| 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 & 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 & a lake. In 1945, a tornado hit the area & did a tremendous amount of damage to Kooser’s wooded areas. |
Kooser State Park Campground Web Site
Driving Direction GPS Coordinates:
40.061306, -79.228374
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Campground: Kooser State Park in Somerset Pennsylvania *