Halloween and camping are a match made in spooky heaven. Imagine crisp fall nights, glowing pumpkins, and ghost stories echoing through dark forests; it’s an adventure straight out of folklore. Across the United States, campgrounds transform into eerie, festive playgrounds for thrill seekers and families alike. From haunted hayrides to eerie trails lit by lanterns, these destinations capture the Halloween spirit while offering the beauty of nature and the comfort of a campfire glow.
1. Sleepy Hollow Campgrounds, New York
Just minutes from the legendary town that inspired Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, this campground immerses you in Halloween lore. Towering oaks, foggy evenings, and themed events create an atmosphere thick with mystery. Campers can join guided ghost walks, costume contests, and spooky storytelling nights by the fire. Local shops nearby sell handcrafted pumpkins and cider donuts, making it a perfect fall escape for those who crave a classic, small-town Halloween adventure.
2. Hoosier National Forest, Indiana
Hoosier National Forest offers a thrilling Halloween camping experience with its dense woods and winding trails. Fall leaves, foggy mornings, and shadowed groves create a perfect setting for spooky stories around the campfire. Seasonal events like lantern-lit hikes, costume contests at select campgrounds, and pumpkin carving add festive fun for families. Its secluded campsites provide both adventure and a touch of eerie solitude, making it ideal for campers seeking a memorable fall getaway.
3. Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, Florida
For a more family-friendly spin on Halloween camping, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort offers an unforgettable experience. Themed parades, pumpkin carving contests, and campfire sing-alongs with ghost stories make it a magical October getaway. RVs and tents are decked out with glowing decorations, and trick-or-treating through the campground feels like something out of a movie. Despite the spooky theme, it’s warm, welcoming, and full of laughter, a perfect option for families with kids.
4. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Shenandoah National Park offers a perfect blend of spooky wilderness and scenic beauty for Halloween campers. Fog drifts through the Blue Ridge Mountains, creating an eerie atmosphere for nighttime hikes and campfire storytelling. Rangers and local groups sometimes host themed events like ghostly ranger talks or lantern-lit trail walks. With miles of trails and quiet forested campsites, this destination delivers a thrilling, immersive fall camping experience for those seeking both adventure and a touch of fright.
5. Gettysburg Campground, Pennsylvania
For true paranormal enthusiasts, Gettysburg is the ultimate Halloween destination. Campers here are surrounded by historic battlegrounds rumored to be haunted by soldiers of the Civil War. The campground organizes ghost tours and candlelight walks through nearby fields, offering an immersive dive into American history and the supernatural. Even if you don’t spot a ghost, the sense of reverence and eerie calm will stay with you long after your tent is packed away.
