Halloween Towns: St. Helens

A True Halloween Town Destination!

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. Whether you're traveling in a spacious Class A motorhome or a compact Class C RV, St. Helens is the perfect Halloween getaway.

Our first stop on our West Coast tour of Halloween Towns is none other than the real life Halloweentown itself, St. Helens Oregon!

"Being Normal Is Vastly Overrated."

Halloween Town, 1998

Table of Contents

• A Brief History of the Original Halloweentown
• Top 3 Halloween Activities
• Top 3 Places to Stay

A Brief History of the Original Halloweentown

Some of you hardcore Halloween movie buffs out there may already know this, but did you know that St. Helens was one of the shooting locations for the Disney Channel original movie, Halloweentown?

That's right! The giant jack-o-lantern in the town center of Halloweentown is ACTUALLY there year-round in St. Helens!

*Additional Fun Fact: Scenes from the Twilight movies were also filmed in St. Helens.*

The Founding of St. Helens

St. Helens was founded by New England native Captain Henry Montgomery Knighton in 1845. The town was originally named Plymouth, but was changed in 1850 to honor the town's view of Mount St. Helens, roughly 39 miles away.

Knighton briefly named the town Kasenau, in respect for Chinookan Chief Kiesno. The gesture was intended to create amiable relations with the local natives, which eventually led to a mutual trade agreement between the two groups.

St. Helens Today: A Halloween Destination

Nowadays, St. Helens has put itself on the map as a go-to destination for those who are looking for a little extra boost of spirit this Halloween season.

The town celebrates many local events and pop-ups, all curated to get you into the ultimate Halloween mood! Before you plan your trip, make sure to contact our team to find the perfect RV for your Halloween adventure.

Top 3 Halloween Activities

1. Pumpkin Lighting Ceremony

This one goes out to our Halloweentown fans! (If you haven't seen it, you're missing out.)

A major scene in the movie is re-enacted each year in St. Helens: the lighting of the bigger than life jack-o'-lantern in the plaza in front of the courthouse.

The lighting of a large pumpkin sitting in the Courthouse Square in the Riverfront District of St. Helens is a major element of the holiday celebration. The 2021 Halloweentown Pumpkin Lighting with Official Ambassadors ceremony is set for 6:30 p.m. Oct. 2.

The pumpkin stays lit throughout the month! Learn more at The Chronicle.

2. Spirit of Halloweentown

Spirit of Halloween is an event held in St. Helens from September 18th to October 31st—that's over a month of Halloweentown Celebrations!

Spirit of Halloweentown features:

• Haunted houses and spooky attractions
• Special adventures for kids
• Live entertainment and performances
• Local vendors and Halloween shopping
• Photo opportunities with movie locations

3. Halloween Villains Party

Games, food, entertainment, and most importantly, VILLAINS!

The Halloween Villains Party is a ticketed event taking place at the Wonderland Community Center in St. Helens. This is a family friendly event that is sure to get you into the spirit!

Planning to attend multiple events? Consider renting a comfortable Class C motorhome that gives you the flexibility to stay close to all the action.

Top 3 Places to Stay

Finding the perfect place to park your RV is essential for a great Halloween adventure. Here are our top three recommended campgrounds near St. Helens, all offering excellent amenities for RV travelers.

1. Bayport RV Park & Campground

Bayport RV Park & Campground is located adjacent to the Scappoose Bay Marine Park and offers a variety of activities.

Go boating, fishing, or kayaking—Scappoose Bay is just steps away!

Key Features:

• Google Reviews: 4.1 stars, 83 reviews
• Located 2.5 miles from city center
• Close to the water
• Affordable rates
• Wi-Fi available

2. Scappoose RV Park

A view of a growing rural airport makes the Scappoose RV Park a unique spot for picnicking or camping.

A small park at just 3.3 acres, the Scappoose RV Park is close to the Multnomah Channel of the Columbia River. Large evergreen and deciduous trees offer a comfortable, shaded place to rest.

Key Features:

• Google Reviews: 3.4 stars, 69 reviews
• Located 6.8 miles from city center
• Playground for kids
• Covered picnic area
• Nearby hiking and biking trails

3. Woodland Shores RV Park

This beautiful waterside RV park has many local attractions within walking distance, making it a popular place for return guests!

Woodland Shores RV Park offers easy access to great golfing, gambling, fishing, boating, shopping, and restaurants.

Key Features:

• Google Reviews: 4.0 stars, 70 reviews
• Located 41 miles from city center
• Nearby boat launch
• River front sites available
• Pet friendly!

Ready to Experience Halloweentown?

St. Helens, Oregon offers the perfect blend of Halloween nostalgia, family-friendly activities, and beautiful Pacific Northwest scenery.

Whether you're a die-hard Halloweentown fan or simply looking for a unique fall getaway, this charming town delivers an unforgettable experience.

Ready to start planning your Halloween RV adventure? Browse our full fleet of RV rentals or contact our friendly team to find the perfect motorhome for your trip!

For more information about RV travel in Oregon, check out Travel Oregon's official guide for additional destination ideas and travel tips.