Halloween weekends at Jellystone are something camping families look forward to all year. The park transforms into a festive, candy-filled playground filled with decorations, costumes, and nonstop activities. This was our first time joining the fun, and by the end of the weekend, we completely understood why so many families make it a yearly tradition.
Our Cabin: The Lake Bluff Bungalow
We stayed in a Lake Bluff Bungalow, which comfortably sleeps seven and was perfect since my sister Kaela and her kids came to visit for a night. The cabin had everything we needed for a relaxing stay, including a bathroom with a shower, a fridge, a microwave, and a two-burner stove. There was both heat and air conditioning, which is essential for unpredictable New England weather.
The screened porch quickly became my favorite spot. It was perfect for morning coffee while the fog lifted over the lake or for quiet afternoons listening to the rain. Outside, we had a fire pit for s’mores, a charcoal grill for experimenting with campfire cooking, and parking for two cars. I even learned how to cook corn on the cob over charcoal, which was both a challenge and a small victory.
Pro Tip: The screened porch is perfect for morning coffee, quiet reading, or rainy-day board games. Bring a small Bluetooth speaker and a deck of cards to make the most of it.
Halloween Weekend Highlights
The campground completely transforms for Halloween, and it was so much fun to see how creative everyone got. We decorated our site as a spooky spider graveyard, complete with webs, giant spiders, and eerie tombstones we brought from home.
There was trick-or-treating, a haunted house that was creepy but still kid-friendly, and so many incredible costumes. Ari dressed up as one of her favorite Disney characters and had the best time racing from cabin to cabin with her candy bucket.
At night, we changed into our matching Halloween pajamas covered in tiny ghosts. Matching PJs are one of my favorite traditions and make everything feel extra festive. We laughed, played games, and soaked up every moment of our cozy fall night together.
Pro Tip: Pack a few extra decorations or glow-in-the-dark lights to make your site stand out during trick-or-treating. The kids will love it, and it makes finding your cabin after dark much easier.
Food and Campfire Eats
Food just hits different when you are camping. We kept meals simple but delicious. Dinner favorites included juicy burgers, perfectly toasted hotdogs, and corn on the cob cooked right over the charcoal grill. I also brought a batch of homemade meatballs that simmered in the crockpot for hearty spaghetti dinners and meatball subs. Everything tasted better outside, surrounded by laughter, crackling firewood, and cool fall air.
Pro Tip: Bring a small slow cooker. It makes camping meals effortless and keeps food warm for everyone, even when they wander back from activities at different times.
We grabbed lunch from the Pic-A-Nic Basket food truck one afternoon, and it was a hit. The pizza and mac and cheese bites were kid-approved, while the grilled chicken wrap was a lighter favorite for me.
Evenings were made for bonfires, gooey s’mores, and spooky stories under the stars. It was the kind of cozy chaos that makes you wish weekends lasted longer.
Kid Adventures
If your kids love staying busy, this place is paradise. The activities were nonstop — pumpkin painting, ceramics, tie-dyeing shirts, playground fun, and bike rides all day long.
When Kaela’s family visited, the cousins decided to create one giant bed in the loft by pulling all the mattresses off the bunks. It was pure laughter, chaos, and memory-making at its finest.
We also played mini golf, which brought out everyone’s competitive side, and tried Gellyball, a fun twist on paintball that uses soft orbies. I chose to play photographer instead of participant, which felt like the right call once I saw how intense it got.
And of course, Ari found time to practice cheer, even while camping. Whether she was cartwheeling through the leaves or showing off stunts by the cabin, she brought her usual sparkle and energy everywhere she went.
Pro Tip: Bring bikes and helmets for the kids. The campground is safe and easy to navigate, and biking gives them a sense of freedom while you enjoy a quiet moment by the fire.
What We Brought (and What I Recommend)
We opted for the linen package, which came with sheets, a thin blanket, and a towel set. It was convenient, but I recommend bringing a few extra throw blankets for layering and cozying up by the fire.
A few things that made the trip easier included:
- Anti-gravity chairs (ours were from Walmart and were perfect for relaxing by the fire)
- A small doormat to help keep the cabin tidy
- Dish towels and hand soap
- Firewood and charcoal
- Extra snacks and drinks (the camp store has basics, but it is nice to have your favorites)
And of course, don’t forget something cozy to wear around the fire.
Final Thoughts
This was our second stay at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Lake’s Region, and it is safe to say we are officially hooked. From crisp mornings in the cabin and festive Halloween adventures to nights spent around the fire, every moment was the perfect mix of comfort and fun. It reminded me that you do not have to travel far or spend a fortune to create lasting family memories. Sometimes, all you need is a cabin, a campfire, and the people you love most.
Would we go back? Absolutely. Next time, I’ll bring more decorations, an extra bag of marshmallows, and maybe a few new cozy touches to make the weekend even more special.
Pro Tip: Book early if you plan to visit for one of the themed weekends. Halloween and summer dates fill up quickly!
If you are searching for a fall getaway that blends cozy comfort with family fun, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Lakes Region in Milton, New Hampshire should be at the top of your list. Start planning your stay, gather your favorite people, and get ready for a weekend filled with laughter, campfire memories, and just the right amount of magic.
Ready to start your own family tradition?
Visit Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park to check cabin options and themed weekends, and plan your next unforgettable escape.
Let’s Chat!
Have you stayed at a Jellystone Park or another family-friendly campground? I’d love to hear your favorite camping memories or tips in the comments below — your ideas might inspire someone else’s next adventure!