Camel Rides at Lanterns 2026
As Wildwood Park celebrates the 15th anniversary of the Lanterns Festival, we invite you to imagine yourself on the desert sands of Egypt as you see, touch, and ride live camels at this year's Egypt vista.
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Read on for details about how you and your family can participate in this exciting and unusual experience!
Do I need to reserve a camel ride in advance?
No, you don't need an advance reservation. Camel rides will be available every day the festival is open, Thursday through Sunday, from opening to closing time. Rides will be given on a first-come, first-served basis.​
Please note: There may be short breaks each day for the comfort of the animals and their handlers.
Ride price: 15 Wildbucks per rider​
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Ride length: Each ride is a 3-minute loop at a relatively slow pace
First, purchase Wildbucks at one of the stations in the park, then stand in line at the camel ride area near the Egypt vista. Riders must remain in line while waiting.
A seating area will be available nearby for friends and family members who want to watch without riding.​ Friends and family are welcome to take photos.
Who can ride a camel?
Both adults and children are welcome to ride, either solo or in groups. Each camel can carry a maximum of 400 lbs.
A handler will walk beside the riders at all times to ensure their safety.
Please note: You must be able to climb a set of stairs to get up to the camel's back.
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Refund policy
If the camel ride area closes before you are able to ride, either because of inclement weather or because the festival is closing for the night, you may request that your Wildbucks be refunded. We will also offer refunds for any riders who choose not to ride after purchasing a ticket.
About our camel ride provider
Camel rides at Lanterns are made possible by Cockrill’s Country Critters, a family-owned business led by Janice Cockrill-Griffin and Eddie Griffin. For more than 17 years, they have created safe hands-on animal experiences for families across Arkansas, Texas, and Louisiana. Their mobile petting zoo brings camels, reptiles, monkeys, kangaroos, and other exotic animals to festivals, schools, and special events. They also offer a wide variety of animal encounters and party packages at their farm in Austin, AR.
