First Timers Guide to the CSSP

The Cherry Springs Star Party is held in Cherry Springs State Park, located between Coudersport and Galeton in Potter County, PA. It is one of the darkest spots in the eastern United States and is classed as an International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark-Sky Association.  The party is held on the Astronomer's Overnight Field part of the park, as seen on the map at left it is located on the west side of State Route 44 which bisects the park.

Your registration fee for the Star Party includes camping on the field where the party is held, so most people bring either a tent or a camper or RV to stay in. Be aware that there are no RV hookups on the field. Most people choose to camp on the field beside their observing equipment, a few choose to set up equipment on the field but stay in a nearby hotel or campground - should you choose to do this you should be sure to park your vehicle across the road in the public parking area before it gets dark, since the observing field gate will be closed allowing no vehicles in or out of the observing field after dusk. 

 Be sure to bring warm clothing and sleeping bags, as even in the middle of summer it can cool down rapidly after the sun sets. You can bring food, snacks, and drinks as you wish, there is also a food vendor on site who provides food throughout the day and late into the night at a reasonable fee. There are no campfires allowed on the field, small propane grills are allowed as long as they do not give off excessive smoke or grease near astronomical equipment. Also be sure to secure any food you have, as this is black bear territory and we have had a few visits by them to the party field in the past.

Also be sure to bring any astronomical equipment you have, anything from your naked eyes to binoculars to telescopes will give you a great view. Bring red flashlights and red covers for your phones, laptops, pads. etc., as there is no white lights allowed on the field after darkness falls.

When you first pull into the field where the party is held, there will be a white tent directly in front of you. This is the check in tent, stop here to check in for the party and, if you have any questions, the staff working the tent will be glad to assist you. Once you have checked in, you can then proceed onto the field to find a spot to set up on, there are no assigned spots - just find a spot that is open that you like and set up there. Try to only use what space you actually need, as the field will fill up rapidly. We do ask that the larger RV's set up towards the west side of the field. 

There are men's and women's restrooms located near the entrance to the Observing Field, as well as a small latrine type composting bathroom located on the west side of the field. During the party, there are also Port-A-Johns located in several spots around the field. There are no showers available at Cherry Springs State Park, the nearest showers are located about 6 miles away down State RD 144 towards Galeton at Lyman Run State Park, there is a fee to use the showers there. The speakers and the Saturday raffle occur in the Picnic Pavilion, which is a large log structure located on the east side of the field. Near the Pavilion is the food vendor, who are located in a trailer with a couple of tents in front covering picnic tables. The vendors are located in a large white tent on the north side of the field behind the registration tent, the Saturday Swap Meet is held on the picnic tables in front of this tent on Saturday morning.  Be sure to check the Star Party etiquette page for how to operate on the field once the sun sets (most importantly - no white light!)  If you have any questions or issues during the party, find any one of the volunteers (who are easy to find in their bright yellow staff shirts) and they will be glad to help you.