Top 5 Amusement Parks in Virginia

By Chelsea Gonzales
Amusement Parks

Virginia is a fantastic place to visit, especially if you happen to be visiting in an RV. There are opportunities for hiking, chances to hang out at the beach, plenty of historic sites, and of course, the many Virginia amusement parks. 

That’s right, we think it’s worth taking the time to check out the awesome amusement parks in Virginia. There are several great parks to choose from, and each and every one has something special to offer. 

They include:

  1. Kings Dominion & Soak City
  2. Massanutten WaterPark
  3. Busch Gardens Williamsburg
  4. Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg 
  5. Water Country USA

Virginia Amusement Parks at a Glance

ParkKings Dominion & Soak CityMassanutten WaterParkBusch Gardens WilliamsburgGreat Wolf Lodge WilliamsburgWater Country USA
LocationDoswell, VAMassanutten, VAWilliamsburg, VAWilliamsburg, VAWilliamsburg, VA
Ticket CostApproximately $45–$85+ depending on date and ticket typeApproximately $35–$60 for waterpark admissionApproximately $55–$120 depending on date and ticket typeDay passes vary; typically $50–$150+ per guestApproximately $45–$85 depending on date
AttractionsRoller coasters, thrill rides, Soak City water park, family rides, live entertainmentIndoor/outdoor waterpark, wave pool, slides, lazy river, kids’ splash areasWorld-class roller coasters, themed lands, animal exhibits, showsIndoor water park resort, slides, lazy river, kids’ play structuresLarge outdoor water park, wave pools, lazy river, water slides, kids’ areas
Onsite RV Parking?NoNoNoNoNo

Why RV to a Virginia Amusement Park?

Not sure RVing to Virginia’s amusement parks is the way to go? Here are the reasons we think it is.

  • An RV gives you a private, comfortable place to rest between long park days. In some cases, you can even park your RV in the amusement park lot for the day, meaning you can take mid-day breaks. 
  • Hotels are expensive, especially for larger families and groups. By camping and eating in your RV, you can save a good amount of money. 
  • RVs make it easy to bring things like coolers, strollers, rain gear, extra clothes, and food without trying to cram it all into a car trunk. 
  • Many of the RV parks around Virginia amusement destinations allow pets. This means you can leave your furry friend in the rig while you enjoy the park. 

Kings Dominion & Soak City

We’ll start with an awesome amusement park and waterpark combination: Kings Dominion and Soak City. Located just north of the city of Richmond, this is the only place in Virginia where you can experience two parks in one place, and it is absolutely fantastic!

Stand-Out Features

  • Rollercoasters
  • Classic rides
  • 4-D Ride
  • Kiddie ares
  • Water slides
  • Wave pool
  • Lazy river
  • Water playground

RV Camping Near Kings Dominion & Soak City

Camping is always the way to go when it comes to going on a family vacation, and a Virginia theme park getaway is no exception. For this reason, we definitely recommend packing up an RV before you hit the road. 

We recommend this campground:

Massanutten WaterPark

Next up, Massanutten WaterPark in Massanutten, VA. This is an indoor and outdoor waterpark located inside the Massanutten Resort. The indoor section of this water play space is open all year long. Meanwhile, the outdoor area opens only for the summer months. Both sections are well worth visiting, so we recommend planning your trip for the summertime if at all possible. 

Stand-Out Features

  • Water playground
  • Inflatable water toys
  • Water slides
  • Surf simulator
  • Zero-depth entry pool

RV Camping Near Massanutten WaterPark

You could stay at Massanutten Resort itself, but then you’d miss out on the extra fun that RV camping with the family provides. For this reason, we think it’s a much better idea to grab an RV and use that for lodging during your Virginia adventure. 

We recommend this campground:

Busch Gardens Williamsburg

Busch Gardens has a couple of locations, and both are worth checking out. The one in Williamsburg often gets overlooked thanks to the many great historic attractions in the area. While we totally recommend seeing those historic attractions, we also recommend making time for Busch Gardens, as it is a fantastic amusement park. Some might even say it’s the best in the state!

Stand-Out Features

  • Rollercoasters
  • Scenic train ride
  • Skyride
  • Kiddie area
  • Classic rides
  • Animal exhibits
  • Live entertainment

RV Camping Near Busch Gardens Williamsburg

Obviously, you will need a place to stay while you explore all that Williamsburg has to offer. An RV is a great solution, as it ensures you can be comfortable no matter where you end up parking. 

We recommend this campground:

Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg 

Yet another amazing Williamsburg attraction, Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg should also go on your list of places to check out while in the area. This is an indoor water park that offers all the fun of its outdoor counterparts, no matter what the weather is like outside. Not only that, we think it’s the very best indoor water park in the state!

Stand-Out Features

  • Water playground
  • Wave pool
  • Lazy river
  • Water slides
  • Kid-sized water slides
  • Hot tubs

RV Camping Near Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg 

Staying at Great Wolf Lodge is fun, but we still think RV camping is more fun! For this reason, we recommend skipping the hotel stay and loading up the RV instead. This will allow you to enjoy the indoor water park while also enjoying camping experiences. 

We recommend this campground:

Water Country USA

Owned by the same company that owns and runs the aforementioned Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Water Country USA in Williamsburg is an excellent place to play. It is Virginia’s largest family water park and is a great addition to a vacation to see Busch Gardens and the nearby historic attractions. 

Stand-Out Features

  • Waterslides
  • Multi-person slides
  • Raft rides
  • Special effects slide
  • Themed water playground
  • Splash pad
  • Lazy river

RV Camping Near Water Country USA

Looking for lodging? Why not take an RV? This will give you your own space to cook, shower, and sleep in complete privacy. Not only that, but hopping from one part of the state to the next will be a cinch. 

We recommend this campground:

Tips for an Amazing Virginia Amusement Park Trip

  • Virginia is hot and sunny during the summer. Make sure to book a campsite with electric hookups, so you can run your AC and pack swimsuits and sunscreen. 
  • Book your campsite early. Certain parts of Virginia get very busy during tourist season.
  • Plan to enjoy some of Virginia’s awesome historic attractions as well. Colonial Williamsburg is fantastic. 

Virginia Amusement Parks: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best amusement parks in Virginia for families?

We love Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Not only does it play host to a variety of rides, it also has animal exhibits and live entertainment. There is truly something for everyone at this park. 

When is the best time to visit Virginia amusement parks?

All major rides and water attractions are fully operational during the summer months, making it an ideal time to visit if you want to do it all. Weekdays in May, early June, or September tend to have shorter lines and more comfortable weather.

Do Virginia amusement parks offer discounts or passes?

Both Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Kings Dominion offer season passes, which often include unlimited visits, parking perks, and discounts on food and merchandise. You might also find discounted tickets online or through military programs or AAA memberships.

While in Virginia, be sure to check out these awesome spots: