Camp With Big Cats at Lions Tigers & Bears’ Spooky Campover
Most camping trips involve distant wildlife sounds – maybe a coyote howl if you’re lucky. Lions Tigers & Bears is offering something considerably more intense: the chance to fall asleep to the actual roars of lions and bears just steps away from your tent. Their annual Spooky Campover happens once a year, and it’s one of those experiences that sounds almost too specific to be real.
What Makes This Different
The sanctuary opens its grounds for overnight camping, giving guests the rare opportunity to sleep surrounded by rescued big cats and bears.
This isn’t a zoo visit where you observe from a distance and leave – you’re staying on the property, cooking your own food, and spending the night under the stars while the animals are doing their thing nearby.
Friday night kicks off with classic Halloween activities. Pumpkin carving, a haunted house that works for all ages, a costume contest, s’mores by the fire, and hot cocoa. There’s also a Spookeasy bar for parents who want something stronger than cocoa, offering cocktails while the kids run around in costume.
The whole setup lets you dine and sleep outdoors in a way that feels more immersive than your typical camping experience. You’re not just near nature – you’re near animals that most people only see behind thick glass or chain-link fences.
Morning Brings the Pumpkin Bash
The morning after, you wake up to lion roars, which is either the best or most unsettling alarm clock depending on your perspective. Then comes the Pumpkin Bash, where the animals get fall-themed enrichment. Each pumpkin is filled with treats, and you get to watch lions, tigers, and bears pounce, play, and demolish their snacks.
It’s the kind of thing that’s genuinely entertaining to witness – these animals are massive, and watching them interact with something as mundane as a pumpkin is surprisingly captivating.
Limited Spots, Once a Year
The sanctuary only does this campover once annually, so availability is tight. For members, it’s $50 per adult and $35 per child. Non-members pay $80 per adult and $55 per child. Given what you’re getting – overnight access to a big cat sanctuary with meals, activities, and entertainment included – the pricing makes sense.
This is the kind of experience that sticks with you, especially if you have kids who are into animals. It’s educational without feeling like a field trip, and it gives you stories that are hard to top at dinner parties.
See You There!
Pack your tent, bring your appetite for adventure, and get ready to spend a night sleeping closer to big cats than you ever imagined.
📆 October 24-25, 2025 (Friday evening through Saturday morning)
📍 24402 Martin Way, Alpine
🎟️ Reserve your spot here
ℹ️ More info here
See you there, San Diego!
