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
Dazzling acrobatics lighting up the Big Top at Cirque du Soleil San Diego
The Big Top is back. After an eight-year wait, Cirque du Soleil returns to the Del Mar Fairgrounds with LUZIA, its first Big Top production...
OCEANSIDE DIA DE LOS MUERTOS FESTIVAL
Halloween Parties Halloween Food & Drink Specials Dia de los Muertos Celebrations Trick-or-Treating in San Diego Hey! Use the pink navigation above to jump right...
Your next favorite bar seat awaits at Juliette restaurant Little Italy
Little Italy is getting a new way to make a night of it. Juliette, a French-inspired restaurant, cocktail lounge, and late-night destination, is coming to...
Leaders of La Jolla Music Society and its inaugural Resident Companies at The Conrad
San Diego’s performing arts scene is gathering under one roof. Resident Companies @ The Conrad returns for a second season, welcoming Art of Elan, Bach...
A first look at the Heritage Steakhouse debut menu
East County is about to get its first true five-star steakhouse. The Heritage Steakhouse opens this November in Santee, pairing a classic American steakhouse experience...
San Diego Ballet: Día de los Muertos
Discover the excitement of Museum as a Stage SDMA with performances from local companies at the San Diego Museum of Art starting this fall.
Recently Featured Restaurants
Pamela Peraza and Erik Hobbie have been selling sourdough at the Little Italy Mercato for a while now, and if you’ve crossed paths with their...
goop kitchen del mar
Yes, that goop. Gwyneth Paltrow’s brand just opened its first-ever dine-in restaurant at One Paseo in Del Mar, and it’s a 92-seat space she personally...
City Tacos has been a San Diego staple since 2014. What Gerry Torres is building next makes it look like a warm-up. El Punto at...
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...