Every October, San Diego parents start the same search: where’s a trunk or treat that’s safe, fun, and worth the drive? Many events last an hour or two in a parking lot, and then everyone piles back into the car. If you’re hoping for something bigger than a quick candy loop, you’re not alone.
Campland on the Bay takes the idea further. At its Howl-oween weekends, the candy stops are decorated campsites and RVs along the shores of Mission Bay, and the fun doesn’t end when the candy runs out. You get costume contests, a DJ dance party, and a full weekend of waterfront camping in one trip.
Trunk or Treat vs. Campground Trick-or-Treating
Same Goal, Different Setup
Trunk or treat and campground trick-or-treating share the same goal: giving kids a community setting to collect Halloween candy. Trunk-or-treat events vary by host, but many bring families to one designated area where kids walk between decorated vehicles. Campland’s Howl-oween offers a similar decorated, walk-around experience, with a few key differences.
| Typical Trunk-or-Treat | Campland’s Howl-oween | |
| Candy stops | Decorated vehicles in one gathering area | Decorated campsites, RVs, and tents across the campground |
| How long it lasts | Often a single evening | Two, three-day weekends |
| What you decorate | Your car trunk | Your whole campsite, with a decorating contest |
| Other activities | Varies by host | Costume contests, dodgeball, pet contest, pumpkin carving, DJ dance party |
| Afterward | Drive home | Head back to your waterfront campsite |
In other words, Campland isn’t presenting Howl-oween as a traditional trunk-or-treat. It’s a campground version of the same community-style idea, where your “trunk” becomes your campsite and the candy crawl is one part of a full weekend on Mission Bay.
Safety Tips for an After-Dark Candy Crawl
A campground setting comes with a few practical differences, especially once costumes, decorations, and candy buckets enter the mix. California State Parks recommends these camping safety basics:
- Arrive early enough to set up your campsite before dark
- Check your site for potential hazards
- Use only battery-operated lights in or near tents
- Mark tent stakes and poles with bright fabric or tennis balls to avoid tripping
How Trick-or-Treating Works at Campland
Candy From Campsite to Campsite
During Howl-oween, campers are encouraged to hand out candy from their campsites, and guests are free to walk the campground collecting treats (please note, this event is open to resort guests only). With 595 RV and tent sites, kids find decorated RVs, trailers, and tents around nearly every corner. Get the latest details on the Halloween at Campland page.
A Walkable, Wheel-Friendly Route
Bikes, scooters, and skateboards have been encouraged so kids can reach every section of the park. Keep wheels slow, though, since the resort-wide speed limit is 5 mph. No bikes? Try Campland’s bike, cart, and surrey rentals, and grab the resort map before sunset to plan your route.
Turn Your Campsite Into the Best “Trunk” in the Park
The Campsite and RV Decorating Contest
Here’s where Campland goes beyond a parking lot. Howl-oween includes an RV and campsite decorating contest, and staff judges sites during trick-or-treat, so you don’t need to be at your site. Categories included Best Theme,Overall and Scariest, with winners announced at the Saturday night dance party.
Decorating Ideas That Work at a Campsite
Think of your site as an oversized trunk:
- Use your awning, picnic table, or RV door to frame a theme, like a haunted pirate ship or spooky beach shack
- Light it up with battery-operated string lights and lanterns
- Keep walkways clear so trick-or-treaters can move through safely
More Than One Night: The Full Howl-oween Weekend
Trick-or-treating is just the start. Here’s what else has been on the Howl-oween lineup, with categories from last year’s schedule:
- Costume contest: Families, Most Creative, and Overall
- Costume dodgeball: separate games by age bracket
- Pet costume contest: Most Creative, Best in Show, and Funniest
- Pumpkin carving contest: bring your own pumpkins and supplies
- Horseshow tournaments and a spooky DJ dance party
Sign-ups close shortly after each start time, so arrive early. Bringing a pet? Review the pet policies first, and browse the Activities & Events calendar for more.
Plan Ahead: Dates, Timing, and What to Bring
Pick Your Weekend
Howl-oween runs over two weekends in 2026. Choose one or book both:
| Weekend | Dates | Why Pick It |
| Weekend 1 | Fri, Oct 23 – Sun, Oct 25 | Get into the Halloween spirit a week early |
| Weekend 2 | Fri, Oct 30 – Sun, Nov 1 | Be on-site for Halloween night itself |
Check-in starts at 2 p.m., giving you Friday afternoon to settle in and decorate.
What to Pack
- Costumes (don’t forget the dog’s)
- A candy bucket plus candy to hand out
- A flashlight or headlamp
- A warm layer for after dark
- Pumpkins and carving tools
Leave fireworks at home, since they’re prohibited at Campland. New to camping? See the First-Time Guests page and Campland’s camping etiquette tips.
Book Your Howl-oween Campsite Before It Fills
Choose the Right Site
Halloween weekends are among Campland’s busiest, and waterfront sites go fast. Book instantly online or compare site types, from full hook-ups near the beach 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. Discounts are applied at check-in for:
- San Diego city residents (20% off)
- Active military
- Seniors 65+
- Good Sam and AAA members
See camping rates for details. Between events, enjoy the Cantina, Ice Cream Parlor, heated pool, and other amenities.
Planning More Holiday Getaways?
Campland’s sister resort, Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina, offers RV sites and cottages on Newport Beach’s Back Bay. Its Fire & Lights Festival runs November 27, 2026 through January 3, 2027, featuring the annual Lighting of the Bay.
Your Best Trunk or Treat Alternative in San Diego Is by the Bay
If you’re searching for trunk or treat in San Diego, Campland gives you the same easy, community-style candy crawl, plus a waterfront campsite, contests for every age, and a full weekend of Halloween fun. It’s the kind of tradition that keeps families coming back year after year.
Pick October 23–25 or October 30–November 1, then check availability and reserve your site today. Questions? Call (858) 581-4200 or contact our team. Sign up for special offers to hear first about Howl-oween and other holiday weekends at Campland.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Campland’s Howl-oween a trunk or treat event?
Not a traditional one. Howl-oween features campground trick-or-treating, where campers hand out candy from decorated campsites, RVs, and tents instead of car trunks. It shares trunk or treat’s community spirit but is part of a full weekend of Halloween activities on Mission Bay. Campland’s Howl-oween celebration is open to resort guests only.
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 trick-or-treating at Campland good for young kids?
Yes. Trick-or-treating happens inside the campground, so there are no busy streets to cross, and the resort has a 5 mph speed limit. Costume dodgeball is split by age, and the costume contest includes a Families category. As at any event, keep an eye on little ones.
Can I decorate my RV or campsite for Halloween?
Absolutely, and you can enter the decorating contest. Staff will judge sites during trick-or-treat, with categories for Best Theme, Overall, and Scariest. Use battery-operated lights, keep walkways clear, and follow Campland’s fire and campsite rules so everyone can enjoy your display safely.
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.
What if I don’t own an RV?
Tent camping is welcome at Campland. You can also rent an RV from a local provider that delivers and sets it up at your site. Campland doesn’t rent RVs on-site, so visit 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. See the FAQs page for more.
