The Pennsylvania Campground Owners Association (PCOA) has highlighted creative ways for campground operators to celebrate the holiday, encouraging participation, creativity, and community among guests
As the Halloween season approaches, PCOA highlights simple and engaging activities that can help park operators enhance the guest experience while promoting seasonal stays. The association’s list includes ideas ranging from classic pumpkin carving to hosting spooky scavenger hunts, offering operators a practical framework for fall programming.
“Carve pumpkins—bring along some pumpkins and carving tools to create your own campsite jack-o’-lanterns,” PCOA suggests. “They’ll add a spooky glow to your site at night and keep everyone’s creativity flowing. If you have little kids and don’t want them to use sharp tools, consider painting faces on the pumpkins instead.”
The association also recommends transforming campsites into festive displays. “String up orange lights, hang paper bats, or add cobwebs to trees and picnic tables,” the guidance noted. “A few decorations can turn your campsite into a festive Halloween haunt.”
For those seeking more interactive fun, PCOA suggests organizing a scavenger hunt. “Hide themed items—like plastic spiders, mini pumpkins, or glow sticks—around the campground. Kids (and adults!) will love the thrill of finding hidden treasures.”
Evening activities also play a major role in the seasonal fun. Campers are encouraged to gather around the fire for storytelling. Halloween traditions can also continue on the road with trick-or-treating at the campground.
For a more relaxed option, the association notes hosting a movie night under the stars. “Set up a projector and a sheet or just gather around a laptop for a cozy fright night,” PCOA indicates. “Choose kid-friendly classics or creepier picks depending on your crowd.”
The association also shares that music can help set the tone for the festivities, suggesting that operators create playlists featuring spooky tunes, from playful monster songs to eerie background tracks, to keep the campsite lively with Halloween spirit.
According to a press release, PCOA also announced that the 2026 Pennsylvania Campground Directory will be available in January. The annual publication divides the state into eight geographic regions, each with detailed listings and maps to help travelers find campgrounds.
Each listing includes contact information, directions, number of sites, and available facilities.