A few years ago, a group of us stumbled into a magical new tradition: camping together over Halloween. What began as a spontaneous gathering filled with pumpkin carving and costumes has blossomed into an annual event we now lovingly call “Glamp-o-ween.”
Halloween is the perfect time for a family camping trip. It marks the tail end of the Bay Area camping season, with crisp, cool weather that’s still cooperative (so we’re not all shivering in the rain), and the holiday’s playful spirit adds an extra layer of excitement.
This year, our tradition grew even bigger, with 10 families joining in the fun—including four who flew in from out of state! We’re incredibly grateful to have had everyone together, making this year’s Glamp-o-ween even more special.
The Venue
Each year, we rotate between different campgrounds, and this year, we landed on KOA Petaluma. Located just an hour from San Francisco, it’s an ideal spot for families, with a variety of lodging options and a fantastic playground for the kids. Every site includes a fire pit, an essential feature that completes the classic camping experience
Most families in our group stayed in cozy cabins outfitted with private bathrooms and full kitchens, while a few adventurous souls braved it in tents.
Decorations
We embraced a simple yet festive approach to decorating our spaces. Halloween LED lights, lanterns, and glow-in-the-dark window clings created a spooky-but-friendly vibe. With young kids in tow, we kept things more “cute” than “chilling,” though we anticipate incorporating scarier decorations as the kids grow older — because who doesn’t want to terrify their own children someday?
Activities
The hallmark of Glamp-o-ween is its jam-packed lineup of family-friendly activities, keeping everyone entertained for hours and creating unforgettable memories—all while dressed in our costumes!
Signature Activities
- Pumpkin Carving: We put our carving skills to the test, armed with stencils and tools to make the process easier (and a lot less stressful!). By nightfall, our campsite transformed into a glowing pumpkin patch, showcasing everything from classic spooky faces to… well, let’s just say some pumpkins were more “abstract” than others.
- Trick-or-Treating: Candy stations were scattered throughout the campground, giving kids the chance to trick-or-treat in the great outdoors. Plus, if you happen to camp after actual Halloween, this is a great excuse to put to use any candy leftovers.
- S’mores & Magic Fire: S’mores are a camping classic, but we gave ours a twist with savory brie and jam. Afterward, we gathered around the mesmerizing “magic fire”, watching the flames change colors and secretly wondering how it works. Just remember—s’mores before the magic fire! That’s not a cooking fire.
- Glow Sticks: The kids couldn’t get enough of the glow sticks—there’s just something about snapping them that’s pure magic. And let’s be real, the adults may have had a bit too much fun with them, too. Be sure to pack extras; the kids will burn through them faster than you can say “Boo!”
- Treat Bags: As the event’s main organizers, we typically prepare a treat bag for each family, featuring grown-up essentials like coffee, tea, and premium candies. This year, we included Squishmallows Micromallows mystery boxes, which turned out to be a big hit with both kids and adults.
For the Kids:
KOA Petaluma is packed with activities that kids absolutely love. They spent hours exploring the playground, feeding the friendly goats at the petting zoo, and uncovering treasures while panning for gems and fossils. The giant bounce pillow was the ultimate favorite — nonstop jumping fun that’s perfect for burning off all that extra energy. We also packed plenty of creative activities to keep little hands busy near our cabins.
- Air clay
- Arts and crafts
- Temporary tattoos
- Cookie decorating
- Bubbles
- Sidewalk chalk
For the Adults:
While the kids played, we had a lineup of games ready for the grown-ups. Our group favorite was Wavelength, a team-based game perfect for large gatherings. Other games on our list included:
- Musical Chairs
- Head, Shoulders, Knees & Cups
- Just One
- That Escalated Quickly
- Playing Cards
Menus
Our Glamp-o-Ween menus were a trip highlight! Guided by a few talented home chefs, every family pitched in, using the kitchens and BBQ grills to create a truly indulgent and delicious camping experience.
- Breakfast: Tacos loaded with eggs, sausage, and bacon; avocado toast with cheeses, cured meats, and smoked salmon; plus an array of fresh fruits.
- Lunch: Hearty turkey and falafel sandwiches made with Tartine bread — because even in the woods, we like to eat fancy.
- Dinner: Taco trio featuring American wagyu carne asada, cod, and rajas con queso, all served on hand-pressed tortillas.
- Dessert: Sweet s’mores (classic marshmallow and chocolate) and savory s’mores (brie and jam) to keep things interesting.
Planning Tips
Organizing a camping trip for ten families might sound daunting, but teamwork made it manageable. Here’s how we stayed on track:
- Divide and Conquer: We surveyed everyone’s interests and split up responsibilities for activities, decorations, and meals.
- Set a Budget: Knowing our spending limits ensured that no one felt overwhelmed.
- Use a Google Spreadsheet: This was our lifeline for coordinating who was bringing what and avoiding duplication—because no one needs 20 bags of marshmallows.
Conclusion
Glamp-o-ween has become a cherished tradition for our families. It’s more than just a camping trip — it’s a celebration of Halloween, togetherness, and the great outdoors.
As the rainy season approaches, this annual event is the perfect way to enjoy crisp autumn air, share laughs around the campfire, and create lasting memories. We can’t wait to see how this tradition evolves in the years to come — and maybe next year, we’ll finally uncover the secret behind the magic fire!
WeCampHike 