7 replies to this topic

[rjryerson]

I guess I want to know how likely it is that I can get access to the Overnight Astronomy Observation Field.

 

I find it strange that there is no online reservation system for the Overnight Astronomy Observation Field, but there is one for the Rustic Campground.

 

So, if I drive 5 hours from Ohio, how do I ensure that I will get into the Overnight Astronomy Observation Field? (I'm not visiting during the star parties, just a handful of days in late April, early May.)

 

Best regards,

 

Rick

 

[plunk111]

Did you try the website? https://www.pa.gov/a...state-park.html

 

There are a few phone numbers... 

[George N]

I guess I want to know how likely it is that I can get access to the Overnight Astronomy Observation Field.

 

I find it strange that there is no online reservation system for the Overnight Astronomy Observation Field, but there is one for the Rustic Campground.

 

So, if I drive 5 hours from Ohio, how do I ensure that I will get into the Overnight Astronomy Observation Field? (I'm not visiting during the star parties, just a handful of days in late April, early May.)

 

Best regards, Rick

 

Well, there is no guarantee of space, or designated 'camping' spots, on the Observation Field - like there is on the 'rustic camping' area (which existed before 'astronomy' even came to Cherry Springs) - but those sites cost more (and are often full up). So, there is no way for the State Park on-line system (which covers all PA state parks) would know if there's enough room. Plus, the rules are different on the Astronomy Field compared to the rest of the PA park system.

 

 

From my experience of more than 12 years of going there - the only time I've ever seen the Observation Field fully occupied - no more room - (however you define that) has been during the two star parties - including thru about the week before/after depending on weather. A lot of people make the star parties a week or more "vacation" - especially the folks with RVs. On say a 4th of July dark weekend I've seen something like 120+ people (my guess) occupying the field - spread out - maybe half the field. I did not experience the 'covid crazy years' weekends because then I always went during the week, when you just might be the only person there! In fact, I still prefer a weeknight at CSSP.

 

I think with the new reservations being on the North side, the new entrances, (on site Ranger?), price increase to the same as other PA state park camping fees - there will be less likelihood of 'normal campers' or just people sneaking on for a "free night" - which should eliminate a lot of the problems reported in the past.

 

While everyone has their fav section of the field to set up on (and even camp maybe 30 or 50 yards away) - there really is no 'bad spot', but generally the big Dob and high-end imagers prefer the far South end because it has the best Southern sky view. With that said, anywhere you'll have a huge piece of sky to observe - maybe not the little patch that you had your heart set on.

 

Bottom line - there is no insurance you will find room on the Astronomy Field - but calling Lyman Run will probably get you an idea of what conditions are like just before "driving 5 hours". It's not likely that it will fill up with 300+ people in 5 hours! Lyman Run can also tell you the field conditions. In very wet weather up to a third of the field is too muddy to use. Also, they will know if there are problems with AC power, water, bathrooms, etc - and the status of the local roads and out-of-park problems.

 

Finally - it looks like at least for Cherry Springs Star Party 2025 - you need a star party reservation for the field - and they limit it to something like 450 total - very tight, but you will find a spot.

 

I can well understand the concern - on the other hand - I remain surprised that PA has even invested in an 'astronomy field' resource. I have known a few people who just 'gave up' on Cherry Springs and purchased their own land in the area.

Edited by George N, 04 March 2025 - 03:16 PM.

[Dave Mitsky]

I guess I want to know how likely it is that I can get access to the Overnight Astronomy Observation Field.

 

I find it strange that there is no online reservation system for the Overnight Astronomy Observation Field, but there is one for the Rustic Campground.

 

So, if I drive 5 hours from Ohio, how do I ensure that I will get into the Overnight Astronomy Observation Field? (I'm not visiting during the star parties, just a handful of days in late April, early May.)

 

Best regards,

 

Rick

Be prepared for the possibility of very cold temperatures.  A number of years ago the temperature dropped to 24 degrees one night in the latter part of May.  In addition, dew can be very heavy at the park at times.

[Dave Mitsky]

By the way, the maps at https://elibrary.dcn...HSP_ParkMap.pdf and https://elibrary.dcn...P_ParkGuide.pdf are out of date now since the entrances to the public field and the overnight field have been changed.

[Phillip Creed]

Be prepared for the possibility of very cold temperatures.  A number of years ago the temperature dropped to 24 degrees one night in the latter part of May.  In addition, dew can be very heavy at the park at times.

Sage advice.

I've been to Cherry Springs four times over a total of 7 nights and only one of those nights back in May 2001 was it even remotely "warm".

I often call Potter County, "Pennsylvania's Ice Box".  While it might not be the state's coldest spot any given night...it'll be darn close.  Here's the 1991-2020 climate averages for a station ~9 miles (15km) to the NW at a similar elevation (2,150-ft vs. CSSP ~2,300-ft):

https://www.ncei.noa...MLY-SNOW-NORMAL

 

Even in July, the average low is 55°F, and a July night dipping into the 40s isn't even newsworthy.

Clear Skies,

Phil

[Richie2shoes]

I guess I want to know how likely it is that I can get access to the Overnight Astronomy Observation Field.

 

I find it strange that there is no online reservation system for the Overnight Astronomy Observation Field, but there is one for the Rustic Campground.

 

So, if I drive 5 hours from Ohio, how do I ensure that I will get into the Overnight Astronomy Observation Field? (I'm not visiting during the star parties, just a handful of days in late April, early May.)

 

Best regards,

 

Rick

You won't have any problem finding a spot on the field.  The only time I've ever seen it "star party" crowded was the new moon with Comet Neo-Wise, back in 2020.  Even then, they all showed up Saturday Afternoon and were gone Sunday morning.  Even on a regular new moon night there are plenty of spots open, especially before summer.

[George N]

You won't have any problem finding a spot on the field.  The only time I've ever seen it "star party" crowded was the new moon with Comet Neo-Wise, back in 2020.  Even then, they all showed up Saturday Afternoon and were gone Sunday morning.  Even on a regular new moon night there are plenty of spots open, especially before summer.

 

Going back some 6 years or so -- I was there on a moon-dark weekend when 4th of July was Monday or Tuesday (forget??) - the Astro Field was "star party packed", but I did find a spot - not ideal, but I was imaging that weekend with a smallish rig, so I didn't need a large space like with my 20" Dob. The weather forecast for Monday, etc, was '100% clouds' - so I watched a long line of vehicles, including many RVs, pulling out around mid-afternoon. It was completely clear that night - little lower transparency, but the seeing was very good! I guess they had some pretty full weekends during the pandemic - but not since - I only went mid-week at the peak of covid.

 

Now in April and May (and October) - especially mid-week - I've been there with no more than 6 or 8 people on the entire field - under excellent sky. I've had several very good 3-night runs in April/May - followed by a disappointing star party in June. It will be almost certainly cooler - my first May "featured" several snowsqualls the night before I arrived - with clear stretches between the snow. Two of my four October trips were below freezing after around mid-night - but a friend had an RV with a warm bed for me!