🌤 Weather at Kooser State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25–66 °F | 56–77 °F | 30–70 °F | 17–37 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Hidden Valley, 2 mi away, elevation 2,876 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Tucked away at an altitude of 2,600 feet in the beautiful Laurel Highlands region of Pennsylvania, about an hour from Pittsburgh, Kooser State Park is a wonderful spot for a nature getaway. Comprising 250 acres of dense hemlock forests, open meadows and a picturesque lake, the park is named in honor of Charles Kooser. A prominent businessman who donated the land to the state in the 1930s. One of the most popular activities at it is hiking, with several trails, including the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail passing through it. Fishing is also another regularly practiced pastime, as is hunting, picnicking and birding. In the winter, the park turns into a snowy playground where cross country skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing are on offer. From the middle of April to just before Christmas, its 35 site campground and nine rustic cabins, provide a convenient option for overnight stays.
Activities
Guests can enjoy a host of al fresco recreational activities during their visit to Kooser State Park. Outlined below are a small selection of some of the main things you can get up to while you are there.
Fishing at Kooser State Park
One of the most popular activities at the park is fishing which takes place on the four acre Kooser Lake. Stocked with a variety of fish, including trout, bass, and bluegill, the lake’s shoreline is easily accessible, making it an ideal spot for families and beginners to try their luck. The park also has a Cold Stream – a Class A wild trout stream – that provides anglers with a challenging fishing experience. To fish at the park licenses are required and visitors are encouraged to follow all the fishing regulations set by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
Hiking at Kooser State Park
For those who want to explore the park on foot, there are two main trails you can tackle. Extending for one mile, the Kinkora Trail is a difficult out-and-back trail that is named after a former church camp that was located on it. The rugged trail tests hikers with tough terrain, but it does provide plenty of solitude for the day hiker. At just half a mile in length, the Tree Army Trail is an easier out-and-back trail that winds its way along the Kooser Run. If you plan on attempting either of these trails you should wear a hat and a good pair of hiking boots. You should also put on lots of sunscreen and mosquito spray and take plenty of water with you.
Picnicking at Kooser State Park
Kooser State Park is a great place to enjoy a relaxing picnic with loved ones. Throughout the park there are several picnic tables available, providing visitors with a great place to enjoy a meal with friends and family. There are also a couple of picnic pavilions available – one on a first come first served basis. Guests are encouraged to bring their own food and use the grills provided. However, the drinking of alcohol is strictly forbidden anywhere inside the park.
Hunting at Kooser State Park
As Kooser State Park is small in size, hunting is not allowed at it. However, many hunters often stay at the park and then walk to the adjacent Forbes State Forest. There they are able to snare black bears, turkeys and deer within certain areas and via selected methods.
Winter Activities at Kooser State Park
During the winter, the park is an excellent place to come if you want to engage in various snow related activities. When the snow hits, the park’s trails are open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, providing a serene winter wonderland experience to explore the forested landscape. Ice skating and ice fishing is available on the lake, should the ice be more than about six inches thick, while snowmobiling is also permitted in designated areas. Many visitors choose to go winter hiking through the snow-covered landscape as well. Just make sure you wrap up warm if you choose to do any of these activities.
Pets
Boasting several hiking trails, a lake and picnic areas, Kooser State Park is a terrific place to bring your beloved pet. Dogs are welcome in the park, and there are several designated areas where pets can run and play off-leash. However, pet owners must ensure their pets are always under control. They also are required to be kept on a leash that does not exceed six feet in length when in other areas of the park. Additionally, the park provides pet waste stations for pets, so owners are expected to clean up after them when they make a mess.
Camping
Between the middle of April and the middle of December, the park operates a 35-site campground. The majority of these sites enable visitors to pull through them with their camping equipment. Overall, five of these sites come with full hookups for water, sewer and electricity. An additional 23 of them come with hook-ups for electricity, while five are non-electric. You’ll find a dump station among the amenities here. As well as these tent and RV sites, there are also nine cabins available to rent all year round. They are rustic in nature and can sleep between four and eight people. All of the cabins have mattresses and are equipped with an oven, stove, refrigerator, microwave and sink with hot running water. You will need to bring all of your cooking utensils and bedding supplies with you, and in the summer, rentals occur on a weekly basis. During the winter, there is a wood burning stove to keep you warm.
Park Location
Kooser State Park 943 Glades Pike Somerset, PA 15501 Phone: 814.445.8673 Park Website Reservations
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Kooser State Park:
Explore More Pennsylvania State Parks
Kooser State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Pennsylvania. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Pennsylvania guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Kooser SP — in the Laurel Highlands at 2,600 feet — provides rustic mountain camping. The park’s mountain forest, stream, and wetlands support black bears, white-tailed deer, and ruffed grouse. Brook trout inhabit the cold mountain stream. Snowshoe hares inhabit the higher elevations. Mountain laurel blooms in June.
Nearby Attractions
Somerset — 10 miles east. Laurel Hill SP — adjacent. Flight 93 National Memorial — 15 miles north. Ohiopyle SP — 20 miles west — has Fallingwater.
More parks nearby: Laurel Hill State Park is a short drive away, while Forbes State Forest lies a short drive away.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Kooser State Park
Park policy: Every one of the 35 campsites at Kooser is open to pets, so you do not have to hunt for a designated pet loop when you book. Two of the nine year-round rustic cabins, #21 and #22, take dogs.
- Pets allowed?
- Whole campground open to pets; rustic cabins #21 and #22 are dog-friendly
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash required at all times; no universal maximum length — inquire at the park office (electronic fences/shock collars not accepted as control)
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited in swimming areas and designated beaches
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Dogs allowed in a limited number of designated cabins, cottages and yurts (pilot program); maximum two dogs per unit; dogs must be house-trained and current on rabies vaccination
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No standard statewide pet fee; fees may be assessed for damage in dog-friendly lodging
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Maximum two non-caged pets per campsite; pets prohibited in buildings; pet food may not be left outside camping units
Are dogs allowed at Kooser State Park?
Whole campground open to pets; rustic cabins #21 and #22 are dog-friendly.
Beyond that, Pennsylvania’s statewide rules apply.
Rules verified July 2026 via pa.gov. More: Pennsylvania state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Kooser State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
