The observing field (41°39.663'N, 77°49.512'W) is large and fairly flat.  You can camp on the field at no charge, right next to your scope.  You may not setup camp under the trees along the edge of the field.  Facilities at the park consist of non-flushing toilets with potable water available at taps on the field.  While there are no shower facilities on-site, there are hot showers available for a $2 charge at Ole Bull State Park, 15 miles south of CSSP.

You will have to pack your trash, especially cigarette butts, out with you.  There are no trash receptacles there.   Do not discard food waste on site.  The last thing we need is wildlife (bears!) thinking they can get an easy meal from us campers.  Modest groceries and ice are available near the park at small businesses along Rt.44.

It can get very cold at night, even in the midst of summer; be prepared for temperatures to be nearly 20°F colder than you'd expect for the time of year.

During any new-moon period, a large number of enthusiasts make the trek to Cherry Springs State Park for astronomical observing.  It isn't uncommon to see upwards of 100 people and their scopes scattered about the field, especially during the warmer months of the year.  If you plan on observing at the park, whether camping overnight, or just for the evening, please observe commonsense star party etiquette.

Although some observers post their plans to the CSSP Listserv, or to the CherrySpringsDarkSkyPark Yahoo group, there are many who do not; don't assume that if the lists are "dead" that there will be nobody there.   If you're not on the CSSP email Listserv, click here to send an email to majordomo@pop.psu.edu be sure to put "subscribe cherrysprings" in the message body, without the quotes.

You can find more information about CSSP, including public observing schedules and other upcoming events at Thom Bemus' Stargaze Cherry Springs website.