In the infamous words of Sheriff Leigh Brackett, “It’s Halloween, everyone’s entitled to one good scare.”
Whether you’re aiming to spook the kids, impress your neighbors, or simply make your spot the most festive on the campground, campsite decorating is the way to go. The best part? You don’t need a storage unit of props or a Hollywood budget. With a few clever finds and some creativity, your campsite can transform into a fun and spooky Halloween setup.
We’ve come up with some fun and easy Halloween campsite ideas, from DIY projects to ready-to-order props for your next Halloween camping trip.
1. Light up your pathway
We all know lighting is the perfect way to set the right Halloween mood. Swap out plain solar lights for glowing pumpkins, ghosts, or even gumdrop-inspired path markers that look like something out of a candy-coated nightmare. Here are some places to start:
- Candy Corn Traffic Cones – Adorable if anything else, these cones double as decor and campsite markers. You can also easily DIY your own candy corn cones and make a fun ring toss game out of them!
- Halloween Gum Drop Pathway Lights – Perfect for lining your walkway.
- Light-Up Ghost Stakes – These ghouls instantly set the scene.
- Pumpkin Pathway Lights – A more cheerful way to welcome trick-or-treaters if you don’t want to lean too hard into a scare factor.
2. Web of wonders
Nothing says haunted campsite like a giant spider web crawling over your tent, or RV. Bonus if it glows in the dark!
- Glow-in-the-Dark Spider Web – Easy to drape across trees or picnic tables, and the glow makes it pop after dark.
- You can also easily turn gauze into spiderwebs for a fun and simple DIY project!
Tip: Position your web near a lantern or solar light so it really stands out when the sun goes down.
3. Haunted hammock
This easy DIY decor is perfect for a campsite setup. String up a hammock and drape it with tattered cloth or gauzy netting, then place a skeleton or stuffed ghoul inside like it’s taking a nap under the stars. Bonus: add a glowing lantern underneath for a spookier effect!
4. Pumpkin power
Pumpkins are obviously the ultimate campsite decoration. Mix it up with a blend of carved, painted, or inflatable pumpkins.
- Bring a carving kit for a family-friendly activity around the picnic table.
- Try battery-powered LED candles for safety (and less mess).
- Inflatable pumpkins are perfect if you want a bigger impact with little effort.
5. Trick-or-treat trail
If you’re camping with kids, set up a short “trail” around your site with mini decorations and treats tucked along the way. Use glow sticks, orange rope lights, or candy corn cones as markers. It’s like a bite-sized scavenger hunt right at the campsite.
6. Ghostly clothesline
Drape a clothesline with old pillowcases or sheets and let them billow like floating spirits in the night breeze. Draw ghoulish faces on the sheets or add glow sticks inside the fabric for extra effect! This decor is easy, portable, and uses materials you likely already have at home.
7. Fortune-telling firepit
Set a crystal ball (or even a fishbowl with LED lights inside) on a side table by the fire. Pair it with tarot cards or spooky props for an interactive “fortune corner.” This makes for a perfect conversation starter with neighboring campers and their kids!
8. Costume up your campsite pet
We can’t forget the pups and kitties! Pet costumes or glow-in-the-dark collars not only add to the scene, but everyone loves a dog or cat playing their part. It also keeps your four-legged camper safe while trick-or-treating around the KOA. Here’s some of our favorite pet costumes:
More tips for the perfect Halloween campsite setup
- Keep it travel-friendly – The best Halloween campsite decor is portable, weather-friendly, and easy to pack away. Always look for collapsible, lightweight decor items and battery-powered lights – and don’t forget to check your specific KOA campground’s rules for what’s allowed at your site, too!
- Remember who’s at the campground – There may be little ones enjoying the campground during Halloween as well – keep your decor in mind so you don’t give young campers too much of a fright!
- Get ghoulish with the food – You can set the scene with spooky food as well! Consider a snack station for the kiddos or even an adult-themed Halloween beverage for the parents! Here’s 6 spooktacular recipes that are perfect for a Halloween celebration.
Creep it Real by Camping at KOA this Halloween
Whether you go for cute and spooky or full-on haunted campground vibes, decorating your KOA campsite for Halloween is all about creating memories. From glowing pathways to funky spider webs, your setup will have other campers stopping by to snap photos, swap laughs, and maybe even tell a ghost story or two.
So pack up your pumpkins, grab a few of these fun finds, and get ready for a great time at KOA this Halloween!
About the Author: Kampgrounds of America
Kampgrounds of America is the largest system of open-to-the-public campgrounds in the world, with over 500 locations across the United States and Canada. Founded in Billings, MT in 1962, KOA’s family of campground brands – KOA Journey, KOA Holiday and KOA Resort – today serve more than a million camping families each year. KOA is dedicated to “connecting people to the outdoors and each other” by providing people with a variety of camping experiences and the information they need to make the most of their camping trip. Read more of their camping and travel resources by visiting KOA.com/blog.
