If you’re traveling with kids—or you’re a kid at heart—camping close to an amusement park makes for the ultimate weekend vacation. Campgrounds near amusement parks are often convenient, less expensive than nearby hotels, and have fun extra perks. Here are 12 campgrounds located at or near some of the best amusement parks in the U.S.
Lake Compounce Campground, Bristol, Connecticut
WHY IT’S GREAT FOR AMUSEMENT PARK VISITORS:
Located less than 1 mile away from Lake Compounce Family Theme & Water Park, the Lake Compounce Campground offers campers discounted admission tickets in the summer as well as a tram service to and from the amusement park. A full schedule of themed weekends keeps the fun going after you leave the park.
CAMPGROUND AMENITIES:
- Partial hookups
- Cable
- Can accommodate any size RV
- Pet friendly
- Onsite dump station (free of charge for campers)
- General store
- Play area, including a basketball court, volleyball court, gaga pit, and horseshoes
- Bathhouse with showers
PRICES:
Nightly rates range from $47 to $62 (depending on the day of the week) during peak season (Memorial Day to Labor Day); and $32 to $42 per night (depending on the day of the week) for September and October.
DATES:
Open from May through October.
Anaheim Harbor RV Park, Anaheim, California
WHY IT’S GREAT FOR AMUSEMENT PARK VISITORS:
Anaheim Harbor RV Park is the closest RV park to Disneyland, located within walking distance (less than 1 mile) of both the park and other area attractions like Angel Stadium and the Honda Center. It’s so close that you can see the park’s fireworks show without leaving your campsite. The campground is also a stop on the city’s shuttle service to Disneyland.
CAMPGROUND AMENITIES:
- Full hookups
- Can accommodate rigs up to 40 feet
- Pet friendly
- Heated swimming pool
- Newly remodeled shower facilities
- Free WiFi
- Common areas with clubhouse, gazebo, fire pits, and grills
PRICES:
Nightly rates range from $55 to $71 depending on site and group size.
DATES:
Open year-round.
Lighthouse Point, Sandusky, Ohio
WHY IT’S GREAT FOR AMUSEMENT PARK VISITORS:
This waterside campground, located on Lake Erie, has access to Cedar Point amusement park and the Cedar Point Shores waterpark. Lighthouse Point campers receive perks like early entry to the park, exclusive deals on ticket packages, shuttle service throughout the peninsula, unlimited beach access, and complimentary parking.
CAMPGROUND AMENITIES:
- Full hookups
- Can accommodate larger rigs
- Concrete pads
- Pet friendly
- Pull-through sites available
- Four bathhouses
- Parasail and jet ski rentals
- Free WiFi
- Beach access to Cedar Point
- Outdoor pool, hot tub, and water play area
PRICES:
Nightly rates can range from $99 to $149, depending on the time of season. Visit the booking website for pricing and availability.
DATES:
Open from May to October.
Carowinds’ Camp Wilderness Resort, Charlotte, North Carolina
WHY IT’S GREAT FOR AMUSEMENT PARK VISITORS:
Carowinds straddles the North and South Carolina state border and is a popular amusement and water park in the Southeast. Carowinds’ Camp Wilderness Resort guests receive discounted tickets and guaranteed entry to both Carowinds and the Carolina Harbor Waterpark.
CAMPGROUND AMENITIES:
- Full hookups
- Can accommodate rigs up to 45 feet
- Pet friendly
- Swimming pool (open seasonally)
- General store
- Bathhouse
- Fire pit rentals
- Picnic tables and charcoal grills at each site
- Trading Post with a pool table, shuffleboard, and cornhole
- Free WiFi
PRICES:
Nightly rates for campsites range from $30 to $80. Visit the website for pricing and availability.
DATES:
Open year-round.
Hersheypark Camping Resort, Hummelstown, Pennsylvania
WHY IT’S GREAT FOR AMUSEMENT PARK VISITORS:
Hersheypark Camping Resort guests qualify for Hersheypark VIP benefits, including early access to select rides, extra evening and morning hours, access to the Outdoor Pool Complex, front gate shuttle service, exclusive admission ticket pricing, and more. During the summer and fall, the campground hosts activities like Hershey’s character visits and animal encounters.
CAMPGROUND AMENITIES:
- Partial and full hookup sites available
- Can accommodate larger rigs
- Pull-through sites available
- Water hookups (seasonal)
- Country store
- Restroom and shower facilities
- Fire rings and picnic tables
- Free WiFi
- Ice, wood, and LP gas available
- Dump station
- Pet friendly
- Basketball, volleyball courts, shuffleboard courts, horseshoe pits
- Playgrounds
- Indoor game room
- Two swimming pools and a kiddie pool
- Movie nights and live entertainment
PRICES:
Expect to pay between $35 and $149 per night for campsites depending on your dates. Visit the website for pricing and availability.
DATES:
Open year-round.
Pigeon Forge Jellystone Park, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
WHY IT’S GREAT FOR AMUSEMENT PARK VISITORS:
For those looking to visit Dollywood, Pigeon Forge Jellystone Park is the closest campground, located only 1 mile away. With a full roster of campground activities, this is the ideal place to camp with kids. Expect typical Jellystone franchise programming like movie showings, kid-friendly activities, and themed days.
CAMPGROUND AMENITIES:
- Full hookups
- Free WiFi and cable
- Bathhouses
- Can accommodate rigs up to 40 feet
- Concrete pads
- Two swimming pools
- Cookies and milk delivery from Yogi Bear
- Two playgrounds and jump pad
- Stocked fishing pond
- Fenced-in dog walk
PRICES:
Nightly rates range from $39 to $59.
DATES:
Open year-round.
Bonanza Camping Resort, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
WHY IT’S GREAT FOR AMUSEMENT PARK VISITORS:
Known as the “Waterpark Capital of the World,” the Wisconsin Dells area has the highest number of water parks per capita and the Bonanza Camping Resort is located less than 1 mile from many of the area’s popular attractions. Campground guests can book discounted ticket packages to 15 area attractions, including Noah’s Ark Waterpark, Tom Foolerys Adventure Park, and Bigfoot Zipline.
CAMPGROUND AMENITIES:
- Partial and full hookups available
- Can accommodate larger rigs
- Pull-through sites available
- Fire rings and picnic tables
- Dump station
- Gaga pit, mini golf, playground, and jumping pillow
- Laundry facilities
- Heated swimming pool (seasonal)
- Country store with snack bar
- Bathhouses
PRICES:
Nightly rates range from $68 to $75.
DATES:
Open from mid-April to mid-October.
Beech Bend Campground, Bowling Green, Kentucky
WHY IT’S GREAT FOR AMUSEMENT PARK VISITORS:
The Beech Bend Campground is located right next to both Beech Bend Park & Splash Lagoon and the Beech Bend Raceway. Campers can walk to both attractions or use a golf cart or bike to get around more easily. The campground offers ample shade during the summer months and is an ideal place to hang out after a day at the park.
CAMPGROUND AMENITIES:
- Partial and full hookups
- Can accommodate larger rigs
- 24-hour gated security
- Some pull-through sites
- Bathhouses
- Pet friendly
PRICES:
Nightly rates range from $45 to $55. Sites are first come, first served.
DATES:
Open year-round.
Silverwood RV Park, Athol, Idaho
WHY IT’S GREAT FOR AMUSEMENT PARK VISITORS:
You can’t stay any closer to Silverwood Theme Park and Boulder Beach Water Park than at Silverwood RV Park, which is connected to both attractions via an underground tunnel. Campground guests also receive discounted admission tickets.
CAMPGROUND AMENITIES:
- Full hookups
- Can accommodate larger rigs
- Free WiFi
- Pet friendly
- Picnic table and fire ring at each site
- Laundry facilities
- Play structure
- Volleyball court
PRICES:
Nightly rates range from $54 to $69.
DATES:
Open from May through October.
Worlds of Fun Village, Kansas City, Missouri
WHY IT’S GREAT FOR AMUSEMENT PARK VISITORS:
Worlds of Fun Village guests receive free parking at the Worlds of Fun amusement park and Oceans of Fun water park, but the campground is also within walking distance of both parks. When booking your campsite, purchase a ticket package that includes park admission for all guests in your party.
CAMPGROUND AMENITIES:
- Full hookups
- General store
- Can accommodate rigs of almost any size
- Outdoor patio with a charcoal grill and picnic table at all sites
- Concrete pads
- Pet friendly
- Pull-through sites available
- Free satellite TV and WiFi
- Pool and hot tub (open seasonally)
PRICES:
Visit the website for pricing and availability.
DATES:
Open from March through November.
Knoebels Campground, Elysburg, Pennsylvania
WHY IT’S GREAT FOR AMUSEMENT PARK VISITORS:
After a full day at Knoebels—which includes the theme park, water attractions, museums, laser tag, mini golf, an arcade, and more—walk a short distance to your campsite at Knoebels Campground for even more kid-friendly fun. Instead of charging admission to the park, which is free, guests can pay-per-ride with individual ride tickets, or purchase ride passes on select days. Check the campground calendar for pricing specials throughout the year.
CAMPGROUND AMENITIES:
- Electric hookups (50 amp)
- Water filling stations
- Dump station
- Trading post
- Play area
- Bathhouse
- Pet friendly
PRICES:
Nightly rates range from $59 to $62.
DATES:
Open from mid-April until November 1.
The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Florida
WHY IT’S GREAT FOR AMUSEMENT PARK VISITORS:
Guests of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort have access to complimentary bus transportation throughout the Walt Disney World resort area, as well as a water taxi to and from Magic Kingdom. If you’d like to take your tow vehicle around, campers receive free standard self-parking at the theme parks.
Have your heart set on a stay at these coveted campsites? You can book sites at Fort Wilderness 499 days in advance by calling Disney Resort Hotel Reservations (407-939-5277).
CAMPGROUND AMENITIES:
- Partial and full hookups
- Can accommodate larger rigs
- Picnic tables and charcoal grills
- Pool with waterslide
- Onsite dining options
- Pet friendly
- Free WiFi
- Evening campfire activities
- Golf cart, canoe, boat, kayak, and bike rentals
- Some sites are pet friendly
- Nature trails
- Playgrounds and arcades
- Activities include archery, horseback riding, fishing, canoeing, wagon rides, and more
PRICES:
Rates start around $104 per night for full-hookup campsites.
DATES:
Open year-round.