Kings Island to host Coaster Campout to benefit Boys & Girls Club

Kings Island, located near Cincinnati, Ohio, will host its Coaster Campout event this weekend, June 7-8, to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

By Andy Guinigundo

There are plenty of great coaster enthusiast events around the country. If you’re new to the coaster enthusiast scene, you can join a local or national coaster club to find events big and small. Visit theme parks close to you, or travel across the country and world.

There are events for every budget, and these always feature what is referred to as “ERT,” aka “exclusive ride time.” This is time set aside for attendees to ride certain rides before the park opens or closes for the public.

This particular event is quite unique, in that attendees actually get to pitch their tent and sleep under their favorite rides and attractions at Kings Island.

Campers can check in for Coaster Campout starting at 8 pm on June 7. The park will close to the public at 10 p.m. Ride opportunities will begin at 10:30 p.m. and will include The Beast, the looping Vortex, Backlot Stunt Coaster, Shake, Rattle & Roll, and Dodgem. During the ERT, snacks will be served. The menu is expected to include popcorn with various flavored “dusts”, cookies, Kings Island Snack Mix, and unlimited fountain beverages.

The next morning begins with breakfast at the Festhaus. The menu is expected to include breakfast sandwiches, hash browns, fruit, granola, and beverages. After campsite cleanup, campers get a bit more ERT with rides on The Beast, Kings Mills Antique Autos, and select rides within Planet Snoopy prior to the park opening at 10 a.m. There will be other coaster and charity events during the year at Kings Island, but this will be the only one to feature camping within the park.

Campsites are $200 per 4 campers, and each campsite accommodates a 20’ x 20’ tent. Additional campers will cost an extra $50. The price includes park entry for Friday evening and all day Saturday, food, and a campsite. This is quite a good deal, considering an online 1-Day park ticket is just over $50.

For more information, head to VisitKingsIsland.com. Check out a video of last year’s event below: