Halloween Towns: Estes Park, CO

Discover The Secrets Of The Shining

Spooky Season has arrived!

The wind is chilled, the leaves are changing, and through this period of transition, we find a reinvigorated sense of adventure. Happy Campers RV Rentals is here to inspire and encourage your new found Fall feelings!

Let's dig into the spirit of the season together, as we take you on a journey of some of the best Halloween Town destinations on the West Coast! It's time to pack up your costumes, consolidate your candy, and hit the open road on a Halloween destination vacation in one of our comfortable RV rentals.

The second stop on our West Coast tour of Halloween Towns is the haunting birthplace of Stephen King's The Shining, Estes Park, CO!

"All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy."

Table of Contents

• A Brief History of Estes Park
• Top 3 Halloween Activities
• Top 3 Places to Stay

A Brief History of Estes Park

The Birthplace of a Horror Classic

Stephen King fans may already be familiar with the tale, but did you know that the premise for The Shining came to Stephen King in a nightmare while he was staying at the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park? That's right!

The historic Stanley Hotel is the birthplace of one of the most famously fearful horror stories of all time.

As the story goes, Stephen King was staying at the Stanley Hotel with his wife at the beginning of their offseason. The hotel was empty of guests besides the two of them, and he has described the intense eerie loneliness experienced during their stay.

They would eat alone in the dining room, a solitary island in the middle of a sea of unused tables and chairs. No music, no conversation filling the halls.

Stephen King awoke in the middle of the night after a bone-chilling nightmare, involving his three-year-old son being chased by a sentient firehose through the hallways of the hotel. King, waking up in a cold sweat, went to the balcony for a cigarette.

By the time he expelled his last puff of smoke, he had the entire plot to The Shining mapped out in his head.

The Town's Rich Heritage

Estes Park was established in 1905 by a man named Abner Sprague, and whose early infrastructure was largely supported by steam car pioneer, F.O. Stanley, after whom the Stanley Hotel was named.

This self-sufficient town quickly flourished, and after the establishment of Rocky Mountain National Park in 1915, Estes Park found itself on the map for outdoor enthusiasts across the country.

Today, it remains a premier destination for both natural beauty and supernatural intrigue, making it the perfect RV road trip destination for Halloween enthusiasts.

Top 3 Halloween Activities

1. Trick Or Treat In Town

Since 1981, the main street through Estes Park has closed down every Halloween night so kids, adults, and pets can safely gather for trick-or-treating festivities throughout the entire town!

Residents traditionally come together to contribute candy for local shops to hand out treats to visitors and townsfolk alike. This charmingly spooky event is sure to be fun filled night for the whole family!

Park your compact RV rental at one of the nearby campgrounds and walk into town for this unforgettable Halloween tradition.

Learn more about Estes Park Halloween events

2. The Shining Ball

Do you think you have the guts to spend an evening in one of the top 10 most haunted hotels in the United States? Now's your chance to find out!

Stanley Live presents The Shining Ball, a night of music, costumes, dancing, and contacting the dead (not really, just setting the mood!). This event has become a Stanley family tradition, and participants of the costume contest have the chance to win some truly incredible prizes.

The Shining Ball takes place annually in late October – will we see you there?

Check Stanley Hotel events calendar

3. RedRum Mystery Dinner

Bring your appetite and detective skills to the RedRum Mystery Dinner at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, October 21. Your ticket includes a four-course dinner, a glass of wine, and thrilling entertainment.

Just keep a lookout for any twins asking if you want to play. $160 per person or $299 per couple.

Local tip: Make a pitstop before the Stanley at Estes Park's American Legion Hall for their Haunted House!

After a night of Halloween thrills, you'll appreciate the comfort of returning to your spacious motorhome rental for a good night's sleep.

Top 3 Places to Stay

Planning your Halloween RV adventure to Estes Park? Here are the best campgrounds to set up your base camp while exploring this haunted mountain town.

1. Estes Park KOA Holiday

KOA locations are often safe havens for RV enthusiasts, and Estes Park KOA is no exception! KOA locations are specifically tailored towards RVers from all walks of life.

With a plethora of spaces and amenities, this location is perfect for a spooky weekend getaway.

Key Features:

• Google Reviews: 4.3 stars, 550 reviews
• Located 2.1 miles from city center
• 5 miles from Rocky Mountain National Park
• Full hookups available for all RV sizes
• Pet-friendly facilities

2. Manor RV Park - Estes Park

Leave your routine day-to-day life in the side view mirror of your RV and plan your next group trip to the breathtaking Rocky Mountain National Park.

Estes Park's Manor RV Park offers a panoramic view of the Rocky Mountains surrounded by streams, towering cottonwoods, and curious wildlife.

Key Features:

• Google Reviews: 4.1 stars, 190 reviews
• Located 1.6 miles from city center
• Halfway between Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
• On-site fishing opportunities
• Scenic mountain views from every site

3. Spruce Lake RV Park

This beautiful waterside RV park features lush meadows, a serene crystal-clear lake, and the calming rush of the Big Thompson River.

Enjoy Colorado at its best while in walking distance to restaurants and shopping! It's the perfect location for families wanting easy access to town amenities.

Key Features:

• Google Reviews: 3.7 stars, 282 reviews
• Located 1.9 miles from city center
• Cable TV and WiFi available throughout the property
• Lakeside camping spots available
• Walking distance to downtown attractions

Ready to Book Your Halloween Adventure?

Whether you're a horror movie enthusiast, a Stephen King superfan, or simply looking for a unique fall getaway, Estes Park offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and supernatural thrills.

Don't let this Halloween season pass you by without experiencing the eerie charm of the town that inspired The Shining. Contact Happy Campers RV Rentals today to reserve your perfect RV for this unforgettable mountain adventure!

Our fleet includes everything from compact campervans to luxury Class A motorhomes, ensuring you'll find the perfect home-on-wheels for your Halloween road trip.