Holiday Magic and Timeless Traditions Shine at Campland on the Bay

Campland on the Bay is running holiday programming from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve, and if you’ve been looking for a way to spend the holidays that doesn’t involve the usual routine, camping on Mission Bay with organized activities and festive celebrations offers something genuinely different.

The waterfront campground is leaning into seasonal traditions while keeping its signature recreation programming going throughout winter.

Campland on the Bay holiday programming

Thanksgiving Weekend at the Bay

Campland is offering a traditional holiday meal at the Cantina on Thanksgiving Day, followed by a full lineup of recreation and family activities throughout the weekend. We’re talking dodgeball, pickleball, soccer, volleyball, arts & crafts, Candy Bar Bingo, and tournaments including bean bag and horseshoes.

The standout event is the multi-age flag football games on Saturday afternoon at Central Park field. It’s become a beloved tradition that brings campers together for friendly competition, and the multi-age aspect means everyone can participate rather than just watching from the sidelines.

Reimagining Thanksgiving outside your usual setting – with good food, good company, and the great outdoors – creates a different kind of holiday memory. You’re still getting the traditional meal, but you’re surrounded by water, outdoor activities, and other families doing the same thing.

December Transforms Into a Winter Escape

During December, Campland decorates for the season and runs a full calendar of family-friendly activities. Holiday-themed arts and crafts, dodgeball, pickleball, soccer, Candy Bar Bingo, and various tournaments keep everyone busy throughout the month.

The Cantina serves a special Christmas Eve dinner, creating a festive meal option for campers who don’t want to cook at their sites.

The recreation team excels at bringing generations together through timeless traditions and nostalgic fun. Photo scavenger hunts, classic campground games, outdoor sports – these are activities that work whether you’re six or sixty, which makes them ideal for family gatherings during the holidays.

New Year’s Eve Countdown on Mission Bay

Campland’s New Year’s Eve celebration is exclusively for registered guests and features a lively DJ dance party, complimentary sparkling toasts at both the 9 PM East Coast countdown and midnight, plus additional activities designed to keep families entertained as they ring in 2026.

Celebrating on Mission Bay rather than fighting crowds at downtown events or hosting at home creates a different vibe entirely. You’re surrounded by other campers, there’s organized entertainment, and you can walk back to your campsite when the party winds down.

End-of-Year Special Offer

Campland is offering 30% off fall stays for new reservations with arrival dates between November 10 and December 27, 2025 (excluding November 26-30). Three-night minimum, six-night maximum, excludes the Super Site. Use promo code FALLFUN when booking online or by phone.

The discount makes end-of-year camping more accessible while avoiding peak-season crowds. Southern California camping in winter offers sunshine and waterfront access without the summer chaos.

Campland on the Bay holiday programming

See you there!

Book your stay, bring the family, and experience the holidays on Mission Bay with activities, celebrations, and traditions that make Campland special.

📆 Thanksgiving Weekend, December festivities, New Year’s Eve celebration
📍 2211 Pacific Beach Dr, San Diego
🎟️ Fall offer can be booked here
ℹ️ More info here

See you there, San Diego!

Share This Post
The Latest
Celebrate the Craft festival at The Lodge at Torrey Pines
Celebrate the Craft is back for its 23rd year, and honestly, it just keeps getting better. This is The Lodge at Torrey Pines’ signature culinary...
World-Class Waves at Supergirl Surf Pro
Check out this week’s Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend and make your plans! Catch the action at the Super Girl Surf Festival,...
3rd Annual College of Taste Area
Discover hidden gems along El Cajon Boulevard at the Taste of College Area. Enjoy a variety of cuisines all in one delightful route.
top concerts in san diego this week
Here are the top concerts in San Diego this week! Catch Grammy-winning R&B star Ne-Yo, rising country singer Tucker Wetmore, the unforgettable live show of...
Jackalope Art Fair
Experience the vibrant jackalope artisan fair in Liberty Station with a diverse array of makers and an interactive butterfly garden.
MAKE After Hours
Join us for MAKE after hours, an evening pop-up featuring Afrobeat music, dance classes, and local culture in Normal Heights.
Recently Featured Restaurants
Zuma has spent nearly 25 years taking over the world – Hong Kong, Istanbul, Rome, Miami, Madrid, and more. Now they’re open in San Diego,...
Doug and Lara Hamm spent years traveling through the French Riviera, Greek Isles, and Amalfi Coast. By The Sea is what happened when they decided...
Little Italy has a new dinner spot, and it’s one that makes the whole evening feel like an occasion. Maranello just opened at 2101 Kettner...
Moniker General is coming downtown, and honestly, it makes all the sense in the world. The coffee and cocktail concept that helped shape Liberty Station...
Little Italy is getting a new coffee spot this summer, and it’s coming from one of the neighborhood’s most respected kitchens. Cloak & Petal –...
Downtown San Diego is getting exactly the kind of neighborhood spot it deserves. Pear Plum is an all-day café, specialty coffee shop, and wine bar...