Northumberland sits at the fork of the Susquehanna River, where the West Branch and North Branch meet in the heart of central Pennsylvania’s Susquehanna Valley. It is a quieter corner of the state, but it punches well above its size for things to do: a full water park you can sleep next to, a free-admission amusement park 20 minutes east, waterfalls and state parks within an hour, and the largest fair in Pennsylvania up the road each fall.
The best part is the base camp. Splash Magic Campground in Northumberland is built around its own on-site water park, with water slides, splash pads, pools, bumper boats, glow-in-the-dark mini golf, and a packed activity calendar. That means half your things-to-do list is handled before you ever start the engine. Below is the full rundown: the activities on the grounds, and the attractions worth a day trip when you want to explore beyond the gate.
Things to Do Right at Splash Magic
Before you map out day trips, know that a big share of the activities are already on the grounds. You can walk to all of it from your site or cabin.
The On-Site Water Park
The headliner is the water park: water slides for the older kids and thrill-seekers, splash pads for toddlers, a dedicated kids’ pool, and a full-size swimming pool for laps and lounging. Families regularly spend entire days here without leaving the deck. Some water park access may require a wristband, so confirm at check-in, and arrive early on hot days for the best pool deck spots.
Boats, Pillow, Mini Golf, and the Arcade
The activities keep going past the pool. Bumper boats and paddle boats run on the pond, the stocked pond is a hit for first-time anglers (a staff tip: the fish love hot dogs), and the jumping pillow draws a crowd of kids. Glow-in-the-dark mini golf runs into the evening, pedal carts and rentable golf carts cover the property, and the arcade is the rainy-day backup.
The Entertainment Pavilion Calendar
The entertainment pavilion runs a full summer activity calendar: ceramics, tie-dye, pool volleyball, foam parties, adult bingo, and outdoor movie nights. Check the posted schedule at check-in so you do not miss the foam party or movie night your kids will be talking about all week.
Knoebels: The Free-Admission Amusement Park 20 Minutes Away
The biggest single thing to do near Northumberland is Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, about 20 minutes east. It is one of the largest free-admission amusement parks in the country: free to enter, free to park, pay only for the rides you ride. It runs two world-class wooden roller coasters, the Phoenix and the Twister, a giant pool complex, and a tree-shaded layout that feels more like a park than a parking-lot midway. It runs spring through October, and from Splash Magic you can do a full Knoebels day and be back at your campsite for the pool by evening. For many families, the Splash-Magic-plus-Knoebels pairing is the whole reason for the trip.
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Splash Magic Campground by RJourney
Splash Magic Campground by RJourney sits at 213 Aspen Lane in Northumberland, Pennsylvania, along the Susquehanna River where the West Branch and North Branch converge. The property is built around a full water park: water slides, splash pads, a kids’ pool, and a full-size swimming pool. Beyond the water, the activity list runs deep with bumper boats and paddle boats on the pond, a jumping pillow, glow-in-the-dark mini golf, pedal carts, golf cart rentals, an arcade, and an entertainment pavilion that runs a packed summer calendar of crafts, foam parties, pool volleyball, and outdoor movies. Stay options cover full-hookup RV sites, tent sites, and a cabin and lodge inventory from cozy two-person units to multi-bedroom villas like the Tubby Family Lodge, with the Dolphin Cove cabins fronting the water. It is a base camp where a good share of the trip’s activities are already on the grounds.
Sites & Hookups
Splash Magic offers full-hookup RV sites in both pull-through and back-in configurations, with 30-amp and 50-amp electrical service to handle rigs of any size. Tent sites are available for guests who prefer to keep it simple, and cabins range from couple-sized units to family lodges. Each site comes with a picnic table and fire ring, WiFi covers the property, and propane is available on-site. The campground entrance on Aspen Lane is a straight shot off the main road with no hairpin turns or tight corners. Sites sit closer together than at a wilderness campground; that is the tradeoff for having the water park, pools, and activities right outside your door. If you want elbow room, request a site on the outer loops when you book.
What's On-Site
The water park is the whole point. Water slides, splash pads, a kids’ pool, and a full-size swimming pool give families a reason to spend entire days without leaving the campground. The water fun does not stop at the pool deck: bumper boats and paddle boats run on the pond, a jumping pillow draws a crowd of kids, and pond fishing is a hit with the little ones (a staff tip: the fish love hot dogs). When everyone needs a break from the water, there is glow-in-the-dark mini golf for evening play, pedal carts and rentable golf carts, and an arcade for rainy days. The entertainment pavilion runs a full summer calendar: ceramics, tie-dye, pool volleyball, foam parties, adult bingo, and outdoor movie nights. The on-site camp store stocks essentials, snacks, and propane, and restrooms, showers, and laundry are on-property.
What Guests Say
4.1 stars across 1,215 Google reviews. The water and the activities win the praise. Families single out the water park, pool area, and the sheer volume of things for kids to do: water slides, bumper boats, the jumping pillow, glow golf, and pedal carts keep children busy for days. Repeat visits are the strongest theme of all; families come back year after year, often booking the next trip before they leave. The campground’s spot near Knoebels and the Susquehanna also comes up, with guests using it as a base for amusement-park days and river outings. It is the kind of place where the activity list is long enough that nobody gets bored.
More Attractions and Day Trips Near Northumberland, PA
Splash Magic keeps a long activity list on-site, but a few nearby attractions are worth a day trip. Hours and pricing change, so call ahead before you go.
Knoebels Amusement Resort
One of the country’s largest free-admission amusement parks: free to enter and park, pay only for the rides. It runs two world-class wooden coasters (the Phoenix and the Twister), a large pool complex, and a tree-shaded layout, open spring through October. It is the area’s signature day trip and an easy 20-minute drive from the campground. Visit website.
Shikellamy State Park
Two sections sit across the river from Northumberland: a marina on the West Branch for boat and paddle access, and a bluff overlook that delivers one of the best views in central Pennsylvania, looking down on the river’s fork. A short drive from Splash Magic and an easy morning add-on. Visit website.
Ricketts Glen State Park
Home to the Falls Trail, where 22 named waterfalls cascade through a hemlock gorge, one of the most scenic hikes in Pennsylvania and a cool, shaded payoff on a hot day. Plan a half-day minimum; the loop is moderate to strenuous with stone steps and creek crossings. Visit website.
More to Explore Beyond the Campground
The Susquehanna River runs right past the campground, with direct fishing access from the property and a stocked on-site pond for the kids. Across the river, Shikellamy State Park’s marina provides boat and paddle access for fishing and flatwater paddling, and the bluff overlook above it offers one of the best views in central Pennsylvania. It is a short drive from Splash Magic and an easy morning add-on when you want open water beyond the pools.
Knoebels Amusement Resort, 20 minutes east, is the marquee land attraction: free-admission rides, classic wooden coasters, and a pool complex, open spring through October. Ricketts Glen State Park, about an hour north, delivers the area’s best hike, 22 named waterfalls along the Falls Trail through a shaded gorge. Closer in, Northumberland and nearby Sunbury have walkable historic districts, local restaurants, and riverfront parks for an easy afternoon.
The Bloomsburg Fair, the largest in Pennsylvania, runs each fall about 25 minutes northeast with concerts, demolition derbies, agricultural exhibits, and carnival rides; check the official fair calendar for current dates. Williamsport, about 45 minutes north, hosts the Little League World Series each August and has the World of Little League museum year-round. Splash Magic makes a solid base camp, with the on-site water park filling the downtime between trips.
When to Visit for Things to Do Near Northumberland
Summer (June through August)
Peak season for everything. The on-site water park is open, Knoebels runs full hours, the river is warm for boating, and the campground activity calendar is packed. Summer weekends and holiday weeks book fastest, so reserve 2 to 4 weeks ahead. It is the best window if the water park and amusement park are the point of the trip.
Fall (September through October)
A standout season. The Bloomsburg Fair anchors September, Knoebels runs into October, the foliage along the Susquehanna is excellent, and Ricketts Glen’s waterfalls are at their most scenic. The on-site pools wind down after Labor Day, so confirm which water amenities stay open if that matters for your trip.
Winter (November through March)
The quiet season. The water park is closed and Knoebels is between seasons, but the river and state parks are open for cold-weather hiking, and the winter monthly rate of $600/month runs through April for extended stays. Confirm which amenities stay open with the office before booking.
Spring (April through May)
Shoulder season. Knoebels opens for the year, the pools and water park begin opening, the river runs high, and the waterfalls at Ricketts Glen are at full flow. A good window for a quieter stay before peak crowds; confirm pool and water-park opening dates with the office if the water is part of your plan.
Practical Tips for Exploring Northumberland
The classic itinerary is a Knoebels day (20 minutes east, free admission) followed by an evening at the campground pool. Knoebels runs spring through October; check its operating calendar before you build your days around it.
On-site pool and water-park hours shift by season and are posted at check-in. Some water park access may require a wristband; confirm at check-in. If the water is your reason for visiting, check seasonal opening dates with the office first.
The Bloomsburg Fair (about 25 minutes) and the Little League World Series in Williamsport (about 45 minutes) are big fall and August draws. Confirm current-year dates on the official calendars before planning your stay around them.
Shikellamy State Park's bluff overlook, about 10 minutes across the river, is one of the best views in central PA and an easy add-on before a pool afternoon. The marina below it handles boating and paddling.
The Falls Trail (about an hour north) is a moderate-to-strenuous loop past 22 waterfalls with stone steps and creek crossings. Wear real shoes, pack water, and budget at least half a day.
Mateo's Pizza, right across the road from the campground, gives Splash Magic guests a 10% discount (excludes specials), handy after a long day out exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do near Northumberland, PA?
Plenty for a quieter corner of central Pennsylvania. Splash Magic Campground in Northumberland has its own on-site water park, mini golf, bumper boats, and a full activity calendar. Knoebels Amusement Resort is 20 minutes east with free-admission rides, Shikellamy State Park is 10 minutes away for river boating and a bluff overlook, and Ricketts Glen’s 22 waterfalls are about an hour north.
Is Knoebels close to Northumberland?
Yes. Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg is about 20 minutes east of Northumberland and Splash Magic Campground. It is one of the largest free-admission amusement parks in the country, with free parking, classic wooden roller coasters, and a large pool complex, open spring through October.
What can families do at Splash Magic Campground?
A lot without leaving the grounds. Splash Magic is built around an on-site water park with water slides, splash pads, a kids’ pool, and a full-size swimming pool, plus bumper boats, paddle boats, pond fishing, a jumping pillow, glow-in-the-dark mini golf, pedal carts, and an arcade. The entertainment pavilion runs foam parties, movie nights, and crafts all summer. The campground is rated 4.1 stars across 1,215 Google reviews.
Are there state parks near Northumberland?
Yes. Shikellamy State Park is about 10 minutes away across the river, with a marina for boating and paddling and a bluff overlook with one of the best views in central PA. Ricketts Glen State Park, about an hour north, has the Falls Trail past 22 named waterfalls, one of Pennsylvania’s most scenic hikes.
What is there to do near Northumberland in the fall?
Fall is a strong season. The Bloomsburg Fair, the largest in Pennsylvania, runs each September about 25 minutes northeast. Knoebels stays open into October, the foliage along the Susquehanna is excellent, and Ricketts Glen’s waterfalls are at their most scenic. Confirm current-year fair dates on the official calendar.
Where should I stay to explore the Northumberland area?
Splash Magic Campground by RJourney, at 213 Aspen Lane, makes a practical base: an on-site water park and activity calendar handle a big share of the trip, and it is within easy reach of Knoebels, Shikellamy State Park, and the river. Nightly rates start at $37.80, with full-hookup RV sites, tent sites, and riverfront cabins.
Base Your Northumberland Trip at Splash Magic
Splash Magic Campground by RJourney puts a big share of the activity list outside your door: an on-site water park, mini golf, bumper boats, and a packed pavilion calendar, with Knoebels, Shikellamy State Park, and the Susquehanna River all an easy drive away. Stay in a full-hookup RV site, a tent site, or a riverfront cabin, and let the campground handle the downtime.
See all site types, rates, and live availability on the Splash Magic Campground page.
Check Availability (412) 730-2170