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 design stresses rustic values in site and building materials and in their application: native stone, rough sawn and stained wood surfaces, log and timber members.

Kooser State Park derives its name from John Kooser, who in 1867, settled in the western end of the park near what is now known as Kooser Spring. The early settlers told of an American Indian battle that was fought nearby. A number of war arrows and spearheads have been found in the area. A contingent of Washington?s Army, known as Coxes Army, crossed Laurel Summit near here during the Whiskey Rebellion.

The land for Kooser State Park was acquired by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1922. In the late 1920s, the Van Dyke Area was used for summer tenting by people who would camp from early spring until late fall. In 1933, a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp was established in the western end of the park. The ?CCC Boys? built new roads, fireplaces, cabins and a lake. In 1945, a tornado hit the area and did a tremendous amount of damage to Kooser?s wooded areas.

For more information on the CCC, visit the Civilian Conservation Corps Online Archive.

In 1955, the present tent and trailer area was developed. Water was piped from Kooser Spring throughout the park and the original dam was rebuilt with a modern earth and concrete breast and an all-sand beach.

In 2002, portions of the park closed for improvements. Growing Greener money was used to add modern restrooms to the campground and make improvements to the day use area.

There are nine rustic rental cabins available for use year-round. A nearby modern showerhouse is available. Summer rentals are for one week only. The cabins have mattresses, refrigerator, stove and hot water. Renters must bring all cooking and sleeping supplies. One cabin is accessible.

Camping: modern sites, some with electric

There are 47 tent and trailer campsites open the second Friday in April through mid-October. Accessible sites and a sanitary dumping station are available. Fourteen (14) campsites have electric hookups.