Cherry Springs State Park
A Gold Level Dark Sky Park offering some of the darkest skies in the Eastern US for unparalleled stargazing and astrophotography.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Darkest skies for stargazing
Cherry Springs State Park
Best Time
Darkest skies for stargazing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A Gold Level Dark Sky Park offering some of the darkest skies in the Eastern US for unparalleled stargazing and astrophotography.
"It's so dark You can see the Milky way. "
Red Light Only!
Use red-filtered flashlights to protect your night vision. White lights ruin the dark sky experience for everyone. :flashlight:
Book Campsites Early
With only 32 sites, reservations are crucial, especially during peak season. Plan ahead! :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Milky Way
Astronomy Observation Area
Witness the breathtaking spectacle of the Milky Way stretching across the sky, visible even with the naked eye.
Perseid Meteor Shower
Overnight Astronomy Field
Experience the magic of shooting stars during the annual Perseid meteor shower, a truly unforgettable celestial event.
Dark Sky Viewing
Public Viewing Area
Enjoy unparalleled stargazing opportunities thanks to the park's designation as an International Dark Sky Park.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Darkness
Prepare for the Chill
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Red Light Only!
Use red-filtered flashlights to protect your night vision. White lights ruin the dark sky experience for everyone. :flashlight:
Book Campsites Early
With only 32 sites, reservations are crucial, especially during peak season. Plan ahead! :ticket:
Dress in Layers
Even summer nights get cold. Pack warm clothing and blankets for comfortable stargazing. :cloud:
Ranger Programs
Check for ranger-led stargazing programs; they offer fascinating insights into constellations. :telescope:
Tips
from all over the internet
Red Light Only!
Use red-filtered flashlights to protect your night vision. White lights ruin the dark sky experience for everyone. :flashlight:
Book Campsites Early
With only 32 sites, reservations are crucial, especially during peak season. Plan ahead! :ticket:
Dress in Layers
Even summer nights get cold. Pack warm clothing and blankets for comfortable stargazing. :cloud:
Ranger Programs
Check for ranger-led stargazing programs; they offer fascinating insights into constellations. :telescope:
Bring Your Telescope
The park is ideal for serious stargazers. Power is available in the astronomy field for your equipment. :computer:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Cherry Springs State Park for its unparalleled dark skies, offering breathtaking views of the Milky Way and celestial phenomena. The park's commitment to preserving darkness is highly appreciated, though visitors emphasize the need for warm clothing and adherence to red-light-only rules. Some mention minor inconveniences like dew or the need for advance reservations.
"I only visited the public viewing area but it was great. It's so dark You can see the Milky way. They renovated to public viewing area made the parking better added EV chargers for people that need them. And there's so many other great things near by. Also if you go at certain times of the month the park rangers will walk you through the night sky and tell you the stories behind the constellations."
Jeffrey Guzman
"Love love love this state park. Spacious sites and close general store for wood and provisions if needed. Make reservations as there are only 32 sites. Bring warm clothing, summer nights are even cold. Don’t forget your headlamp/red flashlight. Keep that light pollution out! And enjoy the stars. Pro tip… go to bed at 930p and get up 2-4am for the most magnificent night sky!"
Jenna Liebermann
"My husband and I and our friends went here on the 28th of Sept. and had a great time. The stars were wonderful, the weather was nice, bathrooms were pristine, and the rangers were friendly. Only hiccup was the dew point! Never experienced that before but even that was cool, even if it was a bit inconvenient. There is a pavilion at the astronomy observation area that has two grills and some extra firewood left behind by others who have stayed here, the fire does need to be put out an hour before nightfall though. Forgot to take a pic of the concrete pad set up but there are 120V receptacles, comfortably fits a dobsonian telescope."
Cassie Hamilton (Cassie Hawkins)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cherry Springs State Park is about a 4.5-hour drive from NYC and a 4-hour drive from Newark, NJ. It's a significant journey, so plan accordingly for a day trip or overnight stay.
Driving is the most practical way to reach Cherry Springs State Park, as public transportation options are limited. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition for the drive.
Yes, EV chargers have been added to the public viewing area, making it more convenient for electric vehicle owners.
Yes, winter visits are possible and offer crisp, clear skies. However, be prepared for cold temperatures and potentially challenging driving conditions.
The park is generally accessible by car. While one user mentioned driving a Nissan Altima, it's always wise to check road conditions, especially in winter.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no admission fee to enter Cherry Springs State Park. However, camping reservations are required for overnight stays and fill up quickly.
The park is open for stargazing year-round. The Astronomy Observation Area and Overnight Astronomy Field have specific rules regarding light usage to maintain darkness.
Reservations for the 32 campsites can be made in advance. It's highly recommended to book well ahead of your visit, especially during popular stargazing periods.
The public viewing area is free to access. It's a great spot for a casual stargazing experience without needing to camp.
Yes, the park hosts annual star parties, such as the one mentioned in an Instagram Reel, which are great opportunities to experience the night sky with fellow enthusiasts.
🎫 🔭 Onsite Experience
The Astronomy Observation Area and the Overnight Astronomy Field are prime locations for viewing the Milky Way due to their minimal light pollution.
The Overnight Astronomy Field offers clean restrooms and available power (120V receptacles), making it ideal for serious stargazers with telescopes.
No, standard phone flashlights emit white light that disrupts night vision. Use only red-filtered flashlights to preserve the dark sky.
Bring warm clothing, blankets, a red-filtered flashlight, and if you have one, a telescope. Snacks and drinks are also recommended.
While known for stargazing, the park is surrounded by 500,000 acres of wilderness, offering opportunities for exploration. The description also mentions nearby Susquehanna Trail.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants directly within the park. However, the 'Out Of The Box Food Truck' has been spotted near the park, offering burgers and hot dogs.
Yes, there is a general store close to the park that offers wood and other provisions for campers.
Campfires are permitted, but they must be extinguished an hour before nightfall to maintain darkness. Firewood can be purchased at the general store.
Day visitors can pack their own food and utilize the grills available at the pavilion in the astronomy observation area.
The 'Out Of The Box Food Truck' has been seen near Cherry Springs State Park, offering a convenient option for quick meals.
📸 📸 Photography
For astrophotography, long exposure settings are key. Users have shared settings like 20s exposure with ISO 3200 for capturing the Milky Way.
A DSLR or mirrorless camera with good low-light performance, like a Sony a7iii, and a wide-angle lens are popular choices for capturing the night sky.
While challenging, some newer smartphones with advanced night modes can capture decent shots of the Milky Way. However, dedicated cameras offer superior results.
Photographing meteor showers can be difficult as meteors are fleeting. It requires patience and setting up your camera to capture as many frames as possible.
The darkest hours, typically from 9:30 PM to 2-4 AM, offer the most spectacular views and best opportunities for capturing celestial objects.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for ranger-led programs, which can be particularly engaging for children, as park rangers often share stories about constellations and celestial objects in an accessible way.
🔭 Serious Stargazers & Amateur Astronomers
Planning is key: book your campsite well in advance, as spots are limited.
📸 Astrophotographers
+1 Key to successful night photography here is understanding long exposure techniques and having the right gear. A camera with excellent low-light capabilities and a wide-angle lens are highly recommended. Experiment with settings like 20-second exposures at ISO 3200 to start, and adjust based on your camera and conditions. Remember to use a tripod for stability during long exposures and a remote shutter release to minimize camera shake.
Patience is crucial, especially when photographing meteor showers, as you'll be taking many shots hoping to catch a fleeting meteor. Always respect the park's dark sky rules by using only red-filtered lights when setting up or adjusting your equipment. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Dark Skies
+1 This makes it a premier destination for amateur astronomers and anyone seeking to reconnect with the cosmos. To preserve this precious resource, strict lighting rules are enforced. Visitors are required to use only red-filtered flashlights and avoid any white light sources after dark. This commitment to darkness ensures that the natural beauty of the night sky can be fully appreciated by all.
Whether you're a seasoned astrophotographer or a curious beginner, the dark skies of Cherry Springs offer an unforgettable experience. The sheer clarity and brilliance of the stars are often described as something that 'a picture doesn't really capture what you actually see while standing there in person.'
Stargazing Etiquette and Preparation
For those planning to camp, reservations are essential due to the limited number of campsites (32). Booking well in advance is highly advised, especially during peak stargazing periods like meteor showers or new moon phases.
Beyond the practicalities, embrace the experience. Arrive early to set up, allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness, and be patient. Ranger-led programs can offer valuable insights into constellations and celestial phenomena.
Photography Tips for the Night Sky
Long exposure settings are key; users have reported success with exposures around 20 seconds at ISO 3200. Experimentation with your camera's manual settings will yield the best results.When photographing meteor showers, patience is paramount. Meteors are unpredictable, so setting up your camera on a tripod and taking a series of long exposures increases your chances of capturing a shooting star.
Even with advanced equipment, capturing the full grandeur of the Milky Way can be challenging, as many visitors note that photos don't fully convey the awe-inspiring reality of seeing it in person. Remember to always use a red-filtered flashlight when setting up or adjusting your gear to avoid disrupting your or others' night vision.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit