The final stop on our Under the Radar series is Camden Park, located in Huntington, West Virginia! This little park has an interesting history. Camden Park originally opened as a picnic park in 1903 with rides being introduced in 1907. The slowly developing park had only six rides by 1920. The park also survived a bad Ohio River flood in 1937 and a small fire in the 90’s. The park is currently home to over 30 rides, including West Virginia’s only two permanent coasters, which also happen to be ACE Coaster Classics!
The Big Dipper is Camden’s major wooden coaster. This classic “figure 8” coaster opened in 1958. The Big Dipper is 50 feet tall with the tallest drop being 35 feet. The ride is rough, but fun, especially getting to be in the old Century Flyer trains! I remember coming here as a kid and riding this coaster 10 times in a row. I came out of my seat every time on the first drop and loved the tunnel at the end of the ride!
Watch a video of Big Dipper below:
Check out these awesome old Century Flyers!
Camden’s other coaster is a junior model and is appropriately named the Little Dipper. It opened in 1961, is 17 feet tall and 450 feet long. Little Dipper’s trains are also Century Flyers. Even though it’s small, this is a fun coaster and a great starter coaster for children!
Watch a video of Little Dipper below:
The Little Dipper has a wooden track and steel supports.
Other features of Camden Park include an old Haunted House ride, a fun log flume, and a vintage “whip” ride designed by Coney Island’s William F. Mangels. The park is only 26 acres, but there are enough rides and attractions to keep you busy! It was always a great treat to come spend a day here in the summer as a kid. The park was never busy and I could ride all day long! As soon as I saw the giant clown sign I knew we were there! I can’t wait to go back and relive the memories. If you are ever in the area, stop by Camden Park for a classic small park experience that will not disappoint!
Has anyone else been to Camden Park? What are your thoughts on it?
Love it. I have been going to CP for years. When I was young my patents took me to CP and it was a blast! So know I take my children there and it brings back memories. I wish they would bring back the old rides they use to have. They have room to put them. Like the Tip Top, Hurricane, Yo-Yo, Big Slide. If they would bring back these rides and use up that land where nothing is, it would drawl people to the park even more. Get the concerts that they use to have years ago, and the Camden Queen. If the owners would bring back the little things the guests will come.