If you’re planning an RV trip with a side of thrills, this new list might help you map your next adventure. Tripadvisor just released its annual “Best of the Best Things to Do” report. It highlights the top-rated amusement and water parks across the country. The top U.S. amusement parks ranked are based on 8 million traveler reviews and ratings from the past year. You may be surprised which park takes top spot.
Whether you’re chasing roller coasters or relaxing with live music and shade trees, here are the top 5 amusement parks in the U.S. They are ranked by popularity and traveler feedback—plus why they resonate with parkgoers (especially those rolling in by RV).
Top U.S. amusement parks ranked
#1 not Disney—try Dollywood!
Dollywood captured the top spot for its mix of high-energy fun and Southern charm. Owned by country legend Dolly Parton, the 160-acre park offers more than 50 rides, from thrilling coasters to gentle options for kids. Dollywood – Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, gets a rating of 4.3 out of 5.
What makes it a hit with visitors is the welcoming atmosphere. Travelers rave about free ice water, shaded rest areas, and fans around the park to help beat the Tennessee heat. Plus, there’s plenty of arts and crafts, like live glassblowing and pottery demonstrations. For RVers, nearby campgrounds and scenic Smoky Mountain views are a huge bonus.
2. Magic Kingdom Park – Bay Lake, Florida
Known as “The Most Magical Place on Earth,” Magic Kingdom Park is Disney’s crown jewel. From Space Mountain to Cinderella’s Castle, it’s loaded with iconic attractions, parades, and character meet-and-greets.
Though it’s a more traditional pick, RV travelers appreciate Fort Wilderness Resort, which offers full-hookup RV sites just a boat ride away from the park.
3. Knoebels Amusement Resort – Elysburg, Pennsylvania
This family-owned park has been welcoming guests since 1926—and it’s a favorite for a reason. Knoebels Amusement Resort is America’s largest free-admission amusement park, with affordable pay-per-ride pricing.
The park features everything from classic bumper cars to coasters, a haunted house, and a mining museum. There is even on-site camping, making it a natural fit for RVers looking for vintage fun without big crowds or high costs.
4. Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Bay Lake, Florida
For Star Wars fans and thrill seekers, Disney’s Hollywood Studios delivers. From the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and the immersive Galaxy’s Edge, there’s plenty of action.
Like its Magic Kingdom sibling, it’s close to Fort Wilderness—great for RV travelers wanting a bit more adrenaline in their Disney day.
5. Universal Islands of Adventure – Orlando, Florida
Rounding out the list is Universal Islands of Adventure, a high-energy park which is home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure, and the white-knuckle Jurassic World VelociCoaster.
This park gets high marks for immersive worlds and next-level rides. While RV parks aren’t on-site, plenty of nearby resorts cater to RVers looking to pair park days with rest and recharge nights.
Planning tip for RVers
Many of these parks are located near RV-friendly campgrounds, making it easy to set up base and explore the area at your own pace. And when you’re traveling with your home on wheels, shaded spaces, flexible food options, and off-peak scheduling all work in your favor.
All photos courtesy of their respective properties.
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RVT1221b
Thank you for the news, Russ and Tina! I feel a bit of pride that the number 1 park is in East Tennessee and owned by an East Tennessean. But, I also am way out of my depth in a theme park as we have no children or grandchildren. Curiosity led me to compile this list after a quick and dirty internet search:
–Dollywood 1-day senior pass $82 (regularly $92);
–Magic Kingdom 1-day
seniorpass $119;–Knoebels 1-day
seniorpass $0; (weekday ride-all-you-want pass $58); —Disney Hollywood Studios 1-dayseniorpass $159 (to $184, depending on entry date); and–Universal Islands of Adventure 1-day
seniorpass $119 (or more depending on entry date)I conclude …
… that buying entertainment in Florida is more expensive than buying entertainment in East Tennessee, but Pennsylvania entertainment is the most budget-friendly. Guess I rarely buy entertainment. 😉 Have a great day and safe travels!