How much does camping cost at Kooser State Park?

Camping fees at Kooser State Park range from $1-$5/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Kooser State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Kooser State Park accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Are there showers at Kooser State Park?

Yes, Kooser State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Kooser State Park?

Fire policies at Kooser State Park: Campfires allowed, with firewood bundles sold at the park office.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Is there cell service at Kooser State Park?

Cell phone service at Kooser State Park is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Kooser State Park have?

Kooser State Park has 35 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Kooser State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Kooser State Park. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Kooser State Park?

Kooser State Park offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Sewer Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Kooser State Park?

Popular activities at Kooser State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Kooser State Park

4.29

116 reviews

943 GLADES PIKE, SOMERSET, Pennsylvania, 15501, United States

Featured in:RV Camping Pennsylvania

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

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Quick Facts

2,600 ft

Price

$1 - $5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

35 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Book on Direct Line Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

2,600 ft

Price

$1 - $5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

35 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Book on Direct Line Official Website

Get Directions

Kooser State Park

$1.00 - $5.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Firewood bundles are sold at $5 and fire starters for $1 at the honor box at the park office.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.29

Satisfactory

Based on 116 reviews

523 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanfriendlywell-maintained

Some mention

noise

"Kooser State Park receives mostly positive reviews for its serene and secluded environment, clean cabins, and well-maintained facilities. However, noise from the nearby highway is a common complaint."

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Campground Map

943 GLADES PIKE, SOMERSET, Pennsylvania, 15501, United States

Kooser State Park

943 GLADES PIKE, SOMERSET, Pennsylvania, 15501, United States

Nearby places

Johnstown (1 hour drive), Pittsburgh (1 hour drive)

Best Time to Camp at Kooser State Park

Mid-September through mid-November is the standout window. Daytime highs range from 45–60°F, nights drop into the 25–40°F range, and hardwood color hits its peak. Trout fishing picks up as fish feed before winter. Weekends around peak color get crowded. Be aware of fall hunting periods in adjacent state forest land and wear blaze orange if you hike off park property. Winter brings moderate snowfall; the park stays open year-round but expect cold conditions at this elevation.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 8% in PA

Visitors praise snow-covered pines and cross-country skiing; winter is a highlighted season.

Planning Tips

About Kooser State Park

Kooser State Park sits at 2,600 feet on the eastern foothills of Laurel Mountain, a 250-acre forest retreat popular with families and anglers. The campground has 35 sites plus cabin rentals, with fees running $1–5 per night. Highway noise is audible throughout the park, but clean facilities and productive trout fishing keep visitors coming back.

Kooser State Park offers a variety of camping options including tent, RV, and cabin accommodations. Group camping is not specifically mentioned.

Historical Significance

The Civilian Conservation Corps built the park in the 1930s, creating the lake and constructing stone walls and structures that still stand. Their craftsmanship is visible in the rustic architecture throughout the property.

Weather and SeasonsMid-September through mid-November is the standout window. Daytime highs range from 45–60°F, nights drop into the 25–40°F range, and hardwood color hits its peak. Trout fishing picks up as fish feed before winter. Weekends around peak color get crowded. Be aware of fall hunting periods in adjacent state forest land and wear blaze orange if you hike off park property. Winter brings moderate snowfall; the park stays open year-round but expect cold conditions at this elevation.

ElevationPerched at 2,600 feet above sea level, Kooser State Park offers a refreshing mountain climate that provides natural air conditioning in summer and reliable snow for winter activities. This elevated position creates a unique microclimate where temperatures run cooler than the valleys below, making it an ideal refuge during hot summer months and a snowy playground when winter arrives.

Natural Features and SceneryThe park's elevation delivers cooler temperatures and dense hardwood canopy punctuated by stands of pine. A trout stream runs the length of the property, creating habitat for anglers and wildlife viewers alike. Some sites sit in the open without much shade cover, while outer-loop sites back up to woods. Fall color peaks mid-September through mid-November, when the hardwoods turn brilliant reds and golds. Ridge trails nearby offer long-distance views across southwestern Pennsylvania's mountain country.

Geological RegionDiscover the natural splendor of the Laurel Highlands, where Kooser State Park sits gracefully on the eastern foothills of Laurel Mountain Summit. This 250-acre forest preserve exemplifies the region's rugged beauty, with ancient geological formations creating the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures. The park's position in this renowned recreational corridor connects visitors to a larger network of trails, scenic vistas, and natural wonders that define southwestern Pennsylvania's mountain country.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Not specified

Guests Allowed Per Site

No more than one family unit or five unrelated persons per campsite.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThirty-five sites arranged in loops, plus nine rustic cabins. Spacing varies: outer sites feel more private, inner sites sit closer together. Large pull-in sites with electric hookups are available. Some spots lack canopy shade.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on events dcnr pa and pa parks and forests platforms.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not extensively detailed, but cabins and bathrooms are mentioned as close and convenient in some reviews.

Site SizeThe campground offers a mix of spacious and standard-sized sites. Specific mentions include 'sites are spaced out' and 'large pull-in sites, electric only.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary, with some sites described as secluded and others as open. For example, 'The outermost circle has quite a bit of privacy,' but 'most sites are not very private.

Total Campsites35 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid walk-in tent site #24 due to poor drainage. Sites along the creek offer relaxation.

Need help booking Kooser State Park?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

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Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Kooser State Park offers a range of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and relaxing in a peaceful natural setting. The park is centered around the lake and stream, which are noted for their high-quality trout.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNoise from nearby highway can disrupt tranquility. Some walk-in tent sites may have poor drainage.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed, with firewood bundles sold at the park office.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 9 p.m. to 8 a.m.

Emergency ServicesSomerset emergency services, including hospitals and police stations, are nearby.

Trash & RecyclingThere is no detailed information on trash and recycling facilities, but proper waste disposal is required per park rules.

Water FeaturesFeatures a trout-stocked stream and a small lake, visually delightful but not suitable for swimming.

Camp HostHosts are reported as helpful. In one instance, a host helped change a camper's flat tire.

Weather at Kooser State Park

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.3

116 reviews

Satisfactory

Kooser State Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Kooser State Park receives mostly positive reviews for its serene and secluded environment, clean cabins, and well-maintained facilities. However, noise from the nearby highway is a common complaint.

Review Summaries

Based on 116 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean and well-maintained cabins. Peaceful environment. Excellent fishing opportunities. Family-friendly atmosphere. 'Cabins were immaculate,' and 'The park is peaceful and secluded.'

Based on 116 reviews

Common Concerns

Highway noise is frequently mentioned as disruptive. Limited privacy at certain campsites. 'Noise from the nearby highway constantly keeps invading one's ears.'

Based on 116 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring earplugs to mitigate highway noise. Reserve cabins or campsites on the outer circle for better privacy. Pack firewood or purchase on-site. 'If you prepare in advance, the lack of a cabin...

Based on 116 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The park is described as peaceful in winter with opportunities for cross-country skiing. Summer visits highlight fishing and picnicking but also note higher noise levels.

Based on 116 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Cabins were immaculate.' 'Peaceful and secluded, at least in mid-March.' 'Decent Verizon cell phone coverage throughout the whole park.' 'Gorgeous pine wooded park with a nice winding stream through...

Based on 116 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite 24 is noted for poor drainage. Tent sites #33, #23, #36, #37 are deemed nice, while site #24 is described as muddy. RV sites on the outer circle are praised for privacy.

Based on 116 reviews