The best amusement parks for RV camping

When planning family vacations, amusement parks can be a hotspot for fun and entertainment. Rides, games, and food beckon thrill-seekers, contributing to the United States’ booming theme park industry. Many popular parks have established RV campgrounds, providing convenient space for RV travelers to stay when visiting their favorite parks. Not only do industry greats like Disney have massive RV sites, but a variety of lesser-known American amusement parks now feature expansive RV campgrounds. We’ve assembled a list of these hidden gems to help you find a lively stop on your next RV adventure.

1. Lake Compounce in Bristol, Connecticut

Widely known for its variety of rides, North America’s oldest theme park lies in Central Connecticut. Opened in 1846, Lake Compounce theme park has waterslides, traditional roller coasters, a Kiddie Land aimed specifically at younger children. The adjacent lake contributes to an idyllic atmosphere, inviting repeat visitors who make Lake Compounce a part of their family traditions. Families flock to the park every summer, enjoying shops, rides, and restaurants beneath the beating sun.

Lake Compounce’s RV site allows RVs of all sizes, so both smaller and larger vehicles are welcome. 20, 30, and 50 amp hookups are available on-site, and clean bathrooms are present for guests to use as well. Camping at Lake Compounce is a chance to immerse yourself in theme park history, and reserving a spot at the RV site also grants access to a basketball court, a volleyball court, and discounted park tickets.

2. Hersheyland in Hershey, Pennsylvania

With a nickname like “The Sweetest Place on Earth,” it’s no surprise that Hershey, Pennsylvania, is a popular tourist destination. Hershey Park, a theme park based around the famous candy bar, includes upwards of seventy rides. In addition, there are costumed characters greeting guests and the chance to get a photo-op with seals and sea lions. Classic carnival games like skeeball and ring toss expand the park’s scope, giving guests a truly memorable experience.

Hershey Park has full site hookups with electricity, sewer, and cable connections. Partial hookups are also available with electric, water, and cable. A trip to Hershey Park will invariably include a lot of exciting experiences, and RV camping can be a part of that fun.

3. Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, VA

Busch Gardens is one of America’s most established and beautiful parks, with lush landscapes that showcase the best of Virginia's horticulture and tradition of elegance. In addition to the usual wild roller coasters and water park, Busch Gardens also offers live animal exhibits, exclusive tours, a food and wine festival, and other seriously fun seasonal attractions to keep travelers of all ages and interests coming back for more year-round entertainment.

There are several RV campgrounds nearby for RVers, but Anvil RV Campground offers a shuttle service directly from the campground to the park. Can't beat that. 

4. Lion County Safari in West Palm Beach, Florida

Have you ever dreamed of seeing lions up close? Lion County Safari is an escape experience that transports visitors to an African safari, and no passport is required. Located in West Palm Beach, Florida, this animal reservation doubles as an adventure park. Zebra, giraffes, and lions can be spotted along the park’s four-mile tour, and countless more animals are housed within the park. If this vast collection of animals wasn’t enough, Lion County Safari has rides, games, and waterslides as well.

RV camping here is a unique experience, as you’ll be close enough to hear the horde of animals nearby. Full-hookup RV sites are available to accommodate your exhilarating stay in this haven for wildlife.

5. Schlitterbahn, New Braunfels, TX

A lot of amusement parks offer water parks on the side, but Schlitterbahn Waterparks & Resort is ALL water park and is considered by many to be the world’s best. The park is actually three large parks in one and has something for everyone, from a leisurely bob in a lazy river to high-speed tube slides. Touted as the "hottest, coolest time in Texas," you're sure to find the most waterpark fun at this resort.

Check out RV camping right on the Guadalupe River at the fan-favorite Lazy L and L Campground.

6. Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio

Trailing right behind Lake Compounce, Cedar Point is the country’s second-oldest amusement park. Cedar Point lies on the beautiful shore of Lake Erie, and it has a large assortment of thrilling rides. One of its most well-known attractions, Steel Vengeance, has a riveting drop of about two hundred feet! Live music shows and poolside cabanas are popular amongst Cedar Point fans who don’t enjoy the scarier rides, and Cedar Point Beach is a prime location for those who want to relax.

Lighthouse Point, where RV campers stay, was actually named one of the most beautiful campgrounds in the United States. All sites are full-hookup with complimentary Wi-Fi.

7. Legoland, Carlsbad, CA

There are Legolands all over the world, and two in the States, but the California location tops them all with a few extra additions, like an aquarium and a resort hotel. What Legoland may lack in visceral ride thrills, it compensates for in more unique, kid-friendly rides.

The park offers ample-sized day-of-visit RV parking for a fee, and you can stay overnight at numerous locations nearby up and down the coast, such as South Carlsbad State Beach or Paradise by the Sea Beach RV resort.

8. Beech Bend in Bowling Green, Kentucky

If you’re a fan of NASCAR, you’ll probably enjoy the drag strip at Beech Bend amusement park. Though Beech Bend’s roller coasters and water slides are immensely popular, what really sets this park apart is the famous raceway. Racing events with trucks, sports cars, and other vehicles are hosted here, attracting fans from all over the country.

RV campsites sit in both sunny and shaded areas, providing full hookups to water and electric services. Even if you’ve never watched a race before, Beech Bend could be the perfect chance to get involved with the exciting culture that surrounds drag racing.

9. Elitch Gardens, Denver, CO

Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park in downtown Denver, Colorado, is undoubtedly one of the highest and most beautiful parks in the country. With a rich history dating back to the 1890s, Elitch Gardens is Colorado's only world-class combination theme and water park, featuring rides sure to boost your adrenaline and cool you down on a hot summer day. Test your sense of adventure on rollercoasters like the Half Pipe and Mind Eraser, and cool down under a cabana, all on the same visitors' pass.

The park offers on-site RV parking for a per-day fee, and you can enjoy perfect overnight accommodations at the Central City KOA or Clear Creek RV Park.

Ready to camp in your own RV?

When you're ready to explore adventure, plenty of US amusement parks offer fun rides and accommodating RV campsites. And when you're poised to take the thrills on from the home base of your own RV, stop by a Transwest location or shop online today to find out more about our selection of quality RVs.