Six Flags America
Six Flags America in Bowie, Maryland has 54 rides, including nine roller coasters and three water rides. Hop in the RV and head to the park today.
Event information
What started out as a drive-through safari park founded by Ross Perot and ABC Television Studios in 1973, became Wild World in 1978, then Adventure World in 1992 before being acquired by Six Flags and renamed Six Flags America in 1999.
Today, the park still has a bit of wildness to it with the added attractions of 54 rides, including three water rides and nine thrilling roller coasters. Located in Bowie of Prince George’s County in Maryland, Six Flags America was named as such because of how close it is to the capital of the United States.
Six Flags America has eight themed areas, which include Coyote Creek, Gotham City, Looney Tunes Movie Town, Mardi Gras, Chesapeake, Main Street 1776, Whistlestop Park, and Hurricane Harbor. Movie Town and Whistlestop Park are special sections of the park with rides for even the littlest thrill-seekers. Kids from toddlers to teens can choose from 15 fun attractions that range from a mild playground to a thrilling Sky Jumper, as well as Splash Zone, where the kids can cool off.
Speaking of cooling off, Hurricane Harbor has 17 water attractions, including three water rides and several slides of varying thrill factors. This part of the park is adjacent to the rest of the park, and there is no extra fee to enter. Take a ride on the Riptide or relax in Buccaneer Beach with the kids.
Visitors will be working up an appetite, and they can visit one (or more) of the dozens of eateries in the park. Enjoy a live show with the family before heading back to play on some more rides. Don’t forget to stop and grab some souvenirs from one of the many gift shops before heading back to camp
Tickets
Getting your tickets online always saves money when buying Six Flags Theme Park tickets. In past years, one-day tickets for Six Flags America were just under $40 online and over $72 if getting them at the park. Save even more if you plan to go more than once in a year by getting a season pass for about $65. That’s less than a one-day pass bought at the park, so it’s definitely worth the money. Especially since they are good at all of the 21 Six Flags Theme Parks all over the country!
Explore Six Flags America RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
Six Flags America is located in the Bowie area of Upper Marlboro in Maryland. It is only 15 minutes from the country’s capital of Washington, D.C., so many RVers stop there and check out the Lincoln Memorial, United States Capitol Building, and the Washington Monument to learn more about America’s heritage. Surrounded by major highways on all sides, visitors can reach the park on WA-214 (Central Avenue) from US-50, US-301, I-95, or I-495.
Parking areas
Park visitors can save time by purchasing parking passes online. The parking lot is huge and there are plenty of places to park, even for the biggest rigs. The good thing about having the RV in the parking lot is that it is easy to find with marked rows once the day is over. When approaching the entrance booth parking instructions will be provided for larger vehicles.
Public Transportation
Visitors can head to Largo Town Center on Metro’s Blue Line to get to Six Flags America. Just switch to bus C-22, and it might go right to the front of the park. There are also private buses, rideshare apps, and taxi services available in the area.
Where to stay
Onsite
Because Six Flags America does not have any type of camping on-site, it may help to download a camping app. The area around the park has quite a few Maryland RV campgrounds and state parks as well.
Nearby
Being so close to the capital and major highways makes it easy to get to one of the campgrounds nearby. There are several that are privately owned, including the Washington DC / Capitol KOA Campground, just 18 miles to the northeast. The family will love all the amenities like the playground, nature trail, and pool as well as the dog park, bike rentals, and tour bus. With over 100 sites that can fit RVs up to 90 feet long, everyone can find a spot here, although it is a good idea to make a reservation in advance.
Another RV park near Washington D.C. is Cherry Hill Park and is under 20 miles from Six Flags America. Cherry Hill Park offers a pool, wifi, amenities, and plenty of space for RVs.
Getting around
Six Flags America has wheelchair rentals (both manual and electric) at the Main Street Service Center by the Main Street fountain. In addition, strollers and double strollers are available for rent. These are all on a first-come, first-served basis, and they cannot be reserved. Wheelchairs and strollers from home are okay, too, but not other types of personal devices like bikes, Segways, skateboards, or scooters.
What to pack
Clothing
Bring summer clothes like shorts and tee-shirts as well as long pants and sweaters because it can get cool at night in this part of the country. Comfortable clothes that aren’t bulky are important for those who plan to ride the rides. Be sure to pack the bathing suit as well for the water park.
Gear
Since lockers are available to rent just inside the gate, bringing a bag with whatever is needed for the day is fine. Backpacks and purses are not allowed on rides. Fanny packs are okay though and are just big enough to hold keys, a wallet, and phone. For the campsite, pack all the basic necessities like a camp stove just in case your campground does not offer one.
Health & Safety
Each guest is allowed to bring a bottle of water or electrolyte drink as long as it is not in a glass container. Hats and sunglasses are recommended for blocking the sun but must be removed during rides. Pick up a travel-sized bottle of sunscreen that will fit in the fanny pack or a pocket to reapply as needed.
Where to eat
Cooking
Plan for anything as far as cooking goes so that you can adjust as you travel. Even if the campground says it has full utilities, it is always good to have a backup plan. Pack a camp stove or a portable BBQ grill just in case neither are present. Stock up on basic cooking needs like foil, cooking spray, eating and cooking utensils, plates, and trash bags before heading to the park.
Restaurants
RVers won’t have to go far to get to a restaurant if they want to try something new or do not want to cook anything. Less than two miles to the southwest, there is a Mexican restaurant, a chicken place, a Jamaican eatery, Asian cuisine, a pizzeria, and several fast food joints. For some fine dining, head to the northeast about six miles where there are several full-service restaurants, a seafood restaurant, and a sushi bar.
Vendors
Six Flags America guests can find over 30 places to chow down if they get hungry while visiting the park. Asian food, tacos, sub sandwiches, and pizza are some of the favorites for dinner, and there are several spots to grab an adult beverage if needed. Then stop by one of the kiosks and grab some funnel cake, kettle corn, or some other sweets for dessert. Afterward, peruse some of the dozen shops where they have souvenirs and other gifts.
Safety
Security
Security staff members are available around the park to help those who need them and to keep everyone safe while they have fun. Security is also present at the front gate where they will check bags and backpacks. Remember not to bring any items on the prohibited list such as selfie sticks, glass, or alcohol.
Weather
Temperatures in this part of Maryland are typically hot during the summer months. The average high is between 83 and 86 with lows in the upper 60s. However, it has been known to get over 100 degrees and drop below 40 in the past. Rain is common in any month, and storms can pop up at any time. Be sure to download a weather app to stay updated on the local weather.
Medical
The main first-aid station is on Main Street behind the Main Street Service Station across from the fountain. There is another first-aid station in Hurricane Harbor next to the Hurricane Bay wave pool. Registered medical professionals are available for minor injuries and illnesses. However, if further medical treatment is needed, they will provide transport to the nearest hospital, about two miles away.
