2022 X-Plorer's Campout

[outhikn]

Kings Dominion has announced a campout in the new Jungle X-Pedition area, for Saturday June 11th through Sunday June 12th. Donations go to A Kid Again.

I'm curious where exactly in Jungle X the campout will occur. And how this will be coordinated, given park hours that Saturday run till 9pm. But either way, as it should make for an interesting experience, I've already booked a campsite for my family.

https://www.kingsdominion.com/events/xplorers-campout

Has camping out at Kings Dominion been on your bucket list? If so, then you’re in luck! Bring your tents (not included) and come X-perience a campout like never before at Kings Dominion during X-Plorer’s Campout from Saturday, June 11th through Sunday, June 12th. Located in Jungle X-Pedition, you’ll be camping out around the Jungle X-Pedition temples, and your reservation also includes:

- One tent site for up to 4 people (tent not included)
- Admission to the park Saturday and Sunday
- Single Meal Deal
- Complimentary breakfast on Sunday, June 12th
- Late Ride Time on Intimidator 305 and Arachnidia*
- Early Ride Time on Tumbili and Reptilian*

 

[outhikn]

For anyone interested. The park released the attached PDF which goes into detail on the logistics of the campout.

Some highlights:

• The campsites look to be at Flat Rock (outside of Jungle Market Eatery) - which makes a lot of sense, as it's the largest and flattest piece of land in Jungle X-Pedition.
• At park close (9pm), you are allowed to bring in your gear at the Dominator gate, and start setting up your campsite.
• The restrooms at the entrance of Jungle X-Pedition will remain open. But of course, rest of the park will remain off-limits.
• Breakfast (supposedly prepared by Chef Denis) will be at Outpost Cafe.

Unfortunately the weather forecast is not looking favorable for Saturday, into Sunday morning, due to rain. So will be interesting to see what kind of turn out they get.

 

[Crunchewy]

Man, if you have to carry in sandbags, that's not going to be fun. Along with needing to carry in air mattresses and all that. I like camping, but I'd rather camp in an actual campground. Plus, if it's raining, the water might pool up? Not sure.

 

[outhikn]

Man, if you have to carry in sandbags, that's not going to be fun. Along with needing to carry in air mattresses and all that. I like camping, but I'd rather camp in an actual campground. Plus, if it's raining, the water might pool up? Not sure.

That's a good point about the sandbags; as I definitely would not want to lug any either. But on the average tent, once you load it up - with bags, sleeping pads, and eventually people - you generally don't have to worry about stakes securing the tent in place; as at that point the real purpose of stakes is just to help the rain fly extend beyond the perimeter of the tent. -And with KD giving each campsite only a 10 x 10 ft, on most tents you probably will not have the ability to even run those sand bags (extending the rain fly edges) too far anyway.

As for pooling... Yeah, that could definitely be an issue too. But if memory serves me, I believe Flat Rock is not truly "flat", and has a very slight incline. So I guess the biggest thing to worry about is just pooling of water on some low-lying pavers.

The one thing that cautions me most is actually the train. The train tracks are just behind the FoF ride building; so quite close. During normal hours of the park, you generally don't notice the train. But during the AM hours, that track is heavily used. I've camped at the KD KOA campground quite a few times (in a tent), and even though the KOA tent sites are farther away than that Flat Rock area... boy, it's hard to get any sleep, with a new train lumbering through every 45 minutes or so.

But regardless. As long as the weather isn't too bad, I still plan to do the campout -- As I figure, you can campout anytime in a regular campground. But how often do you get the chance to campout in an amusement park.

What would be interesting, is though KD has done a number of previous campouts, is what would it be like if BGW ever did the same... perhaps spread around outside of Abbey Stone in Ireland; where people would be allowed to bring their gear through the far southern end of the England parking lot.

 

[outhikn]

For those interested, the X-Plorer's Campout event this past weekend was outstanding (except for the AM thunderstorms, which I will get to shortly). But here is a (not-so-brief) summary of the event:

On Saturday afternoon, each party was to check-in by 6pm. During this time each camper got a gift bag of various Jungle X merch, including a meal voucher for that evening (Note: The pen-looking item on the far right is, thoughtfully, bug spray):



By around 9:20pm, we were all allowed to re-enter the park (with our gear in tow) at the Dominator entrance. Walking up to Jungle X, I fully expected the KD event staff to tell us to pitch our tent at Flat Rock; as that's what their literature mentioned for the camping location. But I was blown away when we were all told that we could pitch our tents anywhere in Jungle X!

With that news, I quickly hightailed it to the base of Tumbili, to claim a campsite for my family near the Reptilian queue entrance; so right in front of what I refer to the Jungle X base camp:



Shortly after most tents were setup, the KD staff had a couple of WinterFest fire pits setup just outside of Outpost Cafe to make s'mores:



During the campout, we were free to roam anywhere in Jungle X. And everyone then got extended ride-times on Arachnidia and Intimidator till 10:30... where finally getting to ride Intimidator again (fully) at night was awesome!

If there was one negative to the event, it was the thunderstorms that rolled through Doswell sometime after 2am, as it poured (and thundered) throughout the AM hours.

I'll admit that I was looking forward to opening the tent in the morning and being greeted to the site of Tumbili looming overhead. But alas, I was greeted instead to a continued deluge and a small river.

That morning the park provided breakfast to all campers. I believe their original plan was to serve it outside of Outpost Cafe. But due to the weather, they moved the food inside Outpost Cafe and graciously opened the dining room for us all to eat in.

Breaking camp in the flood was not pleasant; as I swear our tent was at least twice the weight to haul out of the park, due to accumulated moisture. But again, that's all part of the camping experience - along with the full day it's taken to finally dry out all of our gear.

Worth noting, the event was for charity, and was not for the financial benefit of the park. So between the staffing for the event itself and the extended ridetimes, and all the extras (merch/vouchers/breakfast), I was very impressed.

Finally... I must admit that this event is one of my most memorable times that I've ever had at the park - with of course the exception of my first time riding that incredible giant, 305 foot tall red monstrosity, many years ago. So if the park does another one of these campout events - allowing us to camp anywhere in the park - I would STRONGLY recommend it (especially any of us with children).

Otherwise, let me know if anyone is interested in additional photos, from the day time, showing the tent sites that most people chose; including some rather odd locations chosen by some.

 

[panopticon31]

For those interested, the X-Plorer's Campout event this past weekend was outstanding (except for the AM thunderstorms, which I will get to shortly). But here is a (not-so-brief) summary of the event:

On Saturday afternoon, each party was to check-in by 6pm. During this time each camper got a gift bag of various Jungle X merch, including a meal voucher for that evening (Note: The pen-looking item on the far right is, thoughtfully, bug spray):

View attachment 27068

By around 9:20pm, we were all allowed to re-enter the park (with our gear in tow) at the Dominator entrance. Walking up to Jungle X, I fully expected the KD event staff to tell us to pitch our tent at Flat Rock; as that's what their literature mentioned for the camping location. But I was blown away when we were all told that we could pitch our tents anywhere in Jungle X!

With that news, I quickly hightailed it to the base of Tumbili, to claim a campsite for my family near the Reptilian queue entrance; so right in front of what I refer to the Jungle X base camp:

View attachment 27069

Shortly after most tents were setup, the KD staff had a couple of WinterFest fire pits setup just outside of Outpost Cafe to make s'mores:

View attachment 27070

During the campout, we were free to roam anywhere in Jungle X. And everyone then got extended ride-times on Arachnidia and Intimidator till 10:30... where finally getting to ride Intimidator again (fully) at night was awesome!

If there was one negative to the event, it was the thunderstorms that rolled through Doswell sometime after 2am, as it poured (and thundered) throughout the AM hours.

I'll admit that I was looking forward to opening the tent in the morning and being greeted to the site of Tumbili looming overhead. But alas, I was greeted instead to a continued deluge and a small river.

That morning the park provided breakfast to all campers. I believe their original plan was to serve it outside of Outpost Cafe. But due to the weather, they moved the food inside Outpost Cafe and graciously opened the dining room for us all to eat in.

Breaking camp in the flood was not pleasant; as I swear our tent was at least twice the weight to haul out of the park, due to accumulated moisture. But again, that's all part of the camping experience - along with the full day it's taken to finally dry out all of our gear.

Worth noting, the event was for charity, and was not for the financial benefit of the park. So between the staffing for the event itself and the extended ridetimes, and all the extras (merch/vouchers/breakfast), I was very impressed.

Finally... I must admit that this event is one of my most memorable times that I've ever had at the park - with of course the exception of my first time riding that incredible giant, 305 foot tall red monstrosity, many years ago. So if the park does another one of these campout events - allowing us to camp anywhere in the park - I would STRONGLY recommend it (especially any of us with children).

Otherwise, let me know if anyone is interested in additional photos, from the day time, showing the tent sites that most people chose; including some rather odd locations chosen by some.

View attachment 27073

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View attachment 27074

Did they mention this might be an annual event? If so I would definitely be interested in attending next year.

 

[Coasternerd]

Did they mention this might be an annual event? If so I would definitely be interested in attending next year.

I would be as well.

 

[horsesboy]

Did they mention this might be an annual event? If so I would definitely be interested in attending next year.

They did it at least once pre-covid so I would say it's likely.

 

[willrobs3]

For those interested, the X-Plorer's Campout event this past weekend was outstanding (except for the AM thunderstorms, which I will get to shortly). But here is a (not-so-brief) summary of the event:

On Saturday afternoon, each party was to check-in by 6pm. During this time each camper got a gift bag of various Jungle X merch, including a meal voucher for that evening (Note: The pen-looking item on the far right is, thoughtfully, bug spray):

View attachment 27068

By around 9:20pm, we were all allowed to re-enter the park (with our gear in tow) at the Dominator entrance. Walking up to Jungle X, I fully expected the KD event staff to tell us to pitch our tent at Flat Rock; as that's what their literature mentioned for the camping location. But I was blown away when we were all told that we could pitch our tents anywhere in Jungle X!

With that news, I quickly hightailed it to the base of Tumbili, to claim a campsite for my family near the Reptilian queue entrance; so right in front of what I refer to the Jungle X base camp:

View attachment 27069

Shortly after most tents were setup, the KD staff had a couple of WinterFest fire pits setup just outside of Outpost Cafe to make s'mores:

View attachment 27070

During the campout, we were free to roam anywhere in Jungle X. And everyone then got extended ride-times on Arachnidia and Intimidator till 10:30... where finally getting to ride Intimidator again (fully) at night was awesome!

If there was one negative to the event, it was the thunderstorms that rolled through Doswell sometime after 2am, as it poured (and thundered) throughout the AM hours.

I'll admit that I was looking forward to opening the tent in the morning and being greeted to the site of Tumbili looming overhead. But alas, I was greeted instead to a continued deluge and a small river.

That morning the park provided breakfast to all campers. I believe their original plan was to serve it outside of Outpost Cafe. But due to the weather, they moved the food inside Outpost Cafe and graciously opened the dining room for us all to eat in.

Breaking camp in the flood was not pleasant; as I swear our tent was at least twice the weight to haul out of the park, due to accumulated moisture. But again, that's all part of the camping experience - along with the full day it's taken to finally dry out all of our gear.

Worth noting, the event was for charity, and was not for the financial benefit of the park. So between the staffing for the event itself and the extended ridetimes, and all the extras (merch/vouchers/breakfast), I was very impressed.

Finally... I must admit that this event is one of my most memorable times that I've ever had at the park - with of course the exception of my first time riding that incredible giant, 305 foot tall red monstrosity, many years ago. So if the park does another one of these campout events - allowing us to camp anywhere in the park - I would STRONGLY recommend it (especially any of us with children).

Otherwise, let me know if anyone is interested in additional photos, from the day time, showing the tent sites that most people chose; including some rather odd locations chosen by some.

View attachment 27073

View attachment 27071

View attachment 27074

Sounds like a blast! Love your point of view on the weather - it truly is a part of camping and being outdoors! Was on the road when this event was scheduled, I really hope they bring it back next year so we get a chance to camp out in the park.

 

[CoasterTalkBob]

Did they mention this might be an annual event? If so I would definitely be interested in attending next year.

This is something that multiple Cedar Fair parks have been doing so I would imagine we'll see it come back.

 

[outhikn]

Did they mention this might be an annual event? If so I would definitely be interested in attending next year.

Was on the road when this event was scheduled, I really hope they bring it back next year so we get a chance to camp out in the park.

Unfortunately the park did not say whether they were planning another one next year. But as others have mentioned in this thread, this is not the first camping event that KD has done; so chances are very good that we'll see another one.

From some quick searching, looks like the last camping event was in August of 2019.

And apparently the very first event was back in August of 2015, and mentioned in this thread, here on ParkFans.

I unfortunately too have been out of town on those prior campouts. But one thing I've always wondered was where in the park you camped at.

The X-Plorer's Campout here immediately peaked my interest when announced, because they specifically stated that it was to be held in Jungle X and that "you'll be camping out around the Jungle X-Pedition temples". So it was pretty clear.

But even on that 2019 campout, the KD site only says "within our family-friendly campground", but that you can "spend the night under a canopy of your favorite roller coasters". So again, not 100% sure where in the park it was. Though I do vaguely recall something about camping near Dominator. (Anyone happen to know more?)

Regardless. Something I mentioned earlier in this thread was how I would love if BGW ever held their own campout... with tents possibly spread around the outside of Abbey Stone and Grogans in Ireland (as it's one of the flatter areas of the park). But most importantly, that Ireland gives you best access to the parking lots (through the far southern corner of England), making for the shortest distance for campers to carry their gear; which again, is a very important point when your tent happens to weigh twice as much the next day 😉

 

[horsesboy]

Unfortunately the park did not say whether they were planning another one next year. But as others have mentioned in this thread, this is not the first camping event that KD has done; so chances are very good that we'll see another one.

From some quick searching, looks like the last camping event was in August of 2019.

And apparently the very first event was back in August of 2015, and mentioned in this thread, here on ParkFans.

I unfortunately too have been out of town on those prior campouts. But one thing I've always wondered was where in the park you camped at.

The X-Plorer's Campout here immediately peaked my interest when announced, because they specifically stated that it was to be held in Jungle X and that "you'll be camping out around the Jungle X-Pedition temples". So it was pretty clear.

But even on that 2019 campout, the KD site only says "within our family-friendly campground", but that you can "spend the night under a canopy of your favorite roller coasters". So again, not 100% sure where in the park it was. Though I do vaguely recall something about camping near Dominator. (Anyone happen to know more?)

Regardless. Something I mentioned earlier in this thread was how I would love if BGW ever held their own campout... with tents possibly spread around the outside of Abbey Stone and Grogans in Ireland (as it's one of the flatter areas of the park). But most importantly, that Ireland gives you best access to the parking lots (through the far southern corner of England), making for the shortest distance for campers to carry their gear; which again, is a very important point when your tent happens to weigh twice as much the next day 😉

I believe 2019 was Safari Village as I saw pictures of tents setup in Intimidator's plaza.

 

[outhikn]

But even on that 2019 campout, the KD site only says "within our family-friendly campground", but that you can "spend the night under a canopy of your favorite roller coasters". So again, not 100% sure where in the park it was. Though I do vaguely recall something about camping near Dominator. (Anyone happen to know more?)

I was curious why I was thinking a previous campout was located near Dominator, and found this article with this photo (where apparently the photo credit should go to Chad Showalter according to this article):


Examining the metadata for that image, it shows that it was indeed from the original August 2015 event:


And another perspective showing the tents across from Dominator (from here, but photo credit is apparently just to Kings Dominion):


So that marks campout events in 2015, 2019, and this one in 2022 that we know of. But I also found this blog post where KD had a campout in August 2017, and it states: "camp sites are located along Dominator walkway (adjacent to the coaster)".

So it's interesting for these two earlier events that they seemed to confine all the campsites to these (rather small) grass areas next to Dominator and into Planet Snoopy - which makes me really appreciate the freedom they gave for this year's event:


Unfortunately I cannot seem to find any photos from the 2019 event, as I'd be curious to see photos of it in Safari Village.

It's also interesting how these articles are reporting about this year's X-Plorer's Campout event, and how the park has 60 campsites available. But by my guess though, I counted only around 20 tents or so this past weekend. -So it appears either 2/3 of the campers decided to not chance the weather, or the park did not get as many takers on the event - where I also saw some Facebook posts of people balking at the high price, which is understandable.

So if the scheduling trend continues, I would assume the next campout event may be in 2024; though I would love to see another one next year. I also really hope the apparent lackluster turnout for this year does not cause the park to reconsider the event's future.

 

[RollyCoaster]

In 2019 they did the camp out in that grass area across from the Dominator station that was circled in the post above. I worked that night.

 

[Crunchewy]

For those interested, the X-Plorer's Campout event this past weekend was outstanding (except for the AM thunderstorms, which I will get to shortly). But here is a (not-so-brief) summary of the event:

On Saturday afternoon, each party was to check-in by 6pm. During this time each camper got a gift bag of various Jungle X merch, including a meal voucher for that evening (Note: The pen-looking item on the far right is, thoughtfully, bug spray):

View attachment 27068

By around 9:20pm, we were all allowed to re-enter the park (with our gear in tow) at the Dominator entrance. Walking up to Jungle X, I fully expected the KD event staff to tell us to pitch our tent at Flat Rock; as that's what their literature mentioned for the camping location. But I was blown away when we were all told that we could pitch our tents anywhere in Jungle X!

With that news, I quickly hightailed it to the base of Tumbili, to claim a campsite for my family near the Reptilian queue entrance; so right in front of what I refer to the Jungle X base camp:

View attachment 27069

Shortly after most tents were setup, the KD staff had a couple of WinterFest fire pits setup just outside of Outpost Cafe to make s'mores:

View attachment 27070

During the campout, we were free to roam anywhere in Jungle X. And everyone then got extended ride-times on Arachnidia and Intimidator till 10:30... where finally getting to ride Intimidator again (fully) at night was awesome!

If there was one negative to the event, it was the thunderstorms that rolled through Doswell sometime after 2am, as it poured (and thundered) throughout the AM hours.

I'll admit that I was looking forward to opening the tent in the morning and being greeted to the site of Tumbili looming overhead. But alas, I was greeted instead to a continued deluge and a small river.

That morning the park provided breakfast to all campers. I believe their original plan was to serve it outside of Outpost Cafe. But due to the weather, they moved the food inside Outpost Cafe and graciously opened the dining room for us all to eat in.

Breaking camp in the flood was not pleasant; as I swear our tent was at least twice the weight to haul out of the park, due to accumulated moisture. But again, that's all part of the camping experience - along with the full day it's taken to finally dry out all of our gear.

Worth noting, the event was for charity, and was not for the financial benefit of the park. So between the staffing for the event itself and the extended ridetimes, and all the extras (merch/vouchers/breakfast), I was very impressed.

Finally... I must admit that this event is one of my most memorable times that I've ever had at the park - with of course the exception of my first time riding that incredible giant, 305 foot tall red monstrosity, many years ago. So if the park does another one of these campout events - allowing us to camp anywhere in the park - I would STRONGLY recommend it (especially any of us with children).

Otherwise, let me know if anyone is interested in additional photos, from the day time, showing the tent sites that most people chose; including some rather odd locations chosen by some.

View attachment 27073

View attachment 27071

View attachment 27074

That does sound really fun... as long as you have a good air mattress. So did you not use sandbags at all? Wasn't needed?

 

[outhikn]

That does sound really fun... as long as you have a good air mattress. So did you not use sandbags at all? Wasn't needed?

Regarding sandbags - I did not need them at all on my tent. I guess they might have been helpful in extending the rainfly (like I mentioned in an earlier thread post). But otherwise my tent (like most modern tents which use extendable poles) do not really need them.

Funny you mention air mattresses though, as lugging two of these into the park, one for me and one for my wife - which has a built-in USB rechargeable pump, that I've used many times for car camping - was well worth the effort! My shoulders did not appreciate the effort, but my back certainly did 😉