Silverwood Theme Park—two parks in one. It’s an amusement park and a water park. The entrance fee is a tad high when compared to bigger attractions in SoCal ($66) but where else can you find a regional-size theme park in the North West? Silverwood has the advantage of being the only park located near our western Montana home, so we loaded up our four kids and pulled our RV across the mountain passes to find some fun. We attended with my wife and I, and boys ages 1, 5, 12, and 16. From kiddy rides to killer coasters everyone will find something they remember.

RV Park: I’ll start with the really convenient RV park right across the highway. Silverwood’s RV park has lots of roomy and shaded sites for both RV’s and tents. It’s quite gravel roads arrange sites in circular clusters that left enough room between us and are neighbors for some privacy. We found it’s best to book WAY ahead of time as the RV park fills up fast and if you’re going to say more than a few days in a row like us, you may have to move during your stay. I recommend staying in the larger, roomier, and isolated lots on the far west side of the park.

The RV park has normal amenities like showers, playgrounds, and laundry. But the camp store is dismally under stocked so you may find yourself driving the 10 minutes to town for supplies at Walmart. There are no other “special” features of the RV park like you may find at KOAs.

The RV park is connected with the theme park across the dangerously fast and busy highway by an underground viaduct making trips back and forth for lunch fast and safe. Be careful pulling into the RV park. The turning lane is unmarked, the RV Park sign is hidden by trees, and the cars driving up your but don’t slow down. We heard screeching brakes more than a few t imes.

Amusement Park: Roller-coasters! That’s what Silverwood has in spades. From simple and beloved old wooden ones to super-intense modern inverted steel behemoths. I counted two huge wooden coasters and three crazy wild steel ones. There are smaller roller-coasters for toddlers and small children, plenty of “splash” flume/log rides, and some classic carnival rides that are super-sized for the theme park.

The theme for Silverwood seems to be very loosely tied to Garfield. There are a few characters from the comic here and there, but overall the effect is underwhelming. What is capitalized upon are the authentic working steam railroad and associated mall buildings. The craftsmanship is better than Disneyland and comes across as classy and clean. Be prepared to walk a lot. The park rambles along sometimes narrow and crowded sidewalks.

Take in the indoor magic show held throughout the day. It was amazing! Simply the best, outside of Vegas. As with most theme parks, bring snacks and walk back to the RV for lunch, or you’ll shell out $100+ for a lunch of smallish burgers for a family of six. Do try the ice cream bar in the heart of the carnival-esc arcade—giant scoops that you’ll never be able to finish. The park is stroller/wagon/backpack friendly. We toted a collapsible wagon all over, baby on board and gear piled high. The steam train ride is picturesque and includes a reenactment; bring a pile of random change for the kids (I won’t spoil it by telling you why). Prepare to get soaked on the flume and log rides. Wear sandals or you’ll be walking in squishy wet sneaker all day.

Water Park: We came in late June, but the weather was never really hot. Plan to stay a few days so you can catch a day of mid-70’s and get wet during a window of full sun. The water park is big and has something for every age. There are two huge maze-like splash parks for the little kids. The two massive wave pools (big enough to be called wave oceans) have fun at the shallow end (0-to a few inched deep) for babies and a mash-pit atmosphere at the deep end for teens. Everywhere there are hundreds of lounge chairs and cabanas. A river for floaters winds its way throughout the water park. There are a couple of free-fall water drops for adrenaline types. The park has at least two tubes rides for groups of riders—both are get wet fun and not too intense for kids. Life vests piled up like cord wood are free, and they have sizes for every age. The lines. Ok, even though we were early in the season and the weather was at best 72 degrees, the lines for the bigger water rides were long. Even the acres of lounge chairs started to fill up by mid-day. I’d bet the park is overcrowded in the height of summer, so maybe plan on doing the water park on a weekday. The park empties out much earlier than it closes, so going in afternoon and staying ‘till they throw you out will get you on the rides without the long wait.

Silverwood Pros:
Two parks in one
RV camping next door
Awesome roller coasters
Diversified water park
Classy design and clean appearance
Northern Rocky Mountain location
Fun for every age

Silverwood Cons:
Entry fee stacks up for multiple days
Clouds and cooler weather put a damper on getting wet
Garfield theme has lame execution
Food prices are just ridiculous
Highway dangers are real
Lines can get too long

Too expensive for what is offered. Roller coasters are bone jarring, mind scrambling bumpy and not much else is on offer for anyone over 7. haven't tried water park so can't comment on it.

Great rides, awesome water park and reasonable prices.....management keeps adding new attractions each year as well...

The theme park is mostly variations on roller coasters, so is better for older kids. The grounds are nicely landscaped and maintained, which makes it pleasant for strolling. There serve beer from stands throughout the park which is welcome on hot days.