Knoebels Amusement Resort
Want to camp in an amusement park? Located in Elysburg, PA, Knoebels Amusement Park is the largest free amusement park in the world. With 63 rides including six coasters and two water rides, guests love staying overnight at this park.
Event information
Knoebels Amusement Resort offers America's largest free-admission amusement park with over 650 RV campsites across two campgrounds, featuring 60+ rides, including world-class wooden coasters, award-winning food, and direct campground access to the park. The Knoebels Park Campground and Lake Glory Campground provide full hookups for RVs up to 65 feet, making this Elysburg, Pennsylvania, destination perfect for families seeking affordable entertainment combined with convenient RV camping in the scenic Susquehanna River Valley.
What Makes Knoebels the Ultimate RV Destination?
Nestled in the rolling hills of central Pennsylvania, Knoebels Amusement Resort stands apart as America's largest free-admission amusement park. Since opening in 1926, this family-owned gem has welcomed generations of visitors with its unique blend of old-fashioned charm and modern thrills. What makes Knoebels perfect for RV travel? You can literally park your rig steps from the rides and wake up to the sound of roller coasters.
The park features over 60 rides, including the Phoenix wooden roller coaster that's been named the world's #1 wooden coaster since 2018. Beyond the thrills, you'll find the 900,000-gallon Crystal Pool fed by refreshing mountain stream water, complete with waterslides and diving boards. The park's pay-per-ride system means you never overspend—grab a book of ride tickets and share them with your family, or opt for unlimited Ride All Day passes on select weekdays.
Food is another highlight. Knoebels has earned "Best Park Food" honors from Amusement Today nearly every year since 2000, with over 30 food locations serving everything from classic carnival fare to hearty meals. The Alamo Restaurant, Phoenix Junction, and Oasis are local favorites where you can refuel between rides.
What sets Knoebels apart for RVers is the seamless camping experience. Both campgrounds offer complimentary shuttle service to the park entrance, meaning you can leave your vehicle parked and enjoy the day without worrying about parking or long walks. After a full day of rides, games, and swimming, you're just a short stroll back to your campfire and pillow.
The park operates seasonally from late April through October, with special events throughout the season, including Hallo-Fun weekends in October and Joy Through the Grove holiday light show from late November through December. Summer weekends can draw significant crowds, but visiting on weekdays or during shoulder seasons offers a more relaxed experience with shorter lines and cooler temperatures.
Tickets
Admission and Parking
The best part about Knoebels? Admission is completely free. There are no gate fees, and parking is free for all guests. You only pay for the rides and attractions you choose to enjoy.
Ride Options and Pricing
Ride Ticket Books:
- $5, $20, and $50 books are available
- Tickets never expire and can be shared with family and friends
- Available online, at ticket booths, Guest Services, and the Ride Pass Building
- Pay only for the rides you want
Ride All Day Passes:
- Available on weekdays and select weekends (check calendar)
- Unlimited rides for one low price (pricing varies by date)
- All major coasters included
- Best value for families planning a full day of riding
Sundown Plan:
- Unlimited rides 4 PM to close, Monday-Friday
- Coasters included
- Great for evening visitors
Game Tickets: Available separately for midway games. Buy a Game Ticket Sheet and receive one free play.
Additional Activities:
- Mini Golf: Opens one hour before the park (separate fee)
- Lazer Command: Indoor laser tag arena (separate fee)
- Crystal Pool: Included with park access during operating season
- Three Ponds Golf Course: 18-hole course adjacent to the park (separate greens fees)
Explore Knoebels Amusement Resort RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
Knoebels Amusement Resort is located at 391 Knoebels Boulevard (Route 487) in Elysburg, Pennsylvania. The park sits in a scenic wooded valley that's easily accessible from major highways, making it an ideal RV destination.
From Interstate 80: Take Exit 232 (Buckhorn/Lightstreet) and follow Route 487 North for approximately 8 miles directly to the park. This is the most common route for travelers coming from the east or west.
From Interstate 81: Take Exit 112B for Route 61 North, then continue to Route 54 East. Follow signs to Route 487 South into Elysburg. This route works well for those traveling from the south.
The roads leading to Knoebels are RV-friendly, though Route 487 does wind through the valley with some curves. Large RVs up to 65 feet navigate these roads regularly without issue. The park entrance and campground access points are well-marked and designed to accommodate big rigs.
Where Are the Best Gateway Cities for RV Rentals?
Central Pennsylvania Access: Bloomsburg RV rentals position you just 10 miles from Knoebels, offering the closest base for exploring this family-friendly destination. Bloomsburg provides convenient access to the park while serving as a gateway to numerous central Pennsylvania state parks and attractions.
Capital Region Gateway: Harrisburg RV rentals offer excellent access approximately 50 miles south of Knoebels. As Pennsylvania's capital city, Harrisburg provides a full range of services and serves as an ideal starting point for multi-destination trips combining Knoebels with Hersheypark and Pennsylvania Dutch Country attractions.
Parking areas
One of Knoebel's best features is free parking for all guests. The main parking lot can accommodate RVs and large vehicles, though spaces fill quickly on busy summer weekends. Arriving 30-45 minutes before park opening ensures you'll find a good spot.
For RVers staying at either campground, parking is unnecessary—the complimentary shuttle buses run throughout the day between both campgrounds and the park's covered bridge entrance. This means you can set up camp once and use the shuttle service for your entire stay.
Public Transportation
While public transportation doesn't serve Knoebels directly, both the Knoebels Park Campground and Lake Glory Campground offer free shuttle service to and from the park entrance. Shuttles run continuously during park operating hours, making it easy to go back to your RV for afternoon breaks or forgotten items.
The shuttle drops off at the covered bridge entrance, putting you right at the heart of the action. For campers at Lake Glory (located 5 miles from the main park), the shuttle is especially convenient and eliminates any need to drive.
Where to stay
Onsite
The main Knoebels Park Campground is the crown jewel for RVers who want to be steps from the action. With approximately 500 sites tucked into a quiet forest setting, this campground offers both convenience and tranquility. You'll hear the distant sounds of the amusement park during the day, but the wooded buffer zone ensures peaceful evenings once the park closes.
Site Options and Amenities:
- Pull-through and back-in sites accommodating RVs up to 65 feet
- 30-amp and 50-amp electrical hookups at all sites
- Water hookups available (no full sewer hookups; dump station available)
- Picnic tables and fire rings at each site
- Modern bathhouses with flush toilets, hot showers, and outside sinks
- Laundry facilities
- Trading Post camp store for essentials, snacks, and firewood
- Propane is available for purchase
- Free WiFi throughout the campground
Camping Rates:
- Standard sites: $69-$74 per night ($455-$485 per week)
- 30-amp service: $69/night
- 50-amp service: $74/night
Sites are organized by state and province names (Kentucky, Virginia, etc.), which makes it easy to find your spot. The campground maintains a Pennsylvania state park feel with gravel pads and natural surroundings. Generator use is permitted during daylight hours.
What Makes It Special: The proximity to the park is unbeatable. You can walk to the covered bridge entrance in minutes, or take the complimentary shuttle that runs through the campground. Many campers love the tradition of returning to the same numbered site year after year—seasonal permit holders can reserve their favorite spot for the same time annually.
The campground is open from late April through October, matching the park's operating season. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for summer weekends and special event dates like Hallo-Fun weekends.
Nearby
Lake Glory Campground
Located approximately 5 miles from the main park in Catawissa, Lake Glory Campground offers a more secluded, lakeside camping experience. This second Knoebels campground was restored after the 1996 flood and now features over 150 sites surrounding a beautiful lake.
Site Options and Amenities:
- Sites for tents, campers, and RVs with 30/50-amp electrical hookups
- Pull-through and back-in options available
- Picnic tables and fire rings at all sites
- Modern bathhouses with showers
- Free shuttle service to and from Knoebels Amusement Park
- Two pavilions available for group gatherings (free for Lake Glory campers)
- Air-conditioned arcade
- Basketball and volleyball courts (bring your own ball)
- Playground near the bus stop
- Swimming and fishing in the campground pond
- WiFi access
Camping Rates (2025):
- Sites: $69-$74 per night ($455-$485 per week)
- 30-amp service: $69/night
- 50-amp service: $74/night
Exclusive Perk: On-property guests at Lake Glory receive a 10% discount on Ride Ticket Books Monday through Friday, adding extra value to your stay.
What Makes It Special: The lakeside setting offers a more natural, tranquil experience compared to the main campground. The free shuttle service means you're never far from the action, but you return to a peaceful retreat by the water. The campground pond is perfect for fishing, and the open spaces make it ideal for families who want room to spread out.
Lake Glory appeals to RVers who prefer a quieter base camp while still having full access to the amusement park. The shuttle runs on a regular schedule during park hours, typically every 20-30 minutes.
Getting around
No matter where in the parking lot visitors park, they usually get free shuttle service to the front entrance. In addition, those with mobility issues get a closer parking space and can rent a wheelchair from the Rent-All-Center just off the main park boulevard. The park also rents strollers, double strollers, and wagons. Of course, visitors can also bring their own wheelchair or stroller from home.
What to pack
Clothing
Visitors are asked not to wear anything bulky or thick on the rides that can get in the way of the seatbelt or harness. That should not be a problem during the summer because it is typically hot during the day and mild at night. During the spring or fall, pack a sweater or jacket that is not too bulky. Comfortable shoes are also important since there is a lot of walking involved.
Gear
Although backpacks, bags, and purses are allowed at the park, they will have to be stored in a locker or left with someone on some of the rides. Knoebels Amusement Park does have lockers for rent for a small fee, but they are on a first-come, first-served basis. It is best to just bring what is needed like a wallet, phone, and keys. For those camping on-site, leave the bulky items in the rig. The park provides free shuttle service back and forth so that should not be a problem.
Health & Safety
No matter what time of year it is, visitors to the park should always bring along sunscreen to be reapplied during the day as needed. Grab a travel-sized bottle at the store that fits in a pocket or fanny pack. Sunglasses and a hat are also good for blocking the sun’s rays. Just be aware that they will have to be removed for many of the rides.
Where to eat
Cooking
One of the great things about camping in an RV is that you can choose to cook inside or out at will. Many experienced RVers have found shortcuts to make cooking easier when on vacation because who likes to cook on vacation? Cook meals ahead of time and freeze them. That way, they can just be reheated quickly when it is time to eat. Make sure to stock up on foil, trash bags, and other important items before heading out on the road.
Restaurants
Even though the park has a ton of good food, sometimes visitors might want to have a nice sit-down meal away from the crowds. About three miles down PA-487, there are several places to eat including a pizzeria, sub sandwich shop, and several fast food joints as well. A few miles further down that same road, RVers can find a Chinese restaurant, another pizzeria, and two family restaurants. Head in the other direction for an Italian eatery, another pizzeria, and a fancy steak and seafood restaurant.
Vendors
Knoebels Amusement Park may be known for its amazing rides and free entrance, but they are also very well-known for its food. In fact, they have been chosen more than a dozen times as champion in the Best Park Food category by Epicurious, Theme Park Review, and Coaster Buzz.
For sit-down service, choose one of the full-service dining rooms. The Alamo has been operating in the park since 1926 and is one of the reasons for the excellent reviews. Nickle Plate Bar & Grill is a bit like a diner but still has full service and also offers happy hour, live music, and trivia night.
For a grab and go meal on the run, the park has over a dozen counter service places. For a snack or some sweets, choose one of the 18 kiosks throughout the park where they have funnel cake, ice cream, fudge, and so much more. Don’t forget to stop at one of the two dozen shops and kiosks in the park for souvenirs and other unique gifts.
Safety
Security
Security cameras are located around the park and areas are monitored at all times. Bags and backpacks are searched upon entry and may be searched at any time if the park staff deems it necessary. Both uniformed and plain-clothed security staff are located around the park as well. For those who need help from security, go to the visitor services building in the middle of the park, or any of the game or food attendants can contact them for you.
Weather
The weather in this section of Pennsylvania can vary depending on the season, but summer is typically in the upper 80s for highs and lower 70s for lows. Rain is common during the spring and summer, so be sure to bring some rain gear. Downloading a weather app is also a good idea.
Medical
For anyone who is injured or feeling ill while at Knoebels Amusement Park, the first-aid station can be found at the park’s main office across from the Flyer ride. From mid-morning until an hour after closing, the first-aid office is staffed by a nurse, paramedic, or emergency medical technician (EMT).
