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

In Elysburg, Pennsylvania Knoebels Amusement Park is the largest free-admission theme park in the world. Folks do not pay to enter, and visitors only pay for what they want to do. Those who want to come in and walk around can do so for free. No parking fees either. The park has won several awards including being named one of the top 10 parks from Amusement Today, the Travel Channel, and the International Amusement Parks and Attractions organization.

Besides being free, the other thing that makes the park so popular is that they have over 60 rides including six roller coasters, two water rides, and 23 rides just for the little thrill-seekers. Also, Knoebels has over two dozen games to play where kids can win toys, stuffed animals, and more. But, that’s not all. They also have three museums to explore, two theaters, a pool, golf, and even a bald eagle habitat.

And if that isn’t enough, the park has two arcades, a playground, water slides, and two campgrounds with a total of more than 700 campsites. Yes, visitors can spend the night at the amusement park! RVs and trailers up to 65 feet long can be accommodated and many have utilities.

But that is not all. Your furbabies can even join you at the park as long as they are leashed and can handle the noise and crowds. After working up an appetite, visitors get to pick from over 30 different eateries from kiosks to full-service restaurants. There is definitely something for everyone at Knoebels.

Tickets

Believe it or not, there is no cost to get into this family-friendly location. Knoebels Amusement Park is absolutely free to enter. In fact, parking is free, picnicking is free, and even the entertainment is usually free. The only thing visitors have to pay for are the rides, games, and food, which are all reasonably priced.

Explore Knoebels Amusement Resort RV Rentals


Transportation

Driving

It is fairly easy for RVers to get to Knoebels Amusement Park in Northeastern Pennsylvania right off of US-11 near I-80 to the north, I-81 to the east or south, and US-15 from the west. Just an hour and a half north of Harrisburg and an hour southwest of Wilkes-Barre, visitors will not be far from grocery and department stores, if needed. Located just under 20 miles to the west, Shikellamy State Park is an amazing place to visit for those who enjoy outdoorsy fun. With a marina on the Susquehanna River, miles of hiking and biking trails, and awesome picnic spots, this park is one of Pennsylvania’s hidden gems that RVers won't want to miss.

Parking areas

Parking at Knoebels is plentiful and free, but it is best to get there at least 30 to 45 minutes before the park opens to get a good spot. There are no specific RV spots to park away from everyone else, so for those not camping at the park, it is best to get there even earlier. RVers typically stay at one of the park’s campgrounds, though, which makes finding a parking spot unnecessary.

Public Transportation

Visitors who camped elsewhere or want a ride from the park to one of the nearby towns will need to hire a private transportation service or call a ride service. Transportation apps and taxis are often used by those camping nearby. Some of the campgrounds nearby may offer transportation options for campers to their facilities.

Where to stay

Onsite

Knoebels has over 650 campsites for RVs in two different campgrounds, many with full hookups. The main Knoebels Campground has about 500 sites, both pull-throughs and back-ins that can accommodate rigs up to 65 feet long. Located just to the south of the Twister and Crystal Pool, this huge wooded campground is like a park inside a park. In fact, there is a pool and playground for the kids, showers, restrooms, pavilions, and much more.

For those who want to stay a bit further away but still on the park’s property, Lake Glory is just four miles up the road and has more than 150 sites with utilities. This camp has a lake (Lake Glory), showers, restrooms, several play areas with volleyball and basketball, and a camp store. They also provide free shuttle service to and from the park.

Nearby

Not far from the park, RVers can also find over a dozen other campgrounds from small and primitive to large and posh. Right next door, Memory Lane Campground is the closest besides the on-site campground. They offer electric, potable water access, picnic tables, fire rings, and a small store. However, they only have a few sites, so they have to be reserved way in advance. If you enjoy fishing or want a larger campground nearby, J and D Campground is just a mile away and has a fishing lake, playgrounds, and over 200 campsites with full hookups. The roads are paved, and there are showers, restrooms, sports areas, a pool, and a mini-golf course.

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).