Haunted Hootenanny
A family dressed as ghosts in front of a camp lit with purple lights

Halloween Camp Out · Tonto National Forest

Haunted
Hootenanny

Two nights of frightful fun under the stars.
October 23–25, 2026

Register your camp Last year's photos
When
Fri Oct 23 – Sun Oct 25
Arrive Friday whenever you can
Where
Tonto National Forest
Arizona · Exact coordinates and GPS track sent to registered campers
Bring
Camp gear, costumes, decorations
Plus a side dish or dessert for Saturday's potluck
Register by
October 19
So we get an accurate headcount for the BBQ potluck

What wicked fun awaits

Three days of Halloween hijinks in the wild

Whether you're a seasoned overlander or new to the crew, bring your camping gear, your creativity, and your Halloween spirit.

Trick-or-Treat Extravaganza

Kids and kids-at-heart make the rounds through every decorated camp. More camps means a better candy haul.

Camp & Rig Decorating Contest

Transform your camp into a Halloween masterpiece and win bragging rights and the coveted Hootenanny trophy.

Costume Contest

Come dressed to impress or terrify. Family themes encouraged. Dogs welcome to compete.

Group BBQ Feast

We fire up the smoker for pulled pork Saturday night. You bring a side or a dessert to share.

The spine-tingling schedule

Friday to Sunday

Feeling adventurous? A few pre-planned routes will be ready for anyone who wants to head out and explore. No pressure though. Last year nobody left camp, and hanging out, socializing, and enjoying the day around the fire is the most popular adventure of all.

  1. FridayOctober 23

    Arrive when you can and set up camp. Gather around the fire after dark for ghost stories and getting acquainted.

  2. SaturdayOctober 24 · the big night

    Decorate your camp, prep costumes, or head out on one of the pre-planned routes by day. Pulled pork BBQ potluck at dusk, then trick-or-treating through the camps, costume judging, and decorating awards.

  3. SundayOctober 25

    Relaxing morning and fond farewells.

Last year in the forest

Ghosts of Hootenannies Past

Tap any photo to see it full size.

The Hootenanny Sing-Along

This year's anthem, plus bonus tracks

The 2026 remix of the Haunted Hootenanny theme leads the set. Play the whole thing, take the tracks home, and be ready to sing along on Saturday night.

Download
Now playing
Haunted Hootenanny (2026 Remix)
  1. Haunted Hootenanny 2026 Remix
    This year's anthem
    3:02
  2. Digital Detox
    Leave the signal behind
    3:32
  3. Haunted Hootenanny 2025 Original
    Where it all started
    3:15
  4. Our Kind of Heaven
    An ode to the North Rim
    4:39

1Who's coming
2Your party
3When you'll arrive
4Emergency contact

You'll get a confirmation email right away. Coordinates and the GPS track follow the week before the event.