Finding a Halloween plan that works for everyone is harder than it sounds. Little kids want candy, teens want something that isn’t “babyish,” and adults want some fun of their own. Nobody wants to spend the night circling neighborhoods in traffic, and the family dog usually gets left at home.
Campland on the Bay brings it all together in one place. For more than 50 years, this waterfront campground on Mission Bay has been a San Diego family tradition. Its Howl-oween celebration packs costume contests, trick-or-treating, and a DJ dance party into a full weekend of camping just steps from the water.
Two Weekends of Howl-oween in 2026
Due to popular demand, Campland now hosts two Howl-oween weekends, so you can pick the one that fits your calendar or come back for both. Weekend 1 runs Friday, October 23 through Sunday, October 25. Weekend 2 runs Friday, October 30 through Sunday, November 1, putting you on-site for Halloween night itself.
Each weekend spreads the fun over three days instead of cramming it into one evening. Settle in Friday, go all-out Saturday, and save Sunday for one last round of games. Campland posts the detailed schedule each October on its Halloween at Campland page.
What’s on the Howl-oween Lineup
Contests for Every Age
The activity list reads like a Halloween wish list: a costume contest, a pet costume contest, pumpkin carving, RV and campsite decorating, and horseshoe tournaments. The schedule also features spooky arts and crafts, orange-and-black tie-dye, candy bar bingo, and costume dodgeball.
Costume contests are judged in categories, so the most elaborate outfit doesn’t automatically win. Winners are named in Families, Most Creative, and Overall Categories. Sign-ups close about 10 minutes after each start time, so line up early behind the stage.
Costume Dodgeball and the Spooky Dance Party
Costume dodgeball is a Howl-oween signature, split into age brackets so kids, teens, and adults each get their own games. On Saturday night, the spooky DJ dance party takes over, and RV Decorating Contest winners are announced from the stage. Browse the Activities & Events calendar to see what else is happening during your stay.
Trick-or-Treating, Campground Style
Candy From Site to Site
Trick-or-treating at Campland feels like the old-school neighborhood Halloween many parents remember. Campers hand out candy from their decorated sites while guests roam the campground collecting treats. With 595 RV and tent sites to cover, bikes, scooters, and skateboards have been encouraged so kids can reach every section.
Keep wheels slow, since the resort-wide speed limit is 5 mph. If you didn’t bring your own, Campland offers bike, cart, and surrey rentals on-site.
The Campsite Decorating Contest
Trick-or-treat time doubles as judging time for the campsite decorating contest, and you don’t need to be at your site for staff to score it. Categories include Best Theme, Overall and Scariest. Go big with your décor, then head out with the kids while your site does the work.
Bring the Whole Pack (Yes, Even the Dog)
The Pet Costume Contest
Campland’s mascot, Friendly the Wolf, would never leave the family pet out of Howl-oween. The pet costume contest awards Most Creative, Best in Show, and Funniest. Pet owners must line up behind the stage 15 minutes before the start, and late sign-ups aren’t accepted.
Know the Pet Rules
Dogs must stay on a leash no longer than six feet and can’t be left unattended outside your RV or tent. Pets aren’t allowed on the beach or inside buildings, and daily and weekly guests may bring up to three per site. Certain breeds are restricted, so review the pet policies before you pack.
Pumpkins, Parties, and Resort Perks
Pumpkin Carving and Painting
The pumpkin carving and painting contest will kick off the weekend during Friday Night this year. Pumpkins and supplies aren’t provided, so bring your own and create your masterpiece at your campsite. Last year, each site could enter up to two pumpkins, judged for Best Carved, Best Painted, and Most Creative.
Between the Main Events
You’re still at an award-winning resort, with a heated pool, hot tubs, a skate park, pickleball courts, and a public beach. Grab dinner at the Cantina or a scoop at the Ice Cream Parlor. Want time on the water? Campland’s water sports rentals include kayaks, paddleboards, and pedal boats.
What Should I Pack for Howl-oween?
Costume and Comfort Essentials
Halloween camping calls for a slightly different list than an ordinary weekend. Along with costumes, pack a warm layer for after-dark events, comfortable closed-toe shoes, and a flashlight or headlamp. The National Park Service lists illumination and extra clothing for cold, wind, and precipitation among its camping essentials.
Check the forecast before you leave, too. Both the NPS and California State Parks advise matching your gear to the season and preparing for changing weather, including packing rain gear. Thankfully, Campland on the Bay is located in sunny San Diego, so the weather is likely to be comfortable during the holiday weekends.
Halloween Extras
Add a candy bucket, pumpkins and carving tools, camp chairs, and extra blankets to your checklist. Bringing your dog? Pack a secure leash and ID tag. Leave fireworks at home, since they’re prohibited at Campland. First-timers can find more tips on the First-Time Guests page.
Tent Safety and Campland’s Fire Rules
If you’re tenting, keep decorations, lights, and gear organized around your site. California State Parks recommends battery-operated lights near tents, marking stakes and poles with bright fabric, and keeping tents at least 15 feet upwind from grills and fires with a three-foot clear zone.
At Campland, fires are allowed only in fire rings or management-approved portable fire pits, one per site. Flames can’t exceed 12 inches, and fires must never be left unattended. Review the full Resort Rules & Regulations before you arrive.
How to Book Your Howl-oween Campsite
Reserve Early
Halloween weekends are among Campland’s busiest, and waterfront sites go fast. The simplest move is to book instantly online. Compare site types, from full hook-ups to water-and-electric and dry sites. For a specific site, call (858) 581-4200, since those reservations are handled by phone for an extra charge.
No RV? Want to Save?
Tents are welcome, or you can rent an RV from a local company that delivers and sets it up at your site. Just know the rig’s size when you reserve. San Diego city residents, active military, seniors 65+, and Good Sam and AAA members get discounts at check-in. See camping rates for details.
Make This the Year Halloween Becomes a Tradition
The best Halloween party in San Diego isn’t a crowded bar or one rushed night of door-knocking. It’s a full weekend by the bay where kids trick-or-treat within the campground, teens play dodgeball in costume, and the dog gets its moment in the spotlight. It’s the kind of memory that keeps families coming back for generations.
With Campland’s lease recently extended for 15 more years, your new tradition has room to grow. Pick October 23–25 or October 30–November 1 and check availability today. Questions? Call (858) 581-4200 or contact us, and sign up for special offers to hear about upcoming events first.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Howl-oween at Campland in 2026?
Campland is hosting two Howl-oween weekends: Friday, October 23 through Sunday, October 25, and Friday, October 30 through Sunday, November 1. Join either weekend or book both. The detailed schedule is posted each October on the Halloween at Campland page.
Is Howl-oween a good fit for families with young kids?
Yes. Costume dodgeball is typically split into age groups, arts and crafts keep little hands busy, and trick-or-treating happens right inside the campground. The costume contest even includes a Families category. Quiet hours run from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m., so little ones can still get their rest.
Can I bring my dog to Howl-oween?
Yes, and your dog can enter the pet costume contest. Pets must be leashed (six feet max), can’t be left unattended outside your RV or tent, and aren’t allowed on the beach or in buildings. Daily and weekly guests may bring up to three pets per site.
Does Campland provide pumpkins for the carving contest?
No. Bring your own pumpkins plus carving or painting supplies. You’ll prepare your pumpkin at your campsite, then bring it to the stage for judging. Each site could submit up to two entries.
What should I pack for a Halloween camping weekend?
Pack costumes, a warm layer, closed-toe shoes, a flashlight or headlamp, rain gear, camp chairs, blankets, a candy bucket, and pumpkins. Pet owners should bring a secure leash and ID. Leave fireworks at home, as they’re not allowed at Campland.
What if I don’t own an RV?
Tents are welcome at Campland, or you can rent an RV from a local provider that delivers and sets it up at your site. Campland doesn’t rent RVs on-site, so see the Rent an RV page for a list of companies.
What is Campland’s cancellation policy?
Cancel at least 72 hours before arrival for a full refund minus a $30 fee. Cancellations within 72 hours are charged the first night. If you book at least 72 hours ahead, you can cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund. Full details are on the FAQs page.
