Road noise from Route 31 provides a constant backdrop at this small state park campground, where most sites accommodate RVs up to 30 feet with full hookups. The 250-acre park sits at nearly 3,000 feet elevation in the Laurel Highlands, offering cooler temperatures during summer months.
Most campsites spread across open, grassy terrain with minimal shade, though three tent-only sites occupy a wooded area higher up the hillside. Wailym C. notes the campground is "very clean, cozy and quiet, except for the road noise." Pull-through sites dominate the layout, with several requiring significant leveling work according to multiple campers. Site leveling challenges appear most pronounced at sites 1E and 12, though the grassy surfaces provide good traction.
Kooser Lake anchors the park's day-use area, stocked with trout though water levels fluctuate seasonally. A short trail follows the creek connecting the campground to the lake, where picnic tables and fishing spots await. The park maintains clean restrooms with hot showers, and firewood sells for $5 per bundle at the entrance through an honor system. A playground serves families with children, while the park's proximity to Hidden Valley and Seven Springs ski resorts makes it popular during winter months.
The campground operates from mid-April through mid-October, with reservations recommended for holiday weekends. Cell service varies by carrier, with some areas reporting no coverage. Pioneer Park Campground and Laurel Hill State Park Campground offer nearby alternatives within the same mountain region. Sites near the creek provide the most privacy, while those closer to Route 31 experience more traffic noise throughout the night.
Description
In the heart of the Laurel Highlands at an altitude of 2,600 feet, Kooser State Park attracts visitors year-round to its 250 acres of forest and the beautiful trout stream that flows the full length of the park. The park's original design character was stamped by the Civilian Conservation Corps projects of the 1930s that established the existing lake and most of its use areas, its architecture and site details. The park's basic appeal lies in its intimate areas which are best suited for family outings and small groups. Picnicking, fishing, hiking, camping, cross-country skiing and family cabins are the major park uses.
Permit Conditions: 1. No more than one family unit or five unrelated persons per campsite. Other facilities are limited to the maximum occupancy for the facility (i.e. beds in cabins) for non-family guests. Note: Family Unit-Persons living under one household. 2. Occupant shall include at least one person 18 years of age or older. 3. Noise or conduct which could interfere with the sleep of other persons is prohibited between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m. 4. Before vacating the facility/site, occupants shall clean and properly dispose of waste. 5. Visitors are permitted only between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. 6. This permit may not be assigned or transferred. 7. Alcoholic Beverages are prohibited. 8. Failure to abide by Pennsylvania State Park Rules and Regulations. 9. For cabins,/yurts/camping cottages removal of tables, beds or other furnishings from the facility are prohibited. 10. For cabins/yurts/camping cottages, tents, camping trailers and recreation vehicles are not permitted in the area. 11. Pets are only permitt
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsKooser State Park Campground is located in Pennsylvania near Jones Mills
Directions
Kooser State Park is on PA 31 midway between the Donegal and Somerset turnpike exits, at the eastern foothills of Laurel Mountain Summit. Kooser State Park is a one-hour drive from Johnstown or Pittsburgh.
Address
943 GLADES PIKE
Somerset, PA 15501
Coordinates
40.06000041 N
79.23000097 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 42 min from Johnstown, PA
- 54 min from Pittsburgh, PA
- 1 hr 7 min from Morgantown, WV
- 1 hr 14 min from Altoona, PA



















