Spending the Night in a Star Bubble in Columbia County

Spending the night in a star bubble in Columbia County Pennsylvania.

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to spend the night in a “star bubble” in a secluded countryside location, you’re in the right place!

The star bubble in Columbia County is a large clear inflatable tent.
A star bubble is a large, clear inflatable tent.

I had the opportunity to spend two nights at the Hyview Hideaway vacation rental home near Stillwater (Columbia County), which features, among its many amenities, the use of a star bubble on the side lawn of the home.

Welcome to Hyview Hideaway sign at the end of the driveway leading to the star bubble house in Columbia County PA.
The Hyview Hideaway is a refurbished farmstead in a secluded part of Columbia County.

So if spending the night stargazing just south of Ricketts Glen State Park intrigues you, read on!

Night skies above the star bubble at the Hyview Hideaway.
Night skies above the star bubble at the Hyview Hideaway.

What Exactly is a Star Bubble?

In the simplest terms, a star bubble is a large, clear inflatable tent.

The star bubble in Columbia County is furnished with a full-size bed.
The star bubble is furnished with a full-size bed.

I first became aware of these during COVID, when restaurants started using them as a means of staying open while maintaining “social distancing”, and now of course you can buy them readily on sites like Amazon.

Amazon listings for bubble tents.
Amazon listings for bubble tents. (Image credit: Amazon).

The clear plastic material the star bubbles are made of makes them perfect for keeping the elements and bugs out, while retaining an unobstructed view of the skies.

The star bubble at dusk in Columbia County Pennsylvania.
The star bubble at dusk.

You do need a source of power to keep the star bubble inflated, which is no problem at the Hyview Hideaway, courtesy a long extension cord.

Fire pit next to the star bubble at the Hyview Hideaway near Stillwater Pennsylvania.
Fire pit next to the star bubble at the Hyview Hideaway near Stillwater.

And while privacy is obviously not one of the star bubble’s strong suits, the secluded location of the Hyview Hideaway makes that a non-issue.

The star bubble brings the comfort of indoors to an outdoor camping environment.
The star bubble brings the comfort of indoors to an outdoor camping environment.

In fact, during the 2 days and nights I stayed there, inquisitive deer were the only “neighbors” I saw.

A pair of fawns grazing in a pasture near the star bubble in Columbia County Pennsylvania.
A pair of fawns grazing in a pasture near the star bubble.

The Farmhouse at Hyview Hideaway

The star bubble is just one of the amenities at your disposal at the Hyview Hideaway; there’s an entire farmhouse to use as well!

The farm house at the Hyview Hideaway dates back to 1890.
The farm house at the Hyview Hideaway.

Built in 1890, the farmhouse has been tastefully updated with many modern conveniences while retaining a rustic character.

The Hyview Hideaway is a beautifully modernized farmhouse dating back to 1890.
The Hyview Hideaway is a beautifully modernized farmhouse dating back to 1890.

I used the kitchen table as my temporary “office” for a few days, and the Wi-Fi was more than adequate to accomplish everything I needed it to do.

Kitchen table at the Hyview Hideaway and star bubble house in Columbia County Pennsylvania.
Kitchen table.

The kitchen was equipped every appliance and utensil I could have possibly wanted to use.

Kitchen at the Hyview Hideaway in Columbia County Pennsylvania.
Kitchen at the Hyview Hideaway.

The wrap-around deck was a great spot for morning coffee.

Deck at the Hyview Hideaway and star bubble.
Deck at the Hyview Hideaway.

Upstairs were three bedrooms, each decorated in its own way.

The farmhouse bedroom at the Hyview Hideaway and star bubble house.
The farmhouse bedroom.

Although I was traveling solo on this trip, if you had kids with you I’m sure they’d enjoy the bunk beds and firefly mural in this bedroom.

The kids room at the Hyview Hideaway features 2 bunk beds and a firefly mural.
The kids room at the Hyview Hideaway features 2 bunk beds and a firefly mural.

The house and star bubble sits on a secluded plot of land surrounded by mature trees and farm fields.

The Hyview Hideaway and star bubble sits on a secluded plot of land surrounded by mature trees and farm fields in Columbia County Pennsylvania.
The Hyview Hideaway and star bubble sits on a secluded plot of land surrounded by mature trees and farm fields in Columbia County.

If you’re looking for a secluded country getaway that doesn’t require a 4WD vehicle to get there, the Hyview Hideaway is a great option.

An aerial view of the pastures surrounding the star bubble and Hyview Hideaway in Columbia County Pennsylvania.
An aerial view of the pastures surrounding the star bubble and Hyview Hideaway.

Location and Booking Information

The Hyview Hideaway is located near Stillwater in Columbia County, roughly 15 miles south of Ricketts Glen and 15 miles north of Bloomsburg.


For me, this central location put me close to several of my favorite state parks in PA, as well as some new favorite destinations.

The East and West Padden Covered Bridges in Columbia County Pennsylvania.
The East and West Padden Covered Bridges in Columbia County.

The house allows a maximum of seven guests, with an average nightly rate of $235.00.

Second bedroom at the Hyview Hideaway and star bubble house near Stillwater Pennsylvania.
Second bedroom at the Hyview Hideaway.

You can find out ALL the details about spending the night at the Hyview Hideaway and the star bubble on its airbnb listing.

Living room at the Hyview Hideaway in Columbia County Pennsylvania.
Living room at the Hyview Hideaway.

Or if you prefer to use VRBO, the home is listed HERE as well.

The closest neighbor to the star bubble house is a farm a half-mile away.
The closest neighbor to the Hyview Hideaway is a farm a half-mile away.

I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to spend time in a “star bubble” at the Hyview Hideaway, and if you enjoy starry skies and the solitude of a country night, there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy it too!

Night skies over Hyview Hideaway and the star bubble near Stillwater Pennsylvania.
Night skies over Hyview Hideaway near Stillwater in Columbia County.

Nearby Attractions

Exploring the Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen State Park is your guide to hiking the most-famous and most-popular waterfall trail in Pennsylvania, featuring 21 waterfalls!

Ganoga Falls at Ricketts Glen State Park in August 2023.
Ganoga Falls at Ricketts Glen State Park in August 2023.

The 20 Best Things to Do at Worlds End State Park is your guide to some of most-enjoyable attractions at this park just north of the Hyview Hideaway.

Canyon Vista in the Loyalsock State Forest
Canyon Vista at Worlds End State Park.

Exploring Concrete City in Luzerne County is your guide to one of PA’s most-famous ghost towns, just east of the Hyview Hideaway.

Exploring Concrete City in Nanticoke Pennsylvania.
Scenes from Concrete City.

Exploring Little Shickshinny Falls in Luzerne County shows you how to find this popular waterfall not far from Concrete City.

Little Shickshinny Falls in Luzerne County Pennsylvania.
Little Shickshinny Falls in Luzerne County.

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Rusty Glessner
Rusty Glessner is a professional photographer, lifelong Pennsylvanian, and a frequently-cited authority on PA's best travel destinations.