Honestly, walking into Clementon Amusement Park used to feel like stepping into a time machine that had seen better days. You've probably heard the rumors. For years, people in South Jersey whispered that the place was finished, destined to be bulldozed for another strip mall or a cluster of townhomes. It almost happened.
Back in 2019, the park just... stopped. No big farewell. No final rides. The gates stayed locked, the paint peeled under the New Jersey sun, and the 114-year-old history of this place seemed like it was heading for the scrap heap. But if you think it’s still just a ghost town on Berlin Road, you’re wrong.
The Resurrection of a Jersey Legend
Clementon isn't just another theme park. It’s one of the last remaining "trolley parks" in the entire country. Back in 1907, Theodore Gibbs built this place specifically to give people a reason to ride the trolley on the weekends.
It worked.
For a century, it was the heart of Camden County. We’re talking about a place that hosted socialist presidential rallies in the 30s and where legendary boxer Al Ettore trained to fight Joe Louis. It survived the Great Depression by holding dance marathons that lasted for days.
Then came the 2021 auction.
People expected the rides to be sold off piece by piece. Instead, a guy named Gene Staples—the same developer who saved Indiana Beach—showed up and bought the whole thing for about $2.3 million. He didn't want the real estate for condos; he wanted the nostalgia.
Why Clementon Amusement Park New Jersey is Different Now
If you haven't been back since the reopening, the vibe is... different. It's cleaner. It's more "mom and pop" than the massive corporate parks like Great Adventure. It doesn't try to be Disney. It tries to be Clementon.
The park basically splits itself into two personalities: the classic dry rides and the Splash World water park.
The big question everyone asks is about the Hell Cat. That wooden coaster is the park’s skyline. It’s notorious for being "rough," but that's part of the charm for coaster purists. It’s high-thrill, a bit shaky, and exactly what a vintage wooden coaster should feel like.
What’s Actually Running in 2026?
The park is officially open for the 2026 season, starting Memorial Day weekend. They’ve been pouring money into the infrastructure, which was the biggest complaint for years. You’ll find about 25 attractions total, which is the perfect size for a day trip without the 2-hour lines you find elsewhere.
- The Classics: The Giant Ferris Wheel still gives you that view of the lake that you remember from being a kid. The Antique Carousel (a mix of Looff, Dentzel, and Stein & Goldstein carvings) is still the soul of the park.
- Thrill Seekers: Besides the Hell Cat, they’ve got the Thunder Drop which is an 85-foot freefall. It’s short, but it’ll make your stomach drop every single time.
- The Water Park: Splash World is usually the main draw when the Jersey humidity hits 90%. Torpedo Rush is the one that scares most people—it’s a trap-door slide where the floor literally vanishes. If you’re more of a "floating with a drink" person, the Lazy River is still there, though they call it the Endless River.
The Realistic Side: What to Expect
Let’s be real for a second. This is a 17-acre park.
✨ Don't miss: Mount Pleasant New York: Why This Westchester Hub Is More Than Just a Commuter Stop
If you go in expecting 500-foot tall giga-coasters, you’re going to be disappointed. Clementon is for the family that wants to ride a few things, get soaked in the wave pool, and eat some boardwalk-style food without spending $400 just to get through the front gate.
Pro-tip on the food: You can’t bring outside coolers in. They’re strict about it. But there are picnic tables in the parking lot areas if you want to go the DIY route and save some cash.
Pricing and Access
They’ve kept the pricing relatively grounded compared to the "mega-parks."
- Season Passes: Usually hover around $55–$60, which pays for itself in two visits.
- Clementon Residents: If you live in the borough, you get a discount. Bring your ID.
- Parking: It’s actually free. In an era where some parks charge $30 just to leave your car in a field, this is a massive win.
How to Do Clementon Right
Don't just show up at noon on a Saturday in July. You'll bake.
The best way to handle Clementon Amusement Park New Jersey is to hit the dry rides early—right when they open at 11:00 AM. The sun reflects off the lake, and the asphalt gets hot fast. Around 1:30 PM, when the heat peaks, move over to Splash World.
Big Wave Bay is the 23,000-square-foot wave pool, and it's the center of the action. If you have kids under 42 inches, they’re going to need a life vest (which they provide), and you’ll need to be in the water with them.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
- Check the Calendar: The park doesn't run daily all year. It’s a Memorial Day to Labor Day operation. Always check their official site for "Limited Attraction" days—sometimes they open the water park but keep certain dry rides closed for maintenance.
- Buy Online: Tickets at the gate are almost always $5 to $10 more expensive. Just buy them on your phone in the parking lot if you have to.
- The "Hell Cat" Strategy: If you're a coaster fan, ride it first. Woodies react differently to heat and humidity as the day goes on.
- Lockers are Essential: Don't try to leave your bag on a lounge chair at Splash World. Use the rental lockers near the entrance of the water park. People are generally nice, but why risk your phone?
Clementon survived being auctioned off and nearly demolished because it fills a specific gap. It’s the local spot. It’s the place where you can actually see your kids while they’re on a ride. It’s a piece of Americana that refused to die, and honestly, South Jersey is better for it.
📖 Related: 1 Hotel New York City: What Most People Get Wrong
Your next move: Check the 2026 operating schedule on the official Clementon Park website to see if they have any "Bring-a-Friend" discount days active for the month you plan to visit.