Halloween Fans Will Love These US Camping Experiences During Spooky Season

As the air grows crisp and the nights stretch longer, Halloween fans everywhere begin seeking out spine-tingling adventures to celebrate the spooky season. While haunted house and costume parties are classic staples, there's nothing quite like combining the thrill of outdoor adventure with Halloween fun. Imagined exploring haunted trails under the glow of a full moon or marveling at glowing pumpkin displays as you roast marshmallows by the campfire. The fusion of outdoor adventure with Halloween festivities is a unique way to celebrate this season. 

Whether you're in search of a light-hearted scare or a truly chilling experience, you'll find plenty to love around America's campgrounds. From eerie trails that challenge your bravery to carving contests that showcase your artistic skill, prepare to be enchanted as you immerse yourself in these outdoor adventures. Halloween fans: read on to uncover some exciting camping experiences around the United States that you're sure to love this spooky season.

Prepare yourself for a heart-racing adventure through the Midway Wicked Woods at Midway Campground Resort in Statesville, North Carolina. Terrifying visitors for 28 years, this haunted trail promises a night of eerie thrills. Begin your adventure with a haunted wagon ride that drops you off at the entrance of a forested path. As you navigate through the dark woods on your own, you'll encounter haunted buildings, a 600-foot pitch-black maze, and the disorienting Tunnel of Terror. For those brave enough, the 3D Clown Room offers a uniquely unsettling experience that's enhanced with 3D glasses. And if that's not enough to spook you, beware of Wicked Willie — he'll be lurking around, watching your every move.

This year, Wicked Woods is running on Friday and Saturday evenings from September 27 to November 2, with an added event on Halloween night. The adventure usually runs for 30 to 45 minutes, depending on how big the crowds are. 

If you're planning a visit, keep in mind that this attraction is not for the faint of heart. While children of all ages are allowed to enter with parental supervision, Midway Campground suggests that the event is more suited to adults. 

Returning for its fourth year, the Great Pumpkin LumiNights at Wild Adventures Theme Park in Valdosta, Georgia, transforms the Safari Campground into a flowing Halloween wonderland. Running from September 20 to October 27, this event features a dazzling display of intricately carved pumpkins spread across a 2.5-acre area. One of the major highlights includes the 100-foot Twilight Tunnel, which sparkles with thousands of lights. Also on display are Giant Pumpkins, some weighing over 700 pounds, that make for perfect ops. 

The Safari Campground is a popular destination, offering a unique camping experience and rivaling some of the best fall camping spots in the US. Families and friends can choose from RV and tent camping sites, or opt for cottages if they prefer a more comfortable stay. What makes the stay so unique are the opportunities to interact with animals from around the world, earning the campground its name. Kids and families can explore and learn about exotic wildlife during the day. Then, as the sun sets, the park and grounds transform into a Halloween haven under the stars.

Outdoor adventurers and explorers alike know that Yosemite National Park is one of those national parks that should be on everyone's bucket list. Now, imagine taking it up a notch and visiting during the Halloween season for some spooky fun. 

Visitors at Yosemite National Park can experience a unique Halloween adventure on the Fright Train between October 25 and October 27. This three-and-a-half-hour spooky train ride, hosted by the Yosemite Sugar Pine Railroad company, takes guests through the Sierra Nevada forest, combining the natural beauty of Yosemite with Halloween excitement. Seated in a historic steam engine and surrounded by decorations, visitors will wind through towering pines and misty landscapes, encountering a number of spine-chilling surprises.

The Sugar Pine Railroad is located only 10 minutes from the south gate of Yosemite National Park, making it convenient for campers to access. The ride is perfect for families, as the scares are mild enough for younger passengers. Tickets to the event also include dinner with options for both adults and children. After the ride, return to your campsite and gather around the campfire for a cozy evening under the stars retelling stories of your train adventure.

For families seeking a convenient outdoor Halloween getaway, KOA campgrounds and Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts offer the perfect solutions. These popular campgrounds are known for their family-friendly atmosphere, and during the Halloween season, they pull out all the stops with spooky, fun, and safe activities. With numerous locations across the country, finding a nearby campsite for a memorable Halloween adventure has never been easier. Plus, they offer a variety of accommodations, from comfortable and luxurious glamping spots to RV sites and traditional tent spots, catering to all types of campers.

During these special fall weekends, the campgrounds are packed with exciting activities designed for all ages. Kids can enjoy classic Halloween fun like trick-or-treating around the campsites, carving pumpkins, and participating in costume contests for some great prizes. Parents and kids can join in on campsite decorating competitions, or even join in on Halloween-themed arts and crafts. 

If you've already booked your campsites this fall and they're not at one of these locations — don't fret. Many national and state campgrounds and parks host a variety of Halloween-themed events, ensuring you can still enjoy some festive fun. From spooky hikes through the woods to themed crafts and family-friendly games, you're likely to find local seasonal events whether you're camping near a national park or staying at a smaller state-run site. 

Even if your campsite isn't offering specific Halloween events, you can create your own by looking up nearby "haunted trails." Exploring the wilderness at night, under the glow of the moon adds the perfect air of mystery to your camping experience. 

Alternatively, research nearby attractions online, and you might uncover hidden gems like haunted houses, pumpkin patches or community trick-or-treating events in the area, still forging a Halloween camping trip your group will never forget.