We love RVing in Pennsylvania. The rolling hills of Dutch country, the museums of the big cities, and the historic sites in the state are all just fantastic. Another thing we love? Pennsylvania amusement parks!
A lot of people are unaware of this fact, but Pennsylvania Is home to a huge collection of amazing theme parks. In fact, the sheer number of amusement parks in Pennsylvania could easily keep you busy for months on end.
In this article we are going to tell you all about Pennsylvania amusement parks so you can plan an epic theme park vacation to this incredible state.
Pennsylvania Amusement Parks
Not sure where to begin? Let’s start by narrowing down your options. Below, we have put together a list of our top 10 amusement parks in Pennsylvania. Choose which parks to visit based on what we’ve listed here, and you’re sure to have a blast!
- Hersheypark
- Knoebels Amusement Resort
- Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark
- DelGrosso’s Park and Laguna Splash
- Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom
- Dutch Wonderland
- Idlewild
- Kalahari Resort
- Kennywood
- Lakemont Park
Of course, you will need a little more than just an amusement park name (or even a list of them) to plan an epic getaway. That’s where the next part of this article can help. Read on to learn everything you need to know to plan your trip to one or more of these Pennsylvania amusement parks.
Hersheypark
First on our list is Hersheypark in—you guessed it—Hershey. This is an amazing chocolate-themed park that you will almost certainly want to add to your Pennsylvania itinerary. Not only is the park all about chocolate, but so is the town where the park is located. That’s right, there is an entire chocolate town in Pennsylvania!
Some of the best thrill rides at Hersheypark include the dangling feet coaster Great Bear, as well as the super intense Storm Runner coaster. That said, these are far from the only coasters there, so be sure to pack your courage and plan for a day full of fast-paced rides.
Have little ones with you? Don’t worry, there are things for them to do as well! A wide variety of kiddie rides are available, and family rides include such classic favorites as medium-sized coasters, a log flume, a train, and a Ferris wheel.
Kids also love the waterworks area that allows them to splash and slide in the summertime, and the character meet-and-greets and live entertainment add another level of fun to the day!
RV Camping Near Hersheypark
We highly recommend taking your RV on your Hershey adventure. You’ll likely want to visit the park for at least two days, and there are lots of other things to do in the area (for example, be sure to visit Chocolate World and the Hershey Story Museum). Therefore, you’ll want to be totally comfortable while you’re there.
Hersheypark Camping Resort — Not sure where to stay? Why not at the Hersheypark campground itself? This park is equipped with full-hookup sites and well-maintained bathhouses. It’s also right by the park, and free shuttles are available from the campground to the theme park, removing the need to drive or pay for parking!
Planning Your Trip to Hersheypark
Tickets to Hersheypark are $76.95 when bought at the gate. However, deep discounts are available for buying online. Additionally, multi-day tickets can help you save some money. Children ages 2 and under are free.
Parking is $20 when bought online and $25 if purchased at the gate. Outside food and drink are not allowed, so be sure to budget for in-park food (which is plentiful and yummy).
Knoebels Amusement Resort
Next up, Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg. This place is cool because it is America’s largest free-admission amusement park. Not only that, but the park offers free parking, free entertainment, and free picnic facilities to boot, making this a totally affordable family outing.
As far as attractions go, Knoebels has plenty. Kids love the helicopter ride as well as the Panther Cars. Meanwhile, families can enjoy the bumper cars and carousel together. Looking for thrills? Try the Twister roller coaster or the Giant Flume.
Besides rides, the park is also home to arcades, midway games, an XD theater, mini golf, several small museums, a bald eagle habitat, and more!
RV Camping Near Knoebels Amusement Resort
One of the coolest things about Knoebels is that they have their own campground. This means you can park your home-on-wheels right on Knoebels property and be close to the action from the moment you wake up. What better way is there to vacation?
Knoebels Campground — The onsite Knoebels campground is well equipped to keep you and your family comfortable. Basic sites include a 20-amp electric hookup, but 50-amp sites are also available. Potable water is available in the campground, as is a dump station. Additionally, there is a clean bathhouse and playground in the campground!
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Planning Your Trip to Knoebels Amusement Resort
As mentioned above, admission and parking are free at this park. That said, you do have to pay for rides and attractions once you get into the park. You can choose to purchase individual attractions or pay for a “ride book” that includes $5, $20, or $50 worth of tickets. There are also “ride all day” passes available.
Outside food is allowed and picnic facilities are available. Rental wheelchairs, wagons, and scooters are available, as are rental lockers.
Camelbeach Outdoor Waterpark
Looking for some waterpark fun? Look no further than Camelbeach Outdoor Waterpark. This awesome park is located in the Camelback Resort in Tannersville, which itself is located in the Pocono Mountains, making it an ideal family getaway. Just make sure you visit during the warm summer months since the park is totally outdoors!
Favorite family attractions in Camelbeach include the relaxing Blue Nile Adventure River, as well as the Dune Runner four-person tube slide. The Flowrider gives guests a chance to try their hand at surfing, and slides like Sand Storm and High Noon Typhoon are perfect for thrill seekers.
Have little swimmers in tow? Be sure to head to Mummy’s Oasis where the littlest visitors can splash in a mummy-themed water play area. Meanwhile, slightly older kids will appreciate the Pharaoh’s Phortress, a large family water play structure with 8 waterslides.
Once you’re done at this park, be sure to go check out the resort’s indoor waterpark as well!
RV Camping Near Camelbeach Outdoor Waterpark
You might think staying at Camelback Resort would be your best bet when visiting this park. We beg to differ. There is something so much more comfortable and magical about staying in an RV, and while the resort doesn’t have a campground of its own, there are plenty of camping options around.
Four Seasons Campground — Our favorite campground in the area is Four Seasons Campground. This lovely park features full-hookup sites, clean restrooms with showers, and a beautiful pool. It is conveniently located near the waterpark as well as the Delaware Water Gap, and is the perfect place to relax as a family.
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Planning Your Trip to Camelbeach Outdoor Waterpark
Admission to Camelbeach Outdoor Waterpark is $34–$44, depending on when you visit. Twilight admission is available for those who visit in the evening and costs $25–$30.
General parking is $12 per day per vehicle. Changing rooms with showers are available, as are rental lockers. Outside food and drink are not allowed, but food is available within the park, so plan accordingly.
DelGrosso’s Park and Laguna Splash
Another fantastic amusement park option is DelGrosso’s Park and Laguna Splash in Tipton. This awesome park features a dry side and a waterpark side, so you can spend all day having a good time!
On the dry side of this park, you will find kiddie rides such as ride-on firetrucks and whales, family rides like the Pharaoh’s Fury ship ride and carousel, and thrill rides like the X-Scream Tower and Crazy Mouse coaster.
Some of the best water attractions at DelGrosso’s Park and Laguna Splash include the wave pool and the lazy river. Older kids and adults will love the many slides like the Twin Twister racing slide, along with Gravity Groove, a slide that turns and dips, giving you plenty of thrills along the way.
Young children love the Laguna Waterworks kids play area where they can enjoy smaller slides like the Super Slide and Shotgun Slide, as well as a variety of fun interactive water features.
RV Camping Near DelGrosso’s Park and Laguna Splash
Of course, you will need a place to stay—and of course, we recommend taking your RV along. You’ll be able to stay in one of the nearby campgrounds and really spread out and enjoy the benefits of camping alongside the benefits of an amusement park vacation.
Wright’s Orchard Station Campground — It isn’t the absolute closest campground option, but Wright’s Orchard Station Campground is our favorite RV park in the area. This campground offers guests well-kept full-hookup sites, clean bathrooms, and a laundry room. On top of all that, the location is awesome!
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Planning Your Trip to DelGrosso’s Park and Laguna Splash
Guests of this park have the option to purchase individual ride tickets for the dry rides or an all-day ride pass for both the dry rides and the waterpark attractions. We highly recommend the latter, which is $21.95 per person in May and September, and $31.92 per person June through August. Those under 2 years of age enter for free.
Parking is free in the main parking lot, and RV parking is available at the back of the lot. Outside food and drink are allowed, but in-park food is also available for purchase.
Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom
Located in Allentown, Dorney Park & WildWater Kingdom is another excellent Pennsylvania amusement park option. These parks are run by the well-known Cedar Fair theme park company, and the quality of both places is right up there with the rest of the Cedar Fair parks.
Some of the best thrill rides at Dorney Park include the super intense swinging-and-looping Meteor ride, as well as the terrifying Talon roller coaster. For families, there is a carousel and train as well as bumper cars and a Ferris wheel. Hoping for something for the littles? Try the adorable Peanuts-themed rides such as Camp Bus, Flying Ace, or the Kite Eating Tree.
Planning a summer visit? If so, you’ll definitely want to spend some time in the WildWater Kingdom! This park features all kinds of amazing water fun. Thrill seekers will love the wide variety of slides, families will enjoy drifting down the lazy river, and kids will have a blast in Seaside Splashworks, Lollipop Lagoon, and Kids Cove.
RV Camping Near Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom
Of course, you will want to bring the RV along so you can fully enjoy your Dorney Park trip. We love that having an RV ensures you have all the comforts of home and that you can easily pack them up and take them to the next location whenever you see fit.
Allentown KOA Journey — When it comes to finding a place to park your RV near Dorney Park, we recommend Allentown KOA Journey. This awesome campground has sites with full hookups, as well as some with partial hookups. A little stream runs through the park, kids activities are often on the schedule, and all facilities are well maintained.
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Planning Your Trip to Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom
Daily tickets to Dorney Park start at $34.99, but prices fluctuate based on time of year and where the tickets are bought. All Dorney Park tickets include admission to Wildwater Kingdom when it is open. Ages 2 and younger enter for free.
Parking at this attraction costs $20. There are lockers available for rent in case you need a place to put your things. Outside food and drink are not allowed.
Dutch Wonderland
Awarded the 2019 and 2021 Golden Ticket for Best Family Park by Amusement Magazine, Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster is easily one of the best theme parks in the state. The park is absolutely adorable and little bits of fairytale magic hide around every corner of the place.
Some favorite rides in Dutch Wonderland include the Merlin’s Mayhem family coaster, Dragon’s Lair log flume, and the super silly Wonder House fun house. Little kids adore the Leapin’ Frogs as well as the tiny, kid-powered Choo Choo Charlie train.
Want even more fun during your time at Dutch Wonderland? Be sure to head down the Prehistoric Path where you can see over 20 lifelike dinosaurs, and then head to the Dino Dig where you can dig for fossils. Water fun can be found at Duke’s Lagoon, and live entertainment happens throughout the day.
RV Camping Near Dutch Wonderland
Something we really love about Dutch Wonderland is that we have the option to camp in the park campground. This makes the whole trip easier and more fun as well, since all we have to do is take a short walk and we’re right in the middle of the fun.
Old Mill Stream Campground — The name of the Dutch Wonderland campground is Old Mill Stream Campground. It offers full-hookup and partial-hookup sites, and offers guests discounted tickets to the amusement park. There is a playground onsite, and the bathhouses, laundry room, and other facilities are all well kept.
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Planning Your Trip to Dutch Wonderland
Tickets to Dutch Wonderland start at just $39.99 when bought online, and toddlers enter for free. There is a $20-per-day fee for parking for all vehicle types, so be sure to budget for that as well.
While outside food and drink are not allowed in Dutch Wonderland, they do have picnic areas available outside of the park for guests to use. Additionally, there are plenty of dining options in the park.
Idlewild Park & Soak Zone
Run by the same folks who own Dutch Wonderland, Idlewild Park & Soak Zone is Pittsburgh’s amusement park. It is chock-full of things to do for all ages, meaning everyone is sure to have a blast during their time there.
For the youngsters, you’ll find a super fun train and ride-on motorcycles. Families love the Balloon Race ride, as well as the Howler spinning ride. Hoping for something more thrilling? Be sure to head to Rollo Coaster and Wild Mouse! Additionally, you’ll want to be sure to enjoy the playground, funhouse, giant slide, and the well-themed Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood section during your time in the park.
When you’re finished exploring Idlewild Park, head over to the Soak Zone. This is an ideal place for cooling off during hot weather. The lazy river gives folks a place to float and relax, the wave pool is the perfect spot for jumping waves, the slides provide thrills galore, and the water playground is excellent for kids.
RV Camping Near Idlewild Park & Soak Zone
Obviously, you will need a place to chill after a long day at Idlewild Park. This is where an RV comes into play. By bringing an RV, you give yourself the gift of complete privacy and comfort no matter where you end up parking.
Mountain Top Campground — Wondering where you’re going to park that RV? Mountain Top Campground is located right outside of Pittsburgh and is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city while still staying close enough to take in the sights. The park offers full hookups, clean bathhouses, lovely views, and a wonderfully relaxing environment.
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Planning Your Trip to Idlewild Park & Soak Zone
Day passes to Idlewild Park start at $46.99 and those under the age of three enter for free. These tickets include admission to Soak Zone, so you will be able to see two parks for the price of one!
There is no fee to park at Idlewild Park. Additionally, picnics are allowed in the park, so you can save on dining. That said, there are dining options available in the park should you choose to buy food.
Kalahari Resort
Located in the Poconos, Pennsylvania’s Kalahari Resort is an absolutely amazing indoor water park. Because it’s indoors, it’s a great place to get in some waterpark fun even when the weather is less than ideal, and the many things to do here are sure to keep you busy all day long.
If you enjoy thrills, you’ll love the slides such as The Smoke That Thunders family raft ride, the Screaming Hyena (which starts through the roof), the Kenya Korkscrew double tube slide, the Wild Wildebeat, and the super fast Sahara Sidewinders. Younger kids love Tiko’s Watering Hole where they can splash, slide, and play, while older kids appreciate the Splashdown Safari.
Hoping to chill? Head to the Thirsty Turtle Swim-Up Bar or the Paxton Grotto Swim-Up Bar. Alternatively, you could float the lazy river or head to the indoor and outdoor spas. In any case, you’re sure to end the day feeling relaxed!
RV Camping Near Kalahari Resort
You might think that the best idea is to stay at the Kalahari Resort in order to enjoy their water park. We beg to differ. You’ll almost certainly be more comfortable in your own space, which is exactly what an RV can offer.
Mount Pocono Campground — There are several lovely campgrounds near Kalahari Resort. One of our favorites is Mount Pocono Campground. This is a well maintained campground with lots of greenery and good views, gravel full-hookup sites, and plenty of planned activities. There is also a playground, dog park, and pool, ensuring the whole family is entertained during your stay.
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Planning Your Trip to Kalahari Resort
A limited number of day passes are available at this park, and prices fluctuate based on time of year and day of the week.You will want to book your pass online in advance in order to ensure you snag one!
Restrooms, changing rooms, and showers are available at this park. Rental lockers are also an option and complimentary life vests are available for young children. No outside food is allowed in this park, but onsite dining options are available.
Kennywood
Another Pittsburgh-area amusement park, Kennywood is located in the town of West Mifflin. It is run by the same company that runs both Idlewild Park and Dutch Wonderland, and the quality of entertainment offered here is just as amazing as those other places.
From thrill rides and family classics, this park truly does have something for everyone in your group. The little kids will adore the Thomas the Tank Engine-themed rides like Harold’s Helicopter Tour and Journey with Thomas. Meanwhile, families will enjoy riding the carousel, drop tower, and Crazy Trolley.
Hoping for some coasters? You’ll love riding Pennsylvania’s tallest coaster, the Steel Curtain. Other roller coaster options include the Thunderbolt wooden coaster, Phantom’s Revenge, and Sky Rocket Rollercoaster.
RV Camping Near Kennywood
As far as lodging goes, you are definitely going to want to bring an RV along. Not only does this give you privacy and comfort, it also makes it easy to hop from one spot to another as you explore Pennsylvania. We can’t imagine how a hotel could compete with that.
Fox Den Acres — Looking for a great place to park that RV? Why not Fox Den Acres? This is a lovely and affordable RV park that has everything you need. It is close enough to the city for sightseeing, but far enough for relaxing. Full-hookup sites are available, as are clean bathhouses, a pool with a slide, a trading post, and more.
Planning Your Trip to Kennywood
A one-day ticket to Kennywood is $69.99 at the gate and $44.99 when bought online. Seniors enter for $10 less, and those aged 3 and under enter for free.
There is free parking available at this amusement park. That said, this parking is the furthest from the entrance, and many choose to pay a fee to park closer. Rental wheelchairs, strollers, and lockers are available. Outside food and drinks are not allowed in Kennywood.
Lakemont Park
Last on our list is the fantastic Lakemont Park. Located just outside of Altoona, this park first opened way back in 1894 and is still going strong. We have to imagine this is because the park offers so many amazing things to do, ensuring every family has a wonderful time during their visit.
The main attraction in Lakemont Park is the Leap-the-Dips Roller Coaster. Why? Because this is the oldest wooden roller coaster in the world! It was built in 1902 and still offers just as much fun today as it did when it was built.
There are two other coasters in the park that are perfect for thrill seekers. Other attractions include go-karts, a cute little train, kiddie Monster Trucks, paddle boats, and more.
Looking for more fun in Lakemont Park? Check out the mini golf courses, batting cages, baseball courts, sand volleyball courts, and water park! It really doesn’t get much more fun than what this park has to offer.
RV Camping Near Lakemont Park
Where will you stay during your visit to Lakemont Park? In an RV, of course! There are plenty of great places to park an RV near the amusement park, and bringing your own home-on-wheels helps ensure you have everything you need to be 100% comfortable for the duration of your stay.
Prince Gallitzin State Park — We love staying in state parks, and Prince Gallitzin State Park is no exception. This is a lovely park that is located close enough to Lakemont Park for an easy day trip. The campground features full hookups and offers an amazing escape into nature that many of us desperately need.
Rent an RV near Lakemont Park!
Planning Your Trip to Lakemont Park
Lakemont Park does not charge an admission fee. Instead, guests can pay by the attraction or buy an unlimited ride-and-play pass for the day. We appreciate this because it makes it possible to visit on a budget.
Free parking is available, and lockers and a changing area are located on the park grounds.
Clearly, you won’t have any trouble at all finding Pennsylvania amusement parks. In fact, there are more parks than we’ve listed here. Therefore, if you’re wanting even more amusement park fun, you’ll likely find it by searching for “amusement parks near me” once you’ve checked into your campground.
Prefer to add some other types of fun to your getaway? There are tons of other things to do in Pennsylvania as well. From fantastic museums to incredible historic sites, you won’t run out of things to explore while in this amazing state.
Check out the links below for some of our favorite suggestions:
