The eeriest time of the year is right around the corner, ushering in a season of ghostly tales, illuminated pumpkins, and a delightful mix of pranks and treats. Among all the holidays, Halloween stands out as the perfect match for a camping adventure, especially with its shadowy, forested settings and the comforting crackle of campfires. Goosebumps, anyone? To infuse your Halloween-themed camping trip with some festive fun, here are seven ideas to consider.
Get Creative with Pumpkin Carving
If you find yourself with some downtime around the campsite, why not put your knife skills to the test (safely, of course) and craft what could turn out to be a true work of art? Instead of idly waiting around, seize the opportunity to engage in one of the quintessential Halloween activities – pumpkin carving. The beauty of pumpkin carving is that it doesn't require much space, making a campground just as fitting a location as your own home. All you need to do is make a pit stop at a pumpkin patch, pick up a few choice gourds, bring along your carving tools and any candles for illumination, and then let the creative fun begin! A campground's picnic table provides the ideal workspace, and you can proudly display your illuminated pumpkins in front of your tent for a charmingly eerie touch.
Go on a Spine-Tingling Night Hike
To infuse some Halloween excitement into your camping trip, consider straying a bit from the campsite. It brings a sense of adventure, a touch of challenge, and the chance to witness some truly mesmerizing starlit skies. Plus, it's an excellent opportunity to shed those extra candy calories. A fantastic idea is to set out on a night hike within close reach, delving into the mysteries of the nocturnal wilderness. Safety is, of course, paramount, so ensure you're not venturing alone and stay on a well-defined path. With those precautions in place, there's nothing quite as eerie and enchanting as a night hike illuminated by lanterns during the Halloween season.
Tell Scary Campfire Stories
While sharing scary stories around a campfire is a timeless activity that transcends seasons, there's something extra enchanting about it when Halloween is in the air. As the sun sets and your marshmallows begin to sizzle, gather around the flickering flames and let the spooky legends flow. You're free to improvise your own narratives, as eerie or mild as you please. Even if you don't consider yourself a creative genius or a masterful storyteller, don't fret. The internet is a treasure trove of thousands of spine-tingling narratives just waiting to be unearthed. You'll find a range of tales, from those suitable for all ages to those that venture into the realm of the truly unsettling.
Make Halloween-Inspired Food
To infuse your outdoor escapade with a touch of Halloween magic, consider whipping up some spooky and scrumptious tricks and treats. While pumpkin-flavored goodies are a classic choice, such as pumpkin bread or a warm bowl of pumpkin soup, you can take your culinary creativity a step further. Why not indulge in whimsical delights like "worms & dirt" (a.k.a. chocolate pudding topped with crushed Oreos and gummy worms). Or even better, opt for adorable Halloween-themed recipes like Spider Hot Dogs, Spooky Fingers, and Rice Krispies® Treat Brains to add a playful and ghoulish twist to your outdoor feast!
Host a Halloween Camping Movie Night
While some campgrounds offer Wi-Fi, you can still enjoy your favorite films even in the absence of internet or cellular service—think dispersed camping, off-grid adventures, or backcountry excursions. The best part? It won't cost you a dime! All it takes is a bit of advance preparation. If you have a tablet, simply download a movie in advance from streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, or others. Then, snuggle up in your tent or RV and get ready for a hair-raising movie night!
Transform Your Campsite with Halloween Décor
What better way to infuse the Halloween spirit into your camping adventure than decorating your campsite? Not only does it set a spooky mood, but it also offers a fun and engaging activity for everyone around the camp. Consider draping fake cobwebs along your tent's door or ceiling, or hang some spooky faux bats or ghosts. For an extra eerie touch, bring along a Bluetooth or sound system to play haunting Halloween sounds. Just be mindful that any decorations or items you bring to the campsite should also be taken back with you.
Organize a Halloween Scavenger Hunt
Who says Easter has a monopoly on scavenger hunts, right? Scavenger hunt is an engaging and delightful way to add some zest to your Halloween camping gathering. Craft a scavenger hunt that winds through your campsite, whether you choose to conduct it during the day or venture into the night for an extra spine-tingling experience. The hunt should be complete with riddles and enticing prizes, like delicious candy, hidden along the way. If you're camping with a group, this activity can be a blast for kids. Simply conceal candy or intriguing items around the campsite and watch as the competition heats up.
Happy Halloween from Westfield Outdoors®!
Thanks for checking out our blog ... we hope this gave you a few ideas on how to have add some frightfully-fun outdoor adventures to your Halloween celebration this year. And if any products from Westfield Outdoors® make an appearance during your Halloween activities this year, be sure to tag our brands, like Timber Ridge® and Power Ridge®, on social media! In fact, if you're looking to get into the Halloween spirit, check out this video from Power Ridge® about how to stay charged while trick-or-treating!