Kooser State Park

Introduction of Kooser State Park

The stunning Kooser State Park, located at 2,600 feet above sea level in the Laurel Highlands, attracts visitors all year. This 250-acre park in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, features lush forests and a lake. They offer a variety of activities to keep you entertained during your visit. During the summer, the main attractions are fishing, hiking, and hunting. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular winter activities at the park.

This area was once a battleground for American Indians, and spearheads and war arrows have been discovered here. The Whiskey Rebellion fighters also passed through the area.

John Kooser, who settled on what is now the park’s western side by the Kooser Spring, gave the park its name. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania purchased the park’s land in 1922. During the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) constructed the park. They made several changes, such as building roads, cabins, and outdoor fireplaces, as well as damming the Kooser Run to create the park’s four-acre lake. All of the changes they made were made with forest logs and local stone. The surrounding forest was cleared during the late 1800s lumber era, but with the help of the CCC, it has grown back over time and is now a sight to behold.

Kooser State Park Camping

The Kooser State Park Campground has 28 RV hookups and five tent-only sites. Four of the RV sites provide full hookups, 23 provide electrical hookups, and one is a basic site with no hookups. Every RV site is spacious and large enough to accommodate awnings and other equipment. The sites can accommodate rigs ranging in length from 30 to 45 feet.

The park has five tent-only campsites available to campers. Depending on which site you choose, the sites are approximately 10-25 feet from the parking spot. They are large and provide privacy from other campers.

The majority of RV and tent-only campsites have the same amenities, such as a picnic table and a fire ring with grill. Each site can accommodate up to five people per night and is pet-friendly, so campers are welcome to bring their pets. Campers can use a communal restroom equipped with showers and flushing toilets. Campers who do not have water hookups can use the spigots located throughout the campground.

Campers are not permitted to bring their own firewood from outside the state. Only firewood purchased in Pennsylvania is permitted to be used at the park. Although you may be able to get a site simply by showing up at the park.

Kooser State Park Activities

Fishing

Kooser Lake, the park’s man-made lake, is four acres in size. It used to be open for both fishing and swimming, but swimming has been prohibited since 2012 due to an algae problem in the lake. However, you can still fish here, so bring your fishing gear with you when you visit the park. When you cast your line, you’ll have the opportunity to catch a plethora of trout, bluegill, and bass. The lake has undergone changes in recent years to deepen it, and visitors can reap the benefits of this when they visit.

Hiking

Hiking is another enjoyable activity that visitors can partake in at the park. The park offers a variety of hikes ranging in length that are suitable for both novice and experienced hikers and are ideal for the entire family. Hiking is a great way to get some fresh air, and the park’s trails are no exception. Hikers can enjoy hiking up a mountain and taking in the scenery before returning down. Hikers can use the various cross-country ski trails, as well as shorter trails near the day-use area. Wear sturdy, comfortable footwear.

Hunting

All hunters are invited! Throughout the year, different animals are available for hunters to try and catch when they visit the park. You can hunt turkey in the spring and deer and black bear in the winter. At the park, you can hunt with a hunting bow or a firearm. Keep an eye out for other visitors and familiarise yourself with the state of Pennsylvania’s hunting rules and regulations.

Photography

Bring your camera with you when you visit Kooser State Park in your RV. With the surrounding scenery, it won’t be difficult to start snapping photos and capturing the stunning beauty on offer at the park. Because the park is open all year, visitors can see the trees in their various stages during the fall, winter, summer, and spring. Each season will provide an incredible, one-of-a-kind backdrop, and this fantastic photo opportunity will keep visitors entertained for hours.

Picnicking

While the anglers fish along the lake’s shore and the children play on the banks, the rest of the family can relax at the picnic tables and pavilions nearby. Pack a picnic for the whole family to enjoy because fishing and running around is a lot of work! This is a lovely way to soak up some sun while sitting outside in the peace and quiet of nature.

Kooser State Park Location

This breathtaking park can be found just off I-76. As you drive, you will be climbing into the Laurel Highlands, so expect some steep grades along the way. However, it is manageable, and RVers can enjoy a scenic drive along the way because there are no height-restricting obstacles. If you need supplies or food while visiting the park, you can find it in Ohiopyle, a town about 27 miles south of the park.

The roads are paved and easy to navigate once you arrive at the park. As you enter the park, slow down and keep an eye out for pedestrians and cyclists on the roads. If you’re staying for a few days, check into your campsite first before venturing out to explore the park and activities available. The park is not large, and you can easily get around on foot or by bike.

Parking

Day visitors can use the parking facilities at Kooser Lake.

Public Transport

Public Transport is not available