Happy Travelers, dreaming of quiet night skies filled with stars and constellations? Then you’re in the right place! As Pennsylvania is known for having some of the darkest skies on the Eastern Seaboard, pitch a tent and look up at these epic stargazing spots.
1. Cherry Spring State Park
Coudersport
Cherry Springs State Park has exceptionally dark skies with very little light pollution, making it one of the darkest places on the East Coast. Visitors travel far and wide to the park’s Astronomy Field which offers magnificent, unobstructed 360-degree views of tens of thousands of stars and their constellations.
2. Lyman Run State Park
Galeton
The sky’s the limit…quite literally! This 595-acre Potter County state park gives plenty of viewing room for stargazing when camping at both modern and rustic campsites available at the park.
3. Michaux State Forest
Fayetteville
Michaux State Forest encompasses more than 85,500 acres in the South Mountain area of Cumberland, Franklin, and Adams Counties. With the perfect campsite, you might just catch the Milky Way Galaxy taking over the sky.
4. Raystown Lake
Hesston
Escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and look up at the glistening night sky from the Raystown Lake Region in Huntingdon County. You can catch panoramic views of the lake’s clear and calm waters and maybe even Orion’s Belt.
5. Susquehannock State Forest
Coudersport
With 265,000 acres of optimal sky views, Susquehannock State Forest does not disappoint. For a double whammy, find the brightest stars even with the sun starting to rise.
6. Ohiopyle State Park
Ohiopyle
Known for some of the best whitewater rafting on the East Coast, stay the night and be dazzled by the stars under the dark skies of Ohiopyle State Park. Overnight areas are open during specific seasons. Cozy up at your campsite, cottage, or yurt and marvel over the constellations!
7. Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Gardners
Steeped in natural and historical features, the 696-acre Pine Grove Furnace State Park is located less than an hour from downtown Harrisburg in an area known as South Mountain. Escape the city lights and stay the night at one of the park's campsites to enjoy this open star-lit playground.
To find more stargazing spots in Pennsylvania, check out the visitPA website. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram to stay up-to-date on even more great ideas and places to visit around our state. Don’t forget to never miss an update and sign up for our monthly Happy Thoughts e-newsletter!