Itinerary: Camping in Coudersport, PA

Have you ever wanted to take a weekend camping trip, but couldn’t decide on a location? Found all the typical campgrounds unexciting and similar? If yes, then I have a solution for you! Coudersport, Pennsylvania is home to some very unique state parks that I would highly recommend for your next weekend getaway. It is known not just for the beautiful foliage that makes up Susquehannock State Forest, but also for its dark skies. The lack of light pollution in the surrounding areas, combined with the bountiful dark-leafed cherry trees, make the night sky the darkest in Pennsylvania.  This means that the sky is lit up each night with the greatest number of the brightest stars, not to mention the milky way and planet visibility. If you visit at the right time, there’s even a chance you’ll see Aurora Borealis, or the Northern Lights.

TRANSPORTATION

If you have the ability to, I would recommend driving to Coudersport, PA. The drive is only about 3 and a half hours from the Pittsburgh area, and if you visit during Autumn, it’s a really beautiful drive through the Pennsylvania countryside. There are three airports near Coudersport, but you’ll have to see if your local airport offers flights to these relatively small airports. If you do fly, you’ll also need to rent a car to get to the campsites.

LODGING

I’d recommend camping at two different campsites in two different state parks in Coudersport for the weekend you’ll be there. Both provide great camping experiences in their own separate ways. You’ll need to book reservations in advance at these campgrounds, and will cost about $20 a night.

• Lyman Run State Park – The campsites here are immersed in the woods, and therefore make for stunning surroundings, specifically during fall. Next to my tent was a serene babbling brook that put me right to sleep at night. Each reserved campsite is also equipped with a fire pit and tall hook to hang your food on to keep unwanted creatures from having a late-night snack. The campground also has a really nice, clean bathroom with plumbing, sinks, and showers. Though not the state park known for the brightest night skies, it still provided an excellent view of the milky way and thousands and thousands of stars.
• Cherry Springs State Park – This campground is the one known for the darkest sky, and is located in more of a large field rather than deep in the woods. This allows for better stargazing, since tall trees won’t be blocking your view of the sky. Each reserved spot has a fire pit and food hook, and there is a bathroom facility for the campground guests. Don’t expect too much out of this one though, it’s basically just a hole in the ground and a hand sanitizer pump. This park is very serious on limiting light pollution, so when the sun sets no white lights are permitted. If you must use light, they ask you to put red cellophane over your flashlights, as this color will not affect your eyes.

FOOD

We stopped at the Shop ‘n Save upon arriving in Coudersport, and loaded up on camping necessities. Making dinner by the fire is much more fun (and cheaper!) than going out for diner. We got a loaf of bread and cheese to make grilled cheese sandwiches, as well as ingredients for s’mores. We brought granola bars and apples from home to eat for lunch, and then went out to breakfast in the morning. I’ve listed the best local restaurants in Coudersport below in case you don’t want to cook your meals yourself:

• Fezz’s Diner
• Kaytee’s
• Tea Room and Café
• Fox’s Pizza
• Hotel Crittenden
• Cream ‘n Sugar

ACTIVITIES

• Hiking at Lyman Run State Park
• Hiking at Patterson State Park
• Thrift Shopping/Antique shopping in Coudersport
• Stargazing!!!!!