RV Parks In Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania
41.0037° N, 76.4549° W
Quick Overview
Bloomsburg is the county seat of Columbia County, a walkable college town on the Susquehanna River in central Pennsylvania, and it sits right on I-80, which makes it one of the easier RV bases in the region. The town is best known for the Bloomsburg Fair, the largest county fair in the state, and it is within easy reach of some genuinely great camping. The headline public option is Ricketts Glen State Park, about 30 miles north, home to Lake Jean and the Falls Trail with its 22 named waterfalls. Ricketts Glen runs a modern campground with electric hookups on many sites, hot showers, and a dump station, plus a small loop that offers full hookups for shorter RVs only, so big rigs plan on the electric loops. Reservations go through the Pennsylvania State Parks system up to eleven months in advance. If you want full hookups at your pad, the private parks around Bloomsburg deliver. J&D Campground sits close to the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds with full water, electric, and sewer plus a pool, mini golf, and Wi-Fi, and Indian Head Campground offers a wooded, big-rig-friendly setting with reservable full and partial hookups. A lot of RVers come here for two things: the Bloomsburg Fair in late September and Knoebels Amusement Resort about 15 miles away in Elysburg, a free-admission park famous for the Phoenix wooden coaster and its own large campground. Both events fill the area campgrounds fast, so book early. The town itself is walkable and lively thanks to the university, with a Main Street of local restaurants and shops right along the Susquehanna, and the river adds kayaking and fishing for anyone hauling boats. We like using Bloomsburg as a hub: state park for the waterfalls and lake, a private full-hookup park when we need to dump and do laundry, and short drives to the fair, the coaster, and the river. Whichever direction you point the rig, reserving ahead in summer and fair season is the difference between a great trip and scrambling for a site. Need to empty your tanks between stops? See our guide to RV dump stations in Bloomsburg.
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Gear for Your Trip to Bloomsburg
All Dump Stations Near Bloomsburg
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turner's Highview Campground | 2.4 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Camping At Deihls | 5.8 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Springbrook Family Campground | 6.7 mi | 3.4 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Lake Glory Campground | 7.0 mi | 4.5 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Shady Creek Campground | 7.1 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Ideal Park Campground | 7.2 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| J&d Campground | 7.6 mi | 4.6 | RV Park | Varies |
| J&D Campground | 7.6 mi | N/A | RV Park | Varies |
| Mossy Point Campground | 10.7 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Wanna Ruf It Campground | 12.8 mi | 4.8 | Dump Station | Varies |
Turner's Highview Campground
2.4 miCamping At Deihls
5.8 miSpringbrook Family Campground
6.7 miLake Glory Campground
7.0 miShady Creek Campground
7.1 miIdeal Park Campground
7.2 miJ&d Campground
7.6 miJ&D Campground
7.6 miMossy Point Campground
10.7 miWanna Ruf It Campground
12.8 miTraveling to Bloomsburg by RV
Bloomsburg is about as easy to reach as central Pennsylvania towns get, because I-80 runs right along its northern edge, linking east toward the Poconos and New Jersey and west toward Williamsport and Ohio. US-11 parallels the Susquehanna for local travel, and PA-42 and PA-487 branch off toward the mountains and Ricketts Glen. Big rigs handle I-80 with no trouble. The climb north to Ricketts Glen on PA-487 is a paved two-lane with some grade, so take it steady, but it is manageable for most coaches heading to the electric loops. Downtown Bloomsburg has a compact Main Street, so if you are towing or driving a large motorhome, park on the outskirts and walk in rather than threading the historic core. Knoebels sits about 15 miles southwest near Elysburg on a mix of state routes. Fuel, propane, groceries, and RV supplies are all available in and around town thanks to the college and the I-80 corridor. We usually fuel up along the interstate before heading up to the state park, since services thin out as you climb toward Lake Jean. Wilkes-Barre and Williamsport are each roughly 40 miles away as larger metro backstops.
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Before You Go: RV Trip Essentials
Dump stations are only one piece of the trip puzzle. Before you set out for your trip to Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, it's worth taking thirty minutes to check that the basics are in place — the four areas below are where unprepared RVers most often get stung.
Check your RV insurance coverage
A standard auto policy rarely covers a Class A, Class C, or travel trailer the way a dedicated RV insurance policy does. If you're financing a motorhome, lenders typically require comprehensive and collision; full-timers should additionally price in vacation liability and personal belongings coverage. Rates vary widely by state and travel pattern — compare quotes from multiple RV-focused carriers before each season.
Know your roadside assistance options
RV-specific roadside plans tow motorhomes and trailers that regular AAA coverage won't touch — flat beds, mobile mechanics, tire service for duallies, and even emergency lockouts at remote campgrounds. Good plans cover your spouse and trailer even if you're driving a separate vehicle, and some include trip interruption reimbursement if a breakdown costs you a reservation.
Decide about an extended warranty early
Original manufacturer warranties on new RVs typically run 12–24 months — shorter than most buyers realize. An extended service contract (essentially a mechanical breakdown policy) covers the appliances, slides, levelling systems, and drivetrain components that can run $3,000–$10,000 to replace. The time to price one is before the factory coverage expires, not after something breaks.
Set up a travel rewards card for fuel and fees
A no-annual-fee travel or gas rewards card pays for itself on a single month of RV travel. Expect to spend $400–$800 per week combined on fuel, campgrounds, and propane — 3–5% cash back on gas alone covers the next oil change. For bigger trips, a sign-up bonus can offset campground fees for the whole season.
RVingLife is supported by advertising. Third-party ads on this page may include insurance quotes, roadside plans, warranty coverage, or financial products relevant to the topics above. We don't endorse any specific provider — compare multiple offers before you commit. Privacy policy.
Dump Station Costs in Bloomsburg
Camping costs around Bloomsburg break down into the public and private lanes. Electric sites at Ricketts Glen State Park generally run in the mid-$30s to around $75 a night depending on the site, day of week, and residency, which is a strong value for the lake, the waterfalls, showers, and a dump station, though most sites give up sewer at the pad. The small full-hookup loop there costs a bit more and books out fast. Private full-hookup parks like J&D Campground and Indian Head Campground typically fall in the $45 to $80-plus range per night, with premiums for pull-throughs and fairground-adjacent sites, especially during Bloomsburg Fair week when rates and demand both climb. Knoebels campground and other private options price similarly. If you are staying a week or longer, ask about weekly rates, which usually save you roughly a night. Propane and groceries in town are reasonably priced thanks to the college crowd, and I-80 fuel is competitive. The single biggest cost driver here is timing: fair week in late September is the most expensive and hardest to book, so plan and reserve early to lock in a standard site before only premiums remain.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
What RVers Are Saying About Bloomsburg
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Best Time to Visit Bloomsburg by RV
Winter
Nov - Feb
21F - 38F
Crowds: Low
State park campground closed mid-October to mid-April; cold and snowy, only limited private options open.
Spring
Mar - May
40F - 62F
Crowds: Medium
Parks reopen mid-April; waterfalls run highest, wet and cool nights, easy weekday reservations.
Summer
Jun - Aug
62F - 84F
Crowds: High
Warm and wet; Lake Jean swimming and Knoebels season, reserve weekends early.
Fall
Sep - Oct
42F - 64F
Crowds: High
Bloomsburg Fair week late September and foliage fill campgrounds; parks close mid-October.
Explore the Bloomsburg Area
Some hard-won advice for camping the Bloomsburg area. First, the Bloomsburg Fair runs late September into early October and is a big deal, so if you want to camp anywhere nearby that week, reserve months ahead; the whole area books solid. Second, at Ricketts Glen the full-hookup sites are limited to shorter rigs, so if you drive a 35-foot-plus coach, plan on the electric loops and use the dump station, or stay at a private park like J&D Campground for sewer at the pad. Third, do not skip the Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen; 22 waterfalls in one loop is rare, but it is a strenuous hike, so wear real shoes. Fourth, Knoebels has free admission and pay-per-ride, which makes it an easy, cheap day out with kids, and it has its own campground if the Bloomsburg parks are full. Fifth, the Susquehanna is right there for kayaking and fishing, so if you carry boats, ask campgrounds about the nearest launches. Sixth, weekday arrivals in the shoulder seasons are your best bet for walk-up availability, since summer and fair weekends are nearly always reserved. Finally, spring brings the biggest waterfall flow if that is what you are chasing.
National Parks Nearby
Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Bloomsburg
Where can I camp with an RV near Bloomsburg, PA?
You have a good mix within a short drive. The main public option is Ricketts Glen State Park about 30 miles north, with electric sites, a dump station, Lake Jean, and the famous Falls Trail. For full hookups at your site, private parks like J&D Campground near the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds and Indian Head Campground offer water, electric, and sewer in wooded settings. Knoebels Amusement Resort in nearby Elysburg also runs its own campground. Most RVers use Bloomsburg as an I-80 base, mixing a state park stay for the scenery with a private full-hookup park when they need to dump, fill, and do laundry without moving the rig.
Does Ricketts Glen State Park have full hookups?
Only in a limited way. Most sites at Ricketts Glen State Park offer 30 and 50 amp electric hookups plus access to hot showers, flush toilets, and a sanitary dump station, but not sewer at the pad. There is a small loop with full hookups, but it is designed for shorter RVs, so larger coaches generally cannot use it. If you drive a big rig and want sewer at your site, book a private full-hookup park like J&D Campground instead and use Ricketts Glen for its waterfalls and lake. Reserve either through the Pennsylvania State Parks system up to eleven months in advance.
How far in advance should I reserve near Bloomsburg?
For the Bloomsburg Fair in late September and for summer weekends, book as early as you possibly can. Pennsylvania state parks allow reservations up to eleven months out, and Ricketts Glen fills quickly for peak weekends. Private parks near the fairgrounds, like J&D Campground, sell out months ahead of fair week because the fair is the largest in the state and draws big crowds. Foliage weekends in October are also busy. If your dates are flexible, weekday arrivals in spring and early fall are much easier, and some private parks take walk-ups midweek, but do not count on a peak-weekend site without a reservation.
What is the camping season around Bloomsburg?
Ricketts Glen State Park runs a typical central Pennsylvania season, opening in mid-April and closing in mid-October. That covers spring, when the waterfalls run highest, the warm summer swimming and boating months at Lake Jean, and the busy fall foliage and fair season. Winter camping at the state park is not available because the campground closes. Some private parks operate on a similar seasonal schedule, while a few stay open a bit longer into fall. If you want to camp outside the mid-April to mid-October window, call private campgrounds directly to confirm availability, since most public and many private options shut down for the cold, snowy winter.
Can big rigs camp near Bloomsburg?
Yes, with a caveat at the state park. Ricketts Glen State Park has electric loops that accommodate larger rigs, but its small full-hookup loop is meant for shorter RVs only, so big coaches should plan on the electric sites and the dump station. Private parks like J&D Campground and Indian Head Campground are big-rig friendly with pull-throughs and full hookups. Access is easy on I-80, though the climb to Ricketts Glen on PA-487 is a paved two-lane with grade, so take it steady. Avoid threading the tight historic core of downtown Bloomsburg with a large motorhome; stage on the outskirts and drive in on the main routes instead.
Are there full-hookup RV parks near Bloomsburg?
Yes, on the private side. J&D Campground sits close to the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds and offers full hookups with water, electric, and sewer plus a pool, mini golf, and Wi-Fi. Indian Head Campground provides reservable full and partial hookups in a wooded setting and is big-rig friendly. Knoebels Amusement Resort also runs a large campground with hookups if you are there for the park. These private options are your best bet when you want sewer at the pad, since Ricketts Glen State Park offers mainly electric sites with a shared dump station and only a small full-hookup loop for shorter rigs. Book fair week well ahead.
What is there to do near Bloomsburg for RVers?
A lot for a town this size. Ricketts Glen State Park north of town has the Falls Trail, a loop past 22 named waterfalls, plus Lake Jean for swimming and boating. Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, about 15 miles away, is a free-admission park home to the Phoenix, one of the top-rated wooden coasters in the world. The Bloomsburg Fair each late September is the largest county fair in Pennsylvania. Downtown Bloomsburg has a walkable Main Street with local restaurants and shops, and the Susquehanna River offers kayaking and fishing. It is easy to fill several days from a single base camp here.
How is the road access for RVs in Bloomsburg?
Very good. I-80 runs right along the northern edge of Bloomsburg, connecting east toward the Poconos and New Jersey and west toward Williamsport and Ohio, and it handles any size rig. US-11 follows the Susquehanna for local travel, and PA-42 and PA-487 branch toward the mountains. The main route to plan for is PA-487 climbing north to Ricketts Glen, a paved two-lane with some grade that is manageable but worth taking slowly. Keep large motorhomes out of the compact downtown historic streets by staging on the outskirts. Fuel and services are plentiful along the I-80 corridor, so top off before heading up to the state park.
Is winter RV camping possible near Bloomsburg?
Not at the state park. Ricketts Glen State Park closes its campground mid-October and reopens mid-April, and central Pennsylvania winters are cold and snowy, with temperatures dropping well below freezing. That rules out most public winter camping. A few private parks may stay open later into the fall, but full winter RV camping in this area is uncommon and really requires a well-insulated four-season rig. If winter is your only travel window, call private campgrounds directly to confirm they are open and can provide winterized hookups before making the drive, and be prepared for snow and freezing overnight lows.
Does Ricketts Glen have a dump station?
Yes. Ricketts Glen State Park provides a sanitary dump station for campers along with potable water, so even though most sites are electric-only, you can empty gray and black tanks and refill fresh water during your stay or on the way out. Plan to use it before you leave to avoid the Sunday checkout line. Since sewer is not available at most sites, the dump station is your main service point in the park. If you are passing through and just need to dump without camping, check our Bloomsburg dump station guide for public and commercial options along the I-80 corridor near town.
How much does RV camping cost near Bloomsburg?
Electric sites at Ricketts Glen State Park generally run from the mid-$30s up toward $75 a night depending on the site, day, and residency, a solid value for the waterfalls, lake, and amenities. The small full-hookup loop costs a bit more. Private full-hookup parks like J&D Campground and Indian Head Campground typically fall in the $45 to $80-plus range, with premiums for pull-throughs and fairground-adjacent sites, especially during Bloomsburg Fair week when demand peaks. Knoebels camping prices similarly. Weekly stays usually earn a discount at private parks, so ask. The biggest cost factor is timing: fair week in late September is the priciest and hardest to book.
Should I stay in a state park or a private RV park here?
It comes down to priorities. Ricketts Glen State Park wins on scenery and price with its waterfalls, Lake Jean, and mid-$30s starting rates, but most sites are electric-only, and the campground closes mid-October. Private parks like J&D Campground and Indian Head Campground win on services, offering full hookups with sewer at the pad, pools, Wi-Fi, and often a longer season, at a higher nightly rate. Many RVers do both, using the state park for a scenic stretch and a private park for a full-service reset, or basing at a private park during Bloomsburg Fair week when the state park is not close to the fairgrounds anyway.
Can I base in Bloomsburg to visit Knoebels and Ricketts Glen?
Yes, that is exactly what a lot of RVers do. Bloomsburg sits centrally on I-80, roughly 15 miles from Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg and about 30 miles from Ricketts Glen State Park to the north. From a base camp at a private full-hookup park near town or at Ricketts Glen itself, you can day-trip to the free-admission coaster park, hike the Falls Trail, paddle the Susquehanna, and catch the Bloomsburg Fair in season, all without long drives. The interstate access keeps travel times short and avoids slow mountain roads. For a family long weekend or a week, it is a comfortable, central spot to park the rig.
Where can I camp with an RV near Bloomsburg, PA?
You have a good mix within a short drive. The main public option is Ricketts Glen State Park about 30 miles north, with electric sites, a dump station, Lake Jean, and the famous Falls Trail. For full hookups at your site, private parks like J&D Campground near the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds and Indian Head Campground offer water, electric, and sewer in wooded settings. Knoebels Amusement Resort in nearby Elysburg also runs its own campground. Most RVers use Bloomsburg as an I-80 base, mixing a state park stay for the scenery with a private full-hookup park when they need to dump, fill, and do laundry without moving the rig.
Does Ricketts Glen State Park have full hookups?
Only in a limited way. Most sites at Ricketts Glen State Park offer 30 and 50 amp electric hookups plus access to hot showers, flush toilets, and a sanitary dump station, but not sewer at the pad. There is a small loop with full hookups, but it is designed for shorter RVs, so larger coaches generally cannot use it. If you drive a big rig and want sewer at your site, book a private full-hookup park like J&D Campground instead and use Ricketts Glen for its waterfalls and lake. Reserve either through the Pennsylvania State Parks system up to eleven months in advance.
How far in advance should I reserve near Bloomsburg?
For the Bloomsburg Fair in late September and for summer weekends, book as early as you possibly can. Pennsylvania state parks allow reservations up to eleven months out, and Ricketts Glen fills quickly for peak weekends. Private parks near the fairgrounds, like J&D Campground, sell out months ahead of fair week because the fair is the largest in the state and draws big crowds. Foliage weekends in October are also busy. If your dates are flexible, weekday arrivals in spring and early fall are much easier, and some private parks take walk-ups midweek, but do not count on a peak-weekend site without a reservation.
What is the camping season around Bloomsburg?
Ricketts Glen State Park runs a typical central Pennsylvania season, opening in mid-April and closing in mid-October. That covers spring, when the waterfalls run highest, the warm summer swimming and boating months at Lake Jean, and the busy fall foliage and fair season. Winter camping at the state park is not available because the campground closes. Some private parks operate on a similar seasonal schedule, while a few stay open a bit longer into fall. If you want to camp outside the mid-April to mid-October window, call private campgrounds directly to confirm availability, since most public and many private options shut down for the cold, snowy winter.
Can big rigs camp near Bloomsburg?
Yes, with a caveat at the state park. Ricketts Glen State Park has electric loops that accommodate larger rigs, but its small full-hookup loop is meant for shorter RVs only, so big coaches should plan on the electric sites and the dump station. Private parks like J&D Campground and Indian Head Campground are big-rig friendly with pull-throughs and full hookups. Access is easy on I-80, though the climb to Ricketts Glen on PA-487 is a paved two-lane with grade, so take it steady. Avoid threading the tight historic core of downtown Bloomsburg with a large motorhome; stage on the outskirts and drive in on the main routes instead.
Are there full-hookup RV parks near Bloomsburg?
Yes, on the private side. J&D Campground sits close to the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds and offers full hookups with water, electric, and sewer plus a pool, mini golf, and Wi-Fi. Indian Head Campground provides reservable full and partial hookups in a wooded setting and is big-rig friendly. Knoebels Amusement Resort also runs a large campground with hookups if you are there for the park. These private options are your best bet when you want sewer at the pad, since Ricketts Glen State Park offers mainly electric sites with a shared dump station and only a small full-hookup loop for shorter rigs. Book fair week well ahead.
What is there to do near Bloomsburg for RVers?
A lot for a town this size. Ricketts Glen State Park north of town has the Falls Trail, a loop past 22 named waterfalls, plus Lake Jean for swimming and boating. Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, about 15 miles away, is a free-admission park home to the Phoenix, one of the top-rated wooden coasters in the world. The Bloomsburg Fair each late September is the largest county fair in Pennsylvania. Downtown Bloomsburg has a walkable Main Street with local restaurants and shops, and the Susquehanna River offers kayaking and fishing. It is easy to fill several days from a single base camp here.
How is the road access for RVs in Bloomsburg?
Very good. I-80 runs right along the northern edge of Bloomsburg, connecting east toward the Poconos and New Jersey and west toward Williamsport and Ohio, and it handles any size rig. US-11 follows the Susquehanna for local travel, and PA-42 and PA-487 branch toward the mountains. The main route to plan for is PA-487 climbing north to Ricketts Glen, a paved two-lane with some grade that is manageable but worth taking slowly. Keep large motorhomes out of the compact downtown historic streets by staging on the outskirts. Fuel and services are plentiful along the I-80 corridor, so top off before heading up to the state park.
Is winter RV camping possible near Bloomsburg?
Not at the state park. Ricketts Glen State Park closes its campground mid-October and reopens mid-April, and central Pennsylvania winters are cold and snowy, with temperatures dropping well below freezing. That rules out most public winter camping. A few private parks may stay open later into the fall, but full winter RV camping in this area is uncommon and really requires a well-insulated four-season rig. If winter is your only travel window, call private campgrounds directly to confirm they are open and can provide winterized hookups before making the drive, and be prepared for snow and freezing overnight lows.
Does Ricketts Glen have a dump station?
Yes. Ricketts Glen State Park provides a sanitary dump station for campers along with potable water, so even though most sites are electric-only, you can empty gray and black tanks and refill fresh water during your stay or on the way out. Plan to use it before you leave to avoid the Sunday checkout line. Since sewer is not available at most sites, the dump station is your main service point in the park. If you are passing through and just need to dump without camping, check our Bloomsburg dump station guide for public and commercial options along the I-80 corridor near town.
How much does RV camping cost near Bloomsburg?
Electric sites at Ricketts Glen State Park generally run from the mid-$30s up toward $75 a night depending on the site, day, and residency, a solid value for the waterfalls, lake, and amenities. The small full-hookup loop costs a bit more. Private full-hookup parks like J&D Campground and Indian Head Campground typically fall in the $45 to $80-plus range, with premiums for pull-throughs and fairground-adjacent sites, especially during Bloomsburg Fair week when demand peaks. Knoebels camping prices similarly. Weekly stays usually earn a discount at private parks, so ask. The biggest cost factor is timing: fair week in late September is the priciest and hardest to book.
Should I stay in a state park or a private RV park here?
It comes down to priorities. Ricketts Glen State Park wins on scenery and price with its waterfalls, Lake Jean, and mid-$30s starting rates, but most sites are electric-only, and the campground closes mid-October. Private parks like J&D Campground and Indian Head Campground win on services, offering full hookups with sewer at the pad, pools, Wi-Fi, and often a longer season, at a higher nightly rate. Many RVers do both, using the state park for a scenic stretch and a private park for a full-service reset, or basing at a private park during Bloomsburg Fair week when the state park is not close to the fairgrounds anyway.
Can I base in Bloomsburg to visit Knoebels and Ricketts Glen?
Yes, that is exactly what a lot of RVers do. Bloomsburg sits centrally on I-80, roughly 15 miles from Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg and about 30 miles from Ricketts Glen State Park to the north. From a base camp at a private full-hookup park near town or at Ricketts Glen itself, you can day-trip to the free-admission coaster park, hike the Falls Trail, paddle the Susquehanna, and catch the Bloomsburg Fair in season, all without long drives. The interstate access keeps travel times short and avoids slow mountain roads. For a family long weekend or a week, it is a comfortable, central spot to park the rig.
Are there free dump stations in Bloomsburg?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Bloomsburg.
All Dump Stations Near Bloomsburg (124)
RV ParkTurner's Highview Campground
RV ParkCamping At Deihls
RV ParkSpringbrook Family Campground
RV ParkLake Glory Campground
RV ParkShady Creek Campground
RV ParkIdeal Park Campground
RV Park with Dump StationsJ&d Campground
RV Park with Dump Stations



