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Cherry Springs State Park - Galeton, Pennsylvania - open camping September 17 - 20, 2009
One area of Cherry Springs State Park has a small number of unserviced sites (and a dump station) but the area we go to is the dedicated astronomy field. Located atop the hills of Pennsylvania, CSSP has been declared an International Dark Sky Preserve. For amateur astronomers like ourselves, it is one of the best places in the northeastern US to pursue our hobby.
Along with 450 other stargazers, we were there to attend the Black Forest Star Party which is an annual outdoor convention with talks, vendors, and of course observing the wonders of the Universe at night through all manner of telescopes.
For the most part, this is dry camping although there are water taps located throughout the field as well as 15amp service which is supposed to be solely for powering astronomical equipment. There is also a nice washroom and free, but at times slow, Wi-Fi service. One thing to keep in mind is that no white lights of any sort are allowed after dusk, unless the sky is completely clouded over, and no campfires at any time. However, when it is clear at night, the Milky Way is so bright that it casts a shadow!
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