Cooper's Lake Event Venue and Campground

- 205 Currie Rd, Slippery Rock, PA 16057

For residents of Pennsylvania seeking a distinctive and immensely versatile outdoor destination, the Cooper's Lake Event Venue and Campground in Slippery Rock is an essential place to know. More than just a campground, this extensive, family-owned facility is a Western PA institution, celebrated for its ability to host major festivals and unique gatherings while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere for individual campers during scheduled periods. Operating since 1973, the Cooper family has dedicated over 40 years to developing this 450+ acre property into a dynamic space where community, events, and nature converge.

The site is renowned across the East Coast for hosting large-scale events, most famously the Pennsic War, a massive annual medieval recreation gathering, and the high-energy Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival. These events, which can attract thousands of attendees, showcase the venue's exceptional capacity and logistical expertise. However, the appeal of Cooper's Lake extends far beyond its events calendar. It offers a variety of terrains—from wooded areas and rolling hills to open, mowed fields—and a beautiful 10-acre lake, providing a diverse and picturesque backdrop for any outdoor retreat. Visitors consistently praise the dedicated staff for their continuous efforts to improve the grounds and amenities, making it a reliable and cherished ‘home away from home’ for annual visitors.

Cooper's Lake Event Venue and Campground is strategically located at 205 Currie Rd, Slippery Rock, PA 16057, USA. This position in Butler County places it near the intersection of major north-south and east-west routes in Western Pennsylvania, making it highly accessible for visitors arriving from Pittsburgh, Erie, and Ohio. The campground is situated in the scenic countryside near the town of Slippery Rock, home to Slippery Rock University, and is approximately a 90-minute drive northeast of Pittsburgh.

The campground’s proximity to key regional features, including Moraine State Park and McConnells Mill State Park, makes it a convenient hub for day trips focused on hiking, water activities, and natural exploration. It is also an easy drive from the popular Grove City Premium Outlets, offering a shopping outlet for campers. With paved roads throughout much of the main area, the grounds are generally easy for vehicles of all types to navigate. However, visitors should note that this venue primarily operates around its event schedule, and general camping may only be available during specific public weekends, so consulting the official calendar is essential before planning a trip.

Leveraging its long history of hosting large, complex events, Cooper's Lake offers a robust set of services and amenities designed to ensure comfort and convenience for all campers and event attendees.

• Extensive Campsite Hookups: The campground offers over 100 dedicated campsites. This includes approximately 50 full hookup sites (electric, water, and sewage), as well as numerous sites with electric (20A, 30A, and 50A) and water only. Water posts are accessible throughout a majority of the camping areas.
• Clean Restrooms and Showers: Modern, permanent restrooms and shower facilities are available in several key locations, including the small barn near the main store and near the lakefront camping section. Additionally, for major events, the campground utilizes a private contract to ensure a clean supply of portable restrooms (Porta Potties) across the expansive grounds.
• On-Site Dining and Catering: Wilson Culinary Services operates the on-site caterer and restaurant, which offers cafeteria-style dining with indoor and outdoor seating, providing convenience for meals during events.
• Campground Store: A well-stocked campground store sells essential supplies, including ice, firewood, propane, drinks, snacks, health and beauty items, general camping gear, and unique Cooper's Lake-branded gifts.
• Laundry and Connectivity: Coin-operated washer and dryer facilities are available in the laundromat, located below one of the restroom buildings. Wi-Fi service and an Internet Café with printing and faxing services are also provided in central locations, primarily around the main store and office area.
• Staff Support: The professional staff includes skilled carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and general labor support, ensuring the site is always well-maintained and that assistance is readily available during events.

The features of Cooper's Lake Event Venue and Campground are what truly set it apart, making it a unique outdoor experience in Pennsylvania. The property offers both natural attractions and distinctive structures.

• The Castle: A standout, unique feature is the on-site castle structure. This permanent, impressive backdrop is a staple for the venue's medieval and fantasy-themed events, creating an unforgettable setting for ceremonies, gatherings, and photography.
• Ten-Acre Fishing Lake: The clean, well-maintained pond/lake is a major highlight for fishing enthusiasts. Fishing is permitted in the private lake without a state license, allowing guests a relaxing and rewarding activity. Canoes and boats with trolling motors are permitted on the water.
• Diverse Terrain and Event Space: The 450+ acres of rolling hills, woods, and mowed fields provide unmatched versatility. This includes a designated 'battlefield' area perfect for large-scale outdoor activities, sports tournaments, and festival main stages. The diverse landscape is also a recurring destination for challenging obstacle courses like Tough Mudder.
• Recreation and Gathering Spaces: The facility includes an exhibition hall, a picnic pavilion, a small barn, and a playground located near the main office and internet cafe, offering various options for socializing and recreation for campers of all ages.
• Commitment to Sustainability: The venue has demonstrated a commitment to reducing its environmental impact by installing solar panels, generating a significant percentage of its yearly energy needs from renewable sources.
• Dedicated Group and Event Focus: With its specialized infrastructure and experienced team, Cooper’s Lake excels at accommodating large, organized groups. They can comfortably fit tens of thousands of people, making it a reliable destination for clubs, organizations, and family reunions.

For reservations, event inquiries, or to check the calendar for available public camping dates, you can reach the friendly and professional team at Cooper’s Lake.

Address: 205 Currie Rd, Slippery Rock, PA 16057, USA

Phone: (724) 368-8710

Mobile Phone: +1 724-368-8710

Cooper's Lake Event Venue and Campground is an exceptionally suitable destination for Pennsylvania residents because it offers a unique, long-established, and multi-faceted outdoor escape right in the heart of Western PA. For over 40 years, the venue has been a trusted site for some of the state’s most celebrated festivals, giving locals a reliable, tested, and high-capacity space for all their outdoor needs. The site is lauded by long-time customers for its continual improvement and well-maintained natural environment, from the fishing-rich lake to the manicured fields.

Whether you are a casual camper looking for a full hookup site near regional attractions, a participant in one of the major themed festivals, or a local club planning a large outdoor gathering, Cooper's Lake provides the infrastructure to support it. The feeling of "Home away from home," as one customer noted, speaks to the stability and familiar charm the venue provides. It offers a rare blend of rustic Pennsylvania beauty and modern convenience—including full hookups, clean bathhouses, and even an on-site restaurant—making it an unparalleled resource for enjoying the great outdoors without traveling far from home. By supporting this local, family-owned establishment, Pennsylvanians ensure the continuation of a cherished event and camping hub.

Cooper's Lake Event Venue and Campground

205 Currie Rd, Slippery Rock, PA 16057, USA