Knoebels (SA-38), Elysburg, PA

Introduction / Overview

For generations of Pennsylvanians, Knoebels has meant more than just an amusement park; it’s a treasured family tradition. And at the heart of this experience lies Knoebels Campground, the ultimate on-site lodging that allows visitors to truly immerse themselves in the 'park-inside-a-park' atmosphere. Located in a quiet forest setting within easy walking distance of the rides, this campground transforms a day trip into a memorable, multi-day family vacation.

Knoebels Campground offers a lively, community-focused camping experience, distinct from the solitude of a state park. With a large number of sites nestled among the trees, it provides a wooded and cozy base where the magic of the park is never far away. Visitors appreciate the genuine, old-school family atmosphere and the convenience of being able to step out of their tent or RV and stroll right into the renowned amusement resort. This campground is meticulously maintained by the same family that runs the park, ensuring a high level of staff friendliness, cleanliness, and dedication to guest satisfaction. While spaces can be snug due to the popularity and proximity to the park, the vibrant communal spirit and unparalleled convenience make it a highly sought-after destination for families across Pennsylvania.

From tent sites to RV spots and rustic cabins, Knoebels Campground provides various ways to stay, ensuring every family can find their perfect vacation setup. It is truly the best way to maximize your time at the state’s beloved free-admission amusement park, allowing you to come and go at your leisure, take mid-day breaks back at your site, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the grove morning and night.

Location and Accessibility

Knoebels Campground is located directly adjacent to Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, PA. This prime, central Pennsylvania location makes it a highly accessible and desirable destination for regional travelers. The official address is 391 Knoebels Blvd., Route 487, Elysburg, PA 17824.

The key to the campground's appeal is its immediate proximity to the park. The main campground is situated just south of the famous Twister roller coaster and Crystal Pool, meaning a short, easy walk is all that separates you from the award-winning rides and food. This walkability is invaluable for families, allowing for flexible scheduling, easy returns to the campsite for meals, or midday naps. Furthermore, the property also includes Lake Glory Campground, a second facility located about four miles up the road in Catawissa, which offers a slightly more secluded environment with a free shuttle service directly to and from the main amusement resort.

Roads leading to the campground are well-marked and easily navigated, even for larger RVs up to 65 feet long, though campers should be prepared for some hilly terrain within the campground itself. For those with special needs or large families, the campground's proximity to the park's main entrance means quick access to free parking (if not camping) and rental services for wheelchairs or strollers, contributing to a truly seamless vacation experience.

Services Offered

Knoebels Campground provides a comprehensive array of services designed to make your extended stay comfortable, convenient, and fun. With over 650 total campsites between the main park campground and Lake Glory, the facilities are designed to support a full-service family vacation:

Campsites and Lodging Options: The campground offers a variety of site types, including shaded tent sites (some with unique wooden platforms for flat setups), RV spots (both back-in and pull-through), and rental options such as Cozy Log Cabins, Eagles Roosts, Rental Trailers, Leisure Lodges, and cottages.
Utility Hookups: Campsites are available with electric hookups (30-amp and 50-amp options). While many sites are electric-only, water filling stations are readily available, and a dump station is provided for RVs.
Restroom and Shower Facilities: Clean bath houses with flush toilets and showers are available throughout the campground, ensuring comfort for all guests.
On-Site Guest Amenities: The camp store offers essential supplies, firewood, and other camping necessities. A modern laundry room is also available.
Transportation: A complimentary shuttle service is provided for guests staying at the nearby Lake Glory Campground, ensuring easy access to the amusement resort.
Recreation and Activities: Organized children's activities, such as crafts, games, and demonstrations, are often scheduled on Saturday mornings during the season. There are also designated playgrounds and picnic pavilions.
Dining Access: Guests are steps away from Knoebels' famous dining options, which have repeatedly been voted as having the Best Park Food in the world, including the International Food Court with breakfast options starting at 8:00 AM.
Pet Policy: Pets are permitted on-leash in the main campground area and park, though they are restricted from certain rental lodging types, showers, and restrooms.

Features / Highlights

The features of Knoebels Campground revolve around unparalleled convenience and a high-energy family atmosphere that creates deep-rooted vacation memories:

Walk-to-Park Access: The most significant highlight is the ability to walk directly into Knoebels Amusement Resort—with no admission fee—allowing for ultimate flexibility in enjoying the rides, food, and attractions at your own pace.
Integrated Experience: The campground is an extension of the park itself, with the sounds of the iconic Twister coaster often heard and the warm glow of firepits and vintage camper lights creating a nostalgic atmosphere, especially during Hallo-Fun weekends and the Joy Through the Grove light display.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The communal spirit and focus on family fun are strong. The campground staff is known for being friendly, and a strong sense of community exists among returning campers.
Flexibility in Park Admission: Since Knoebels offers free admission and free parking, campers can choose to pay per ride using tickets or purchase a ride-all-day pass, giving complete financial flexibility for their vacation budget.
Pet-Friendly Park: Knoebels is famously one of the few amusement parks that welcomes leashed dogs, meaning the whole family, including your furry friends, can be part of the fun.
Variety of Sites: The campground offers diversity in site types, including level platform sites built into hillsides for tent campers, making set-up easier and more comfortable.
Quality Dining Options: Easy access to the park's multiple dining venues, celebrated for having some of the best food in the amusement park industry, is a major benefit for camping families.

Contact Information

To secure your family’s spot in this highly sought-after Pennsylvania vacation destination, it is strongly recommended to book well in advance. Reservations can be difficult to obtain, especially for peak season and holiday weekends.

Address: 391 Knoebels Blvd., Route 487, Elysburg, PA 17824, USA

Phone: (570) 672-9555

Campground Security Monitor: (570) 672-5266 (for after-hours needs)

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Knoebels Campground is uniquely suited for Pennsylvania residents because it represents an accessible, high-value, and deeply nostalgic vacation opportunity that embraces the state's rich history of family recreation. For local users, the campground eliminates the need for far-flung, expensive travel, offering an all-inclusive family getaway right in Central PA.

The primary advantage for locals is the convenience of the stay-and-play model. A vacation here means rolling out of your tent or cabin and into the park without the need for a car, making it incredibly easy to manage kids, meals, and rest breaks. This saves time, money on external dining and parking, and reduces the overall stress of a multi-day outing. Furthermore, the free admission and pay-per-ride ticket system align perfectly with a budget-conscious family vacation, a feature Pennsylvanians consistently appreciate.

The strong communal feel—of generations of families returning to the same wooded loop year after year—cultivates a unique sense of local belonging and tradition. This is not just a campground; it’s a living, breathing part of Pennsylvania's heritage, run with a family spirit that many local residents identify with. For a Pennsylvania family seeking a clean, fun, activity-filled, and conveniently located vacation spot where memories are a guarantee, Knoebels Campground is, without a doubt, the perfect choice.