5 hours to get there every weekend if I could.
When planning your visit, make sure to research the moon phase and the timing of whatever it is you are looking to see. We went to see the Milky Way and were happy to time it right. As amazing as it was, as the Earth turns, the core may not be visible anymore. The same applies to the planets and constellations. We were leaving after 10 pm and the sky was very different from what it was at 8 pm. In the public area, make sure you are shielded from the parking lot. Your eyes become very sensitive to light and every headlight encounter becomes very uncomfortable. Try to stay away from the edge of the field, Carl driving out will ruin your experience otherwise. Dress warm! In September, a serious snow suit wouldn't hurt. If you are skeptical about how cold it can get, through as many blankets in your car as you have. You will need them! A thermos with hot tea is strongly recommended and much appreciated for this activity. FYI, no-running-water facilities on this side of the park, bring water for hand washing (hand sanitizer provided). Can't wait to go back! I'll drive the 5 hours to get there every weekend if I could.
Written September 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Amber
2 contributions
Couples
The place was easy to find and convenient! There was a campground and some more advanced star gazing domes you could rent across the street. Me and my boyfriend went to the public viewing area and hiked way back into the field. It was a full moon so hard to see a lot of stars once the moon came up but we enjoyed the moon instead! Would recommend bringing extra blankets and a pillow or backpack to rest your head. It got quite cool later in the night. ( we stayed until midnight). Looked like a lot of people left around 10 or 11 so if u want the place to yourself show up at midnight and bring some snacks! Quiet and peaceful place.
Written June 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
dovidk
Scranton Pa63 contributions
Solo
It was a poor experience, but nobody's fault. It was the beginning of the lunar month, which is the best time to view the stars, and the forecast was for clear skies, but by 930 p.m. when it got dark, clouds moved in. Go at your own risk. Also, the nearest budget motels are an hour away. There is a campground nearby.
Written July 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
mar408
Morganville, NJ59 contributions
I totally agree with other reviewers that this should be a must on everyone's bucket list. The harrowing, 45 minute drive on pitch black, winding dark roads from Wellsboro was totally worth it! We tried to see the Milky Way on previous visits to the National Parks out West and were never successful. We had an amazing view of it at 6:30 pm on the evening of November 4th. You have to make sure you know the timing to make sure the sky is sufficiently dark and also the moon phase. We also saw shooting stars! Incredible!
Written November 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Oliver K
1 contribution
Couples
A very nice campground with spacious sites (picnic table and fire ring/pit included). Largely tent sites with few RV spots at the edge. We stayed for 4 nights mid July and weather was nice, little rain and very sunny, with relatively clear night skies half of the time. Pit toilets and potable water spots are located around the campground. Bring your own firewood as there are slim pickings in campground but there are some private firewood sales nearby. Viewing fields are just up the hill from the campground, make sure to bring red filtered lighting and a ground blanket. There are quite a few groups who bring children and restricted things such as white lights and pets to the viewing field(not enforced), but are usually cleared out by 11pm after being booed out by other stargazers. Overall a good trip for campers and stargazers alike.
Written July 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
three4rds0
Reading, PA334 contributions
We heard about the park last fall already, which inspired a trip to Coudersport for some sightseeing. While we have not yet done an evening there for sky viewing, we did do a program with a local astronomer in a private viewing area. It was astounding. I'm sure the park provides the same level of experience. On our second and recent visit, we at least drove over to the park to look around before heading for home. It's quite a place- huge parking lot and the public observation field is impressively large as well. I'd love to sometime stay in one of those small domes in the overnight field. Please check it out if you're in the area, as well as the many other great sites to visit. The Allegheny National Forest area is a very worthwhile area to explore.
Written June 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nicholas K
Arlington, VA132 contributions
We spent two nights camping at this park (the regular campsite), and even with clouds and a bit of rain obstructing our view of the sky, we still had a wonderful time. The park is well-maintained and has daily cleaning of the restrooms. We stayed at campsite 13, which was about 50' by 54' according to the website. It has a slight decline so anticipate that when booking and setting up a tent or other shelter. The water pumps are nearby as well and made for easy campsite living. Highly recommend!
Written May 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
oliveremily
Elkins Park, PA134 contributions
Family
We visited this Dark Sky park during the weekend before the new moon in July, and were treated to the rare and stunning view of a sky simply full of stars. The kids with us loved watching the stars pop out as the sky darkened, and they were able to see the Milky Way clearly. We stayed on the short term public viewing side of the park, and it was very, very busy. While we stayed near our car because of the kids, it would have been a much more peaceful experience to go up to the viewing area for a consistent experience of the dark sky without cars and trucks constantly coming and going.
Written July 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Janet S
Philadelphia, PA43 contributions
Family
We went here last week. Weather didn’t agree with us. Cloudy and overcast the entire time. So no stargazing. The flies were terrible. I don’t know where they came from. They kept swarming and biting my ankles so couldn’t even enjoy sitting outside at the campground. We were rustic camping in the park. Fields were pretty. The town was depressing and there was nothing else to do. One bright spot was Gary’s Putter Golf. Very nice place with paddle boats, fish feeding and gem mining. I try not to leave negative reviews, but this was one of my worst camping trips ever.
Written August 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Trish W
Glenside, Pennsylvania, United States19 contributions
I booked two nights at the rustic campsite for end of September. Since it will be cold I'm hoping to be able to use my suv tent. Can a car be parked on the rustic camp plot. I'm number 9.
moon pie
Philadelphia, PA
Hi all, how is the road getting into the park? Is it rough on cars, unpaved, etc? Debating which car to take. Thanks!
Tori Hood
Scranton, PA
Do I need to make a reservation if I don’t want to stay overnight? Just planning to stay for a few hours to observe. Is there a separate observation area from the campsites?
Indiamer
3 contributions
There's a large area for unrestricted sky-viewing [next to parking lot and a camping area]. Across the street is the 'dark' viewing area [red lites only for walking there], which is also publicly accessible. I think reservations are only needed for camping, and telescope use for park-provided 'guided' viewing.
Sophy
Flushing, NY
Hi, I would like to go for two nights in June 16th, 2021, I checked the website and there are no more camp site available. Can I still camp there at the park?
Vacation714758
Baltimore, MD
do you have telescope rental at cherry springs
Samantha Townsend
Levittown, PA85 contributions
I don’t believe they do. Many brought their own telescopes.
What is the nightly cost?
Marlin M
Lebanon, PA1,041 contributions
Free at all times
Can you take a pop up camper or does it have to be a tent
double0hsnap
25 contributions
There are different sites for both, but there is no hookup for electricity or water.
Sahiba K
3 contributions
Hi Everyone,
Can anyone suggest a good hotel/airbnb which will be close to the public star gazing area ?
I will be traveling with family which includes elder.
Thanks in advance !
Angelo
6 contributions
Hi. I am planning a trip to stargaze and relax. Does this place get really crowded? Ideally I'd love a secluded spot where I could drive up to in a AWD, pitch a tent overnight, and not worry about neighbors lol. I would want to go within the next 4 months or so. Any time in between.
AngelaMB12
Hanover, PA195 contributions
We were just there this weekend (last weekend of May) and use and about 50 others were there. It was a clear evening and half moon, so conditions were good for viewing. There is rustic camping at Cherry Springs, right next to the viewing field, but if you want quiet, about 4 miles north of Cherry Springs, on Route 44 is Patterson State Park. It is just a few camp sites and a rustic toilet. There is a water pump and fire rings at each site. I'd suggest that park for camping and no neighbors. No one else was there when we stopped by on a Saturday afternoon.
WantToTryTheGrand
2 contributions
Hi, Does anyone know of a campsite near by that has hot shower?
BeachyGrandma
Alliance, OH163 contributions
Yes, there is a campsite within feet of the viewing area. I understand it fills quickly. It has always been very clean and peaceful when we have visited. You can reserve through the Pennsylvania State Parks Web Site.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cherry Springs State Park
- Hotels near Cherry Springs State Park:
- (7.26 mi) Frosty Hollow Bed and Breakfast
- (0.62 mi) Aquila's Nest in Cherry Springs State Park a stay under the stars
- (5.44 mi) Lyman Run State Park
- (4.73 mi) 10 Minutes to Cherry Springs, Dark Skies, Star Gazing, Hiking, Fishing, Skiing
- (5.70 mi) Bear Trail Lodge - Potter County Vacation Home
- Restaurants near Cherry Springs State Park:
- (9.72 mi) Pine Creek Inn
- (8.44 mi) Germania Hotel
- (9.70 mi) The Farm At Pine Creek
- (8.40 mi) Waldheim Bar & Restaurant
- (9.31 mi) Robbin's Stop And Shop
- Attractions near Cherry Springs State Park:
- (1.31 mi) Keener's Kountry Store
- (8.15 mi) Pennsylvania Lumber Museum
- (5.44 mi) Lyman Run State Park
- (9.26 mi) Coudersport Ice Mine
- (8.99 mi) Gary's Putter Golf & Jiffy Pup Restaurant