There are a handful of holidays that campers look forward to celebrating at the campground more than others. Topping that list here in the US are most definitely the 4th of July and Halloween. For those who can’t wait to unhitch and have some spooky fall fun, look for campgrounds that celebrate Halloween in a big way! From parades and trick or treating to parties and costume contests, some campgrounds crank up the fun with annual Halloween festivities!
Halloween Weekends at Campgrounds
As I have mentioned at various times here on the blog, we LOVE camping in the fall. There is something about the weather, the feel in the air, and the overall mood that consistently finds us camping during the fall months. It is the last hoorah for many of us in areas that have 4 distinct seasons, as winter camping is all-but-impossible in those spots.
We are located in Southeast Pennsylvania and in my opinion, fall is as close to heaven on Earth as I’m going to get. The summer humidity drops through the floor and the crisp, cool air is so inviting after the heat of the summer. The days typical warm up and are perfect for outdoor relaxing and adventuring, without getting too hot.
There are many campgrounds across the country that take advantage of the comfortable autumn weather AND the approaching Halloween holiday. Campgrounds are typically bustling with campers and full campsites. This is the perfect time of year to host themed Halloween weekends and activities… and that’s just what you will find at many destinations. Many of these activities take place in October, but occasionally you will find a campground that starts Halloween activities in late September.
Campground Halloween-Themed Activities
What are some of the most common activities that you mind find during Halloween weekends at a campground? The list is pretty long, but here are some of the most popular options:
- Campsite decorating
- Golf cart decorating
- Costume contests
- Dance parties
- Trick or treating (candy galore!)
- Hayrides (sometimes haunted hayrides, sometimes regular wagon rides!)
- Art activities
- Scarecrow building
- Pumpkin carving contests
- Pumpkin painting
- Site decorating contest
- Live entertainment
It can be a lot of fun to celebrate Halloween in an RV, tent, or cabin!
Campgrounds that Celebrate Halloween
Check out the list below for some campgrounds that celebrate Halloween with various fun and activities! Keep in mind: this is just a small sampling of campgrounds that offer Halloween events. Many of these campgrounds book early thanks to these popular themed weekends, so always book as soon as you know what dates you will be traveling. If there are specific activities that you are hoping to enjoy, be sure to call and ask the campground personnel what is on the schedule.
Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts (Various US Locations)
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park locations across the country often host Halloween-themed weekends in October. These campgrounds are famous for their family-friendly Halloween activities, including crafts, costume contests, pumpkin decorating and carving, hayrides, campsite decorating, and trick-or-treating.
Hersheypark Camping Resort (Hershey, Pennsylvania)
Located just down the road from the chocolate mecca (HERSHEY), the Hersheypark Camping Resort is a great place to spend a fall weekend. Catch the leaves in full fall splendor and enjoy chilly nights around the campfire. Not only will you find campground activities like pumpkin decorating, campsite decorating, costume contests and a trick or treat trail, but hop over to Hersheypark for even more fun. Hersheypark Halloween activities are a blast for kids AND adults!
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground and Resort (Florida)
If you love to decorate your campsite AND tour loop after loop (after loop!) of fun campsite decorations, head to the Fort! The campers at Fort Wilderness in Disney World go GAGA for Halloween campsite decorating! During specific weekends there is even judged campsite decoration contests. In addition to campsite decorating, Fort Wilderness hosts an array of Halloween activities, including a golf cart parade, pet costume parade, trick or treating, pumpkin decorating and more. (One weather note: don’t expect cool and chilly in Florida – it’s still going to be quite warm in the fall!)
KOA Campgrounds (Various US locations)
We have stayed at PLENTY of KOA campgrounds over the years, and several of those stays having been during the month of October. In general, KOA campgrounds do a nice job offering family-friendly activities year round. The month of October is no exception and many locations offer a whole list of Halloween entertainment. Check with your KOA destination to see if they have Halloween events.
Sun Outdoors Ocean City (Berlin, Maryland)
Formerly known as Castaways RV Resort, Sun Outdoors Ocean City has an idyllic location. It sits on the bay and faces the island of Assateague (home to the famous wild ponies). Fall camping here is gorgeous and inviting. In October, Sun Outdoor resorts offer themed weekends with Halloween activities like haunted trails, pumpkin carving, and costume contests. Be sure to check with specific locations for details.
Ocean Lakes Family Campground (Myrtle Beach, South Carolina)
This large campground in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina combines two things that we LOVE: oceanside camping and a jam-packed monthly calendar with great entertainment and activities. In October, weekends feature a long list of Halloween themed events. These events often include Halloween celebrations with activities like trick-or-treating, a golf cart parade, pumpkin decorating contest, a costume contest and a Monster Mash Ball DJ dance party.
Knoebels Amusement Resort Campground (Elysburg, Pennsylvania)
If you have never been to Knoebels, you are really in for a treat! When you camp at Knoebels you can stay adjacent to the amusement park. The park is great because there is no admission fee and you can walk in and out of the park from the campground. In October you can check out a Halloween-themed event called “Hallo-Fun Weekends.” Campers can enjoy haunted house attractions, cookie decorating, pumpkin painting, trick-or-treating, and nighttime rides at the amusement park.
Interlake RV Park and Campground (Rhinebeck, NY)
Interlake made our list for several reasons! First of all, location. If you are looking for a picture perfect fall scene, Interlake holds a lot of promise. Located in the gorgeous Hudson River Valley in New York, the foliage in all of its splendor puts on quite a show there. As you surround yourself in nature’s finest display, you will find various family Halloween activities at the campground. From trick or treating and costume parades to Halloween crafts, Interlake’s schedule lists several opportunities for seasonal fun.
The other reason we chose this campground is because it is just 30 minutes or so from a huge annual Halloween attraction: Headless Horseman Haunted House and Attractions in Ulster Park, New York. If you are looking for frightful Halloween entertainment, you won’t be left disappointed at Headless Horseman!
Mill Creek Ranch Resort (Canton, Texas)
Mill Creek Ranch Resort is a gorgeous spot to unhitch and unwind. Located about 1 hour east of Dallas, TX, they offer a long list of amenities and activities. Halloween weekend is no exception! Enjoy a Trick or Treat hayride, costume contest, and an array of Halloween themed games and crafts.
If you find yourself in the mood to explore, head over to the Dallas Arboretum and check out the jaw-dropping fall harvest pumpkin displays. Dallas and its surrounding suburbs are home to a bunch of haunted houses and other spooky seasonal attractions.
Winter Island Park (Salem, MA)
So listen: this campground is not on my list because of the Halloween activities AT the actual campground. This campground is owned and managed by the historic city of Salem, Massachusetts. Yep, that Salem. Salem, MA… home of infamous Salem Witch Trials in 1692. To say that this town comes alive in October is an understatement. If you are looking for camping accommodations near the town of Salem, Winter Island Park is just 2 miles away. It is a great location and puts you a quick drive to the Salem Witch Museum and many of the other annual Halloween events in Salem.
Remember to check with the specific campgrounds for their Halloween event schedules and availability, as they may change from year to year. Additionally, booking well in advance is often necessary for popular Halloween-themed camping weekends.
We hope this gives you a little inspiration for fall camping and the Halloween fun that awaits. Whether you want to find family friendly activities or full-on SCARE, there are so many options. Do you have a favorite campground for Halloween fun that is not on our list? Add it to the post in the comment section!
Make sure you take a look at the rest of our Halloween content while you’re here!
