Where to Stay Near Holiday World: A Complete Guide to Lake Rudolph Campground & RV Resort

If you’re planning a trip to Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana, one of the best places to stay near Holiday World is right next door at Lake Rudolph Campground & RV Resort.

This award-winning family campground offers more than just a place to sleep — it’s an adventure in itself. Whether you’re traveling with kids, teens, or grandparents, Lake Rudolph has something for everyone. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your stay.

Why Choose Lake Rudolph Campground?

Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph Campground is located right next to Holiday World, making it the most convenient place to stay if you want to maximize your time at the park. A complimentary shuttle runs throughout the day during peak season, dropping guests off right at Holiday World’s front gate.

But what makes Lake Rudolph really stand out is the range of lodging options and amenities. Whether you’re looking for a cozy cabin, an RV site, or a rustic tent site, there’s a space that fits your family’s style and budget.

Address: 78 N Holiday Blvd, Santa Claus, IN 47579

Lodging Options:

• Vacation Rentals & Cabins: Choose from a variety of cabins and cottages. Most come equipped with kitchens, bathrooms, air conditioning, and private decks. Some cabins even include loft spaces perfect for kids.
• RV Sites: Full-hookup sites are available, with both back-in and pull-through options. Many include concrete patios and picnic tables.
• Tent Sites: Wooded and shaded tent sites with water and electric hookups offer a more traditional camping experience.

Lake Rudolph is also pet-friendly, allowing furry family members to join in the fun for a small additional fee.

A Look Inside The Holiday Cabin at Lake Rudolph

Every time we visit Lake Rudolph, we choose to stay in one of their cozy Holiday Cottages. These charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath rentals offer comfortable space for a family of four, which has room for up to six guests thanks to a convenient sleeper sofa. Each cottage includes a full kitchen, a welcoming sitting area, and a covered porch- perfect for relaxing after a full day at the park.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Although they have a fully equipped kitchen, it is not well-stocked with cooking supplies. Think one pan, one sheet, and so on. I recommend either grilling or bringing a prepared dish, such as a casserole, lasagna, or something that doesn’t require much cooking.
• There aren’t fast food options nearby. The closest thing is a Casey’s gas station or a pizza place.
• Each of the cottages has a full fridge. We would bring cold cuts, milk for cereal, yogurt, etc.
• The grill is charcoal, and you will need to provide the supplies.
• Every cabin has a fire ring and picnic table outside.
• You will need to bring your bedding, towels, and washcloths. The cabin does provide a fitted sheet and pillow. We recommend bringing a dish towel or paper towels as well.
• The cottages do have air conditioning!
• When traveling with a large group, it’s recommended to book early and contact Lake Rudolph to speak about group booking options. NOTE: This can be tricky if your group books different types of cabins. Before booking, call Lake Rudolph to determine the best option.
• The nearby grocery store is Holiday Foods and Grocery where you pick up anything you left behind. A Dollar General is located within walking distance from the campground as well.

There are three other cabin types available that can accommodate additional guests, including the Christmas Cabin, A Holiday Cottage with a loft, and a Candy Cane Cottage. There are wheelchair accessible and pet-friendly options for all of the different accommodations.

Create a Holiday Themed Adventure

Our annual summer pilgrimage to Holiday World has grown from a mere four people to over a whooping thirty. Over the years, we have incorporated a new fun tradition that both kids and adults love: decorating the cabins for a particular holiday. Holidays are chosen in advance to prevent duplication, ensuring that each family receives a unique holiday.

We then have a parade of cabins to see everyone’s unique decorating, which has included lights, inflatables, banners, and more! Taking it one step forward, on our first night, we have a holiday potluck, where each cabin brings a dish that best represents their holiday.

A few of the fun ideas that have been suggested include champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries to represent Valentine’s Day, decorating your own Christmas Cookies, bags of Halloween Candy, a Thanksgiving Turkey, and a 4th of July Grill-out.

On-Site Activities and Amenities At Lake Rudolph

Lake Rudolph isn’t just a place to crash after a day at the theme park — it’s a destination on its own. It is why our group chooses to stay three nights instead of two. The campground offers an impressive variety of activities that can keep the entire family entertained during your stay.

Highlights Include:

• Complimentary shuttle service to Holiday World
• Mini golf, gem mining, playgrounds, and a game room
• A fishing lake and paddleboat rentals
• Basketball and volleyball courts
• A general store, camp store, and snack bar
• Golf cart rentals (extremely popular – book in advance)
• Organized events, including Halloween weekends, parades, and family movie nights
• Dog Park -located next to Lake Rudolph Beach.

Tons of Great Activities For The Kids

One of the reasons our group has started to opt for more days at Lake Rudolph is that we were missing so many great family-centered activities. Visits with Rudolph, crafts and games along with hours playing on the different playgrounds. As the day gets warmer venture to the pools, which includes a kiddie pool. Don’t forget to bring a towel!

Blitzen Kitchen

Blitzen Kitchen is located at the Camp Store. It is the campgrounds casual eatery serving up a variety of favorites like pizza, chicken fingers, hot dogs, grilled chicken sandwiches, pulled pork sandwiches, potato fries, nachos, Bavarian pretzels, and refreshing fountain drinks. They also have over 32 flavors of ice cream and shakes to sweeten your vacation.

Another spot to grab frozen treats is at the Frostbites Sweet Treats also located inside the campground.

Tip: Both of these close at 8pm or 9pm, depending on the day. Don’t make this your dinner option if you plan on staying at the park till closing.

Santa’s SplashDown WaterPark at Lake Rudolph

One of the best features of Lake Rudolph is Santa’s SplashDown WaterPark, a small but fun waterpark located within the campground. It’s a perfect way to cool off without having to leave the campground.

Waterpark Features:

• Two large water slides (require a $10 wristband for access)
• Kiddie splash areas
• Cabanas available for rent
• Blitzen Bay family swimming pool (included for all guests)
• Dasher Splash Pad for younger kids

While it’s not as large as Holiday World’s Splashin’ Safari, it’s an excellent amenity for winding down or for a more relaxed day between park visits.

Tips for Visiting Lake Rudolph

After staying at Lake Rudolph and talking with other families, here are a few helpful tips to make the most of your experience:

1. Book Early

Cabins and RV rentals fill up fast, especially on weekends and holidays. If you’re planning a summer trip, book several months in advance.

2. Bring Your Own Linens

While fitted sheets and pillows are provided in most cabins, you’ll need to bring your own blankets, towels, and top sheets.

3. Consider Renting a Golf Cart

The campground is large, and having a golf cart makes it easier to get around — especially with kids in tow. Plus, the nightly golf cart parade is a fun and festive event. Golf cart drivers must be at least 16 AND they must possess a valid driver’s license (strictly enforced).

4. Use the Shuttle

Take advantage of the free shuttle service to Holiday World. It runs frequently and saves you the hassle of parking at the park. If you are traveling with small children, I would recommend driving. Parking at Holiday World is FREE and there is lot right next to Lake Rudolph. That way, you don’t have to wait for a shuttle and can immediately go to your car when your little ones are ready to leave.

5. Check for Midweek Discounts

Rates are often lower Sunday through Thursday, and the campground occasionally offers promo codes or special packages. Sign up to be on their email list to get specials and discounts straight to your inbox.

6. Budget Time for Lake Rudolph Activities

Don’t plan to spend all day, every day at the amusement park. Carve out some downtime to enjoy the campground itself. A slower morning at the splash pad or a quiet evening around the fire pit can be just as memorable.

Best Places to Stay Near Holiday World

When searching for where to stay near Holiday World, Lake Rudolph Campground is at the top of the list for a reason. Its location, variety of lodging options, and on-site amenities make it more than just a place to sleep — it’s part of the vacation experience.

If you need a few more lodging options, consider Santa’s Cottages and Santa’s Lodge. Santa’s Lodge is dated, but it is clean, has an indoor/outdoor pool, and offers a complimentary breakfast.

Be sure to check out these Holiday World Articles to help you plan your visit:

The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Holiday World Weekend Getaway

Avoiding Crowds At Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari

5 Upgrades You Need At Holiday World

Save This For Future Planning