It’s always holiday time at the Christmas-themed Lake Rudolph, where you don’t have to own an RV or even a tent to camp, although you’re welcome to bring your own if you prefer. With plenty to do, including planned activities, paddle boats, game room and a water park, Lake Rudolph is a destination resort that will keep you entertained for a weekend or a full week.
‘Twas six months before Christmas and all through the campground
We swam and we fished and played on the playground
At night we snuggled all comfy in bed
In a rather nice cabin, not the tent that I dread
One morning we woke to the sound of Ho! Ho! Ho!
And knew in a moment that off we must go
To the pavilion to hear the story retold
Of that Christmas Eve in times of old
Santa chose children to play all of the parts
Ma, the children, the man dear to our hearts
His version of the story drew much laughter
Then Santa stayed to answer questions after
Children asked how he can move so fast
Christmas Eve night doesn’t long last
Yet he visits children the world around
And all the while doesn’t make a sound
Santa answered more questions from girls and boys
Including how can he possibly afford all those toys
And then we were off to continue our day
At Lake Rudolph where all day long we would play
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Lake Rudolph cabins and camp sites
The Rudolph’s Christmas Cabin that my daughter, granddaughter and I stayed in had all the amenities of home, including full-size upscale kitchen appliances, three flat-screen televisions, a bedroom with a king-size bed, and a loft divided into two sides, one side with a queen mattress and the other with four twin mattresses. We were able to enjoy the outdoors even when it rained on the large covered deck with a gas grill. Most everything needed was included in the cabin. We only had to bring top sheets, blankets, towels, food, and a few other items.
Lake Rudolph offers two smaller sized cabins, as well, plus three sizes of rental RVs, for a total of 272 rentals. An additional 188 full hook-up sites are available for those who bring their own RVs and40 tent sites that include water and electricity.
Lake Rudolph activities
You are given an activities list upon arrival, so you can work your schedule around those that you want to do. My granddaughter was thrilled to visit with Rudolph one morning and even happier to see Santa the next day when he stopped in to tell the story of “The Night before Christmas.” She was chosen to play the role of “Ma in her kerchief.” My granddaughter also mined for gems and had her hand decorated with a Hello Kitty glitter tattoo.
We played mini golf while we were there, and spent some time on the playground and in the game room. We all enjoyed the paddle boats, especially pedaling practically right up to the roller coaster across the lake at the Holiday World theme park. In fact, Lake Rudolph provides a free shuttle from various stops throughout the campground to Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari.
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Lake Rudolph’s own water park, Santa’s Splash Down Water Park, includes five water slides: two fiberglass and three inflatable. There is an additional charge for the water park, but the Blitzen Bay pool and Baby Blitzen kiddie pool are free with your Lake Rudolph stay.
Watch the slideshow for more photos of Lake Rudolph.
Getting around Lake Rudolph Campground and RV Resort
Many guests choose to rent golf carts during their stay at Lake Rudolph to get around the resort, available with four seats or six seats. With a fleet of 200 golf carts, there are usually plenty available. During our stay one of the scheduled activities was an evening golf cart parade, in which participants decorated their carts and drove through the campground.
Employees ride golf carts as their primary means of transportation, too. Don’t be surprised when they wave at you in passing. Lake Rudolph has two mandatory rules for staff: 1) Smile and wave at everyone you pass, and 2) If you see trash, stop and pick it up.
Lake Rudolph awards and ownership
It’s not surprising that Lake Rudolph has won several awards in recent years, including being named the 2008-2009 National RV Park of the Year in the large category by the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds.
In June 2014 Lake Rudolph was purchased by Sun Communities, Inc., a company that has owned and operated RV resorts and manufactured housing communities for 35 years. Sun Communities has already begun making improvements to the already well maintained and continuously growing Lake Rudolph. The first project at hand is updating all of the roads throughout the campground. According to a press release issued by Sun Communities, Lake Rudolph’s general manager, Wayne Utley, will remain with the resort and will continue to ensure that all guests receive the very highest level of attention and services.
If you go to Lake Rudolph Campground and RV Resort
Lake Rudolph Campground and RV Resort is located at 78 North Holiday Blvd., Santa Claus, Indiana. Check rates and reviews.
Disclosure: Our stay at Lake Rudolph was hosted by the Spencer County Visitors Bureau and Lake Rudolph. However, any opinions expressed in this post are strictly mine. Some of the photos used in the video slideshow were provided by Lake Rudolph.
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