The best camping in Kooser State Park, PA

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Top-rated campgrounds

Sleepy Hollow Campground

95%
(226)
30mi from Kooser State Park · 22 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Grantsville, MD
This property and farm has been in our family for 3 generations. In 1964 my grandfather started the campground due to limited camping at New Germany. My father tells stories of it being filled with guests all summer long! Over the years there was few upgrades and now it's in need of a facelift. Landscaping, electric upgrades and bathhouse remodels were completed Spring 2021. We will continue to renovate in phases it's been a labor of love, but you can still see the beauty of this rural location and enjoy the peace and quiet. Hope you enjoy your stay. Lots of trees, shade and nature. It's located near New Germany State Park, 1.5 miles by car, less than a mile by foot. The state park has a lake and hiking trails. Garrett County has so much to offer, waterfalls, lakes, hiking, skiing, Amish gifts, history, fresh air, beautiful scenery. The campground was first started in 1964 by my grandparents, we are currently completing renovations in phases.
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from 
$28
 / night

Ferns in the Forest

100%
(104)
23mi from Kooser State Park · 3 sites · RVs, Lodging · Farmington, PA
Learn more about this land: This wooded area is 5 miles away from the Ohiopyle State Park whitewater launch area and GAP bike trail. We are less than 9 miles from Frank Lloyd Wright's Classic Fallingwater and about 8 miles from Kentuck Knob one of the last resident homes he designed (both are open for tours). Fort Necessity National Battlefield is 5 miles away. There are numerous native trout streams in the area. Youghiogheny Reservoir is 7 miles away for fishing, boat rentals, and water-sports. The Fern House is the primary camp cabin on the property. Although if someone would want to park a "self contained" camper or small RV on the property we would permit the unit to occupy the area in front of the driveway just pass the entrance gate. It is not within the ferns and is next to the road. There is an electrical outlet available at this small RV or van camper site. We are "nice pet" friendly. Dogs should not be left in the cabin alone. We have a mountain spring (when the spring is running) up the trail road (450 feet away). The ferns will normally be in full glory by the end of May to mid September and are amazing, covering the forest floor. Deer, bear, wild turkey, fox, chipmunks, squirrels and many woodland birds abound the property especially owls. A picnic table, fire ring and firewood is available on the property. Free WiFi on the property as long as the plant life is not too thick! There is a mile hiking loop right on the property and many challenging trails in the area, including the starting point for the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail. No smoking is permitted in the cabin. Read the entire narrative on the cabin (Tiny Fern House) before booking.
Pets
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$29
 / night

Grouseland Hospitality

98%
(316)
50mi from Kooser State Park · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Clearville, PA
Grouseland's Private Campsites are located on top of our ridge offering a unique scenic overlook and a near virgin sky perfect for stargazing. We have 4 sites ready for you here at Grouseland! Please read their descriptions and book the one best for you! We encourage guests to bring dogs, however dogs must be kept on leads when on site or on leashes when on walks. There are no exceptions to this rule to ensure the safety of all of our guests. All sites include an allotted amount of free firewood, miles of hiking trails, and use of communal facilities including a hot shower and flush toilet. Tall Oaks Campsite: A small private site and is our only rustic style site, so no water or electricity, designed maximum 6 people with parking for 3 cars on site and space for 4 average size tents. This site has a picnic table, portable toilet, scenic overlook, hammock, fireplace, a bench and charcoal grill. Twisted Oak Campsite: A medium-sized luxury private site includes potable water and electricity on site, designed for maximum 8 guests with parking for 4 cars on site and has space for several tents. This site has a picnic table, portable toilet, scenic overlook, hammock, fireplace, benches, charcoal grill, and on-site string lights. Red Maple Campsite: A large luxury private site that includes potable water and electricity on site, designed for a maximum 10 guests with on-site parking space that is 90ft long and 20ft wide, for an RV or 6-8 cars and overflow parking for several more cars. It is designed to be backed into with an RV and then pulled out of. This site can handle several tents and has two picnic tables, two portable toilets, a scenic overlook, hammock, fireplace, benches, a charcoal grill, and on-site string lights. Aspen RV Campsite: A medium private luxury drive through site great for RVs, rooftop tents, pop ups or camper vans. This site includes potable water and electricity on site, designed with water and electric hookups for a single camping vehicle, maximum 6 people. This site is a drive through site, so guests don’t have to back in or out. This site also has a picnic table, portable toilet, scenic overlook, hammock, fireplace, charcoal grill, and a bench.
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$44
 / night

WonderWoods at Rocky Gap

99%
(80)
40mi from Kooser State Park · 3 sites · Tents, Lodging · Flintstone, MD
Surrounded by the 3000 acres of Rocky Gap State Park, you have the best of all worlds -- camping with creature comforts on a 4-acre private homestead with woodlands, meadows and an orchard, with walkable access to over 20 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails and swimming, kayak/canoe/paddleboard rental on Lake Habeeb and great nature programs by park staff, plus golf course and casino at the Rocky Gap Resort. Historic downtown Cumberland, MD is just a 12-min drive away, with supermarkets, shops, restaurants, train rides and beautiful mountain views. Check out the C&O Canal Towpath and Great Allegheny Passage for hiking and biking. Please note, this is family homestead, and there are two houses on the property. FYI: - Hot-water showers, flush toilets and an equipped kitchenette with small fridge, coffeemaker and microware are available for your use. - Two campsites are available. Each includes a picnic table, fire pit, and two Adirondack chairs for your use. - A treehouse-like tiny house in the woods is available. Fully equipped with heat/AC and tiny kitchen, it is steep 1/4 mile hike perfect for those who like a little adventure. (I will bring up your luggage and supplies in the 4-wheeler). - Wifi available at all sites. - Plentiful firewood, available on a pay-what-you-will basis. Please note: From December to March, the access road to get to our property occasionally gets icy (we plow it but do not salt). 4WD/AWD and/or snow tires is recommended during those months. Enjoy your stay!
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$34
 / night

Sycamore Island

100%
(14)
44mi from Kooser State Park · 1 site · Tent · Blawnox, PA
Camp on an island only accessible by boat/kayak/canoe or however you want to get across the river! Please read the full description. The island is open to visitors from dawn to dusk to enjoy the trails and wild scenery. Camp reservations secure your overnight visit to stay at the designated campsite area, which has a fire ring for cooking, a picnic table, and room for a tent or hammock. Sycamore Island can only be reached by your own canoe, kayak, or rowboat; watercraft is not provided. You are required to have a permit for an overnight stay: Please sign this form before submitting your stay request. https://alleghenylandtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Camping-at-Sycamore-Island-Rules-and-Regulations-4.5.16-Fillable.pdf Please plan your visit in advance- requests to camp the same day or day before may not receive a timely approval. Sycamore Island and its campsite are managed by Allegheny Land Trust, a 501c3 land conservation nonprofit helping local people save local land in the Pittsburgh region. We are able to review and respond to camping requests Monday - Friday between 9 am - 5 pm. Acquired and protected by Allegheny Land Trust in 2008, Sycamore Island is a floodplain forest with a ranking of “high significance” within the Allegheny River Biological Diversity Area (BDA) Natural Heritage Area. Before the island was protected by ALT, the island had periodic interludes of recognition and appreciation by humans as a natural refuge. In 1936, both Sycamore Island and Nine Mile Island were leased from the Pennsylvania Railroad by the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania, making these islands the first bird sanctuaries in the Pittsburgh region. The Harbor Isle Boat Club was in existence on the island during the late 1960s but was later abandoned leaving behind several significant features; including a barge that remains embedded in the sand at the island’s southern tip, a partially installed swimming pool, docking platform, and a series of offshore pilings in the back channel.
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$10
 / night

Slice of Solitude

100%
(37)
25mi from Kooser State Park · 1 site · Tent, RV · Windber, PA
Our property was once an overgrown field that in the past was strip mined for coal. This area was purchased by a local church congregation and has been transformed into a fun, peaceful picnic/recreation area. We enjoy using this area for picnics, birthday/graduation parties, family reunions and other fun, meaningful events. We have even had a few weddings here. Recently we decided that we want to give more people the opportunity to enjoy this beautiful, serene area. We hope you choose to come and relax and enjoy a "Slice of Solitude" Learn more about this land: Rustic camping area not far from town. We have a sand volleyball court, horseshoes, children's playground, tether ball, corn hole. A walking trail, running water, electricity (we do now have two 30 amp outlets), a fire pit, and a few other options. A nice quiet area. In 2024 we add a very nice shower house/restroom.
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$36
 / night

Other options near Kooser State Park

The best camping in Kooser State Park, PA guide

Overview

About

This little gem of a park is nestled in the Laurel Highlands. It’s an intimate space, with 205 acres of beautiful woodlands, a serene lake, and a babbling trout stream. At 2,600 feet above sea level, visitors will embrace the cool summer nights under the blanket of a starry sky. Nine rustic cabins are available for getaways, and a small, but charming campground will have you relaxing in no time. Short nature trails foray into the dark and mossy woods and the stream is classified as “high quality” for trout fishing. There’s nothing missing at Kooser State Park, except for maybe you and your adventurous family.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Kooser State Park is during the warm summer months, from June to August, when the park is in full bloom and the weather is perfect for camping and hiking. Winters can be harsh, with heavy snowfall often limiting access to certain areas of the park.

Know before you go

  • Check the weather forecast before your visit to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
  • Be aware of park hours, typically from 8:30am to 5pm, and plan your activities accordingly.
  • Remember to pack essentials like water, snacks, and a first-aid kit for your outdoor adventures.
  • Stay informed about any trail closures or area restrictions due to conservation efforts or weather conditions.
  • Utilize the park's facilities responsibly, and help maintain the natural beauty by following Leave No Trace principles.
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