Cherry Springs State Park RV & Campground Guide
Pennsylvania
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Located in a remote area of northern Pennsylvania in the Susquehannock State Forest, Cherry Springs State Park is the perfect destination for travelers who want to get away from it all and immerse themselves in an unspoiled landscape. Because of its remoteness, Cherry Springs State Park is recognized as one of the best locations for stargazing on the East Coast. The draw of its night sky makes the park a popular camping destination, and a nightly stargazing program is offered in the summer. Cherry Springs State Park covers 82 acres and is appropriately named after the grove of Black Cherry trees that sit on the Allegheny Plateau in the center of the park. Each August, the park hosts the Woodsmen Show, which features lumberjacking demonstrations and contests.
Spring 32-73 F
Summer 53-86 F
Fall 35-77 F
Winter 23-43 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Cherry Springs State Park
Cherry Springs State Park is home to two campgrounds, and these are the Airport A campground and the Airport B campground. Altogether, there are 30 campsites across these campgrounds. Most of the sites accommodate both tents and RVs. The maximum RV length is 80 feet, but suitable RV length varies by campsite. These are rustic campsites without hookups. Both campgrounds do not permit pets, and they do not have internet access. Campground amenities include fire rings with grills and vault toilets. Throughout the park, visitors have access to an emergency phone, a dump station, water faucets, an amphitheater and a picnic area with both covered and uncovered tables.
What to Do at
Cherry Springs State Park
As one of Pennsylvania’s recognized Dark Sky Parks, Cherry Springs State Park is a stargazer’s paradise, and it features both short-term and long-term stargazing spaces. In the daytime, visitors can take advantage of picnicking, hiking and other activities. The Susquehannock Trail that runs through the park provides easy access to vistas beyond the park’s borders, and it offers additional opportunities for biking, ATV riding, nature viewing and other activities.
Nature Watching
With the park’s location in the middle of a state forest, the grounds are teeming with wildlife. Some of the species in the park include black bears, skunks, deer, bald eagles, hawks, eagles, grouse, raccoons and opossums.
Stargazing
Stargazers can take advantage of two viewing areas. The Night Sky Public Viewing Area is available for short-term visitors and does not permit camping. The Overnight Astronomy Observation Field is open throughout the night, and advance registration is required.
Flora and Fauna
The grove of Dark Cherry trees is a highlight for park visitors when the flowers bloom in the spring. Beyond this grove, tall hardwoods and native grasses make the park a suitable habitat for smaller and larger mammals, birds and reptiles.
Hiking
The Susquehannock State Forest covers 262,000 acres and completely surrounds Cherry Springs State Park. The 85-mile Susquehannock Trail runs through the park and is well-suited for day hiking and overnight backpacking trips. Hikers may share the trail with bikers, ATV riders and snowmobile riders.
Biking
Biking is permitted on the Susquehannock Trail, which runs through the park. Bikers can also use park roads with caution. Along the trail, you may spot native wildlife and enjoy distant vistas. The trail also takes you by old lumbering sites.
How to Get to
Cherry Springs State Park
The only road into and out of the park is Cherry Springs Road. This road, also known as Route 44, runs straight through the park. It connects to Route 144 to the east and Highway 6 to the northwest.
Entering Cherry Springs State Park
Visitors can enter Cherry Springs State Park from Cherry Springs Road on the east and west sides. Parking is available at individual camping spots. A grassy parking area is also available near the Night Sky Public Viewing Area at the northern end of the park. The park is open daily, but some areas of the park may not be accessible at times due to inclement weather conditions. Operational hours vary, and visitors are encouraged to contact nearby Lyman Run State Park for specific information for the dates of their visit.
Cherry Springs State Park Entry Fee : $0.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Springs State Park
Cherry Springs State Park is open year-round. However, some areas of the park receive minimal winter maintenance. Because of this, many visitors prefer to enjoy the park during the warmer months of the year.
Many species are native to this area of Pennsylvania, including skunks, eagles, hawks, turkeys, opossums, raccoons and black bears.
No, designated RV camping spots are not available. Select spots are suitable for tent camping only. The other spots accommodate both tents and RVs.
Reservations are available online and by phone at no cost. Registration for the Overnight Astronomy Observation Field must be made in advance.
Pets are not allowed in the Night Sky Public Viewing Area or the Overnight Astronomy Observation Field.