Christmas in July in the campgrounds is one of those quirky traditions that a lot of campers, especially those who like to add a bit of fun to their trips, look forward to every summer. Whether you’re new to RV life or just enjoy a good theme weekend, this mid-year celebration brings a little holiday magic to the great outdoors. I’ll walk you through where it comes from, what you can expect, and how to get the most out of it during your next campground stay.
Where Did Christmas in July at Campgrounds Start?
Christmas in July isn’t a totally new concept, but it didn’t really pick up steam with campers until the last several decades. Some say it’s tied to a group of campers back in the 1930s who wanted to recreate the spirit of Christmas in the heat of summer. In campgrounds, the event has mostly grown from RV parks and familyfriendly resorts looking to boost midseason stays.
This tradition is now found in campgrounds all across North America, with thousands of campers hanging lights on their RVs, putting up mini Christmas trees outside, or even holding potluck feasts in July. It’s equal parts fun, social, and a good excuse to create a little sparkle when summer is in full swing.
With people searching for creative ways to enjoy their campouts, it’s easy to see why this tradition keeps growing. Campground managers also love it, since it brings together guests and gives them a reason to stick around a little longer.
What Happens During Christmas in July at Campgrounds?
If you’ve never camped during Christmas in July, it’s easy to picture a regular campout… but with a whole lot of decorations and cheer. Here’s a look at what usually goes down:
- Decorating Campsites: Most people go all in, stringing up Christmas lights, putting inflatable snowmen by the picnic table, and going wild with garlands or wreaths. There’s even a bit of friendly competition as everyone tries to outdo their neighbors’ setups.
- Presents and Exchanges: While you probably aren’t hauling a sleigh, some groups organize “Secret Santa” or small gift swaps, often with a silly or summery twist.
- Special Activities for Kids: Campground owners often set up crafts, visits from “Summer Santa,” or scavenger hunts. Kids get a kick out of pretending it’s Christmas during a July heatwave.
- Potluck Dinners & Food: People love to share food, so you might see folks grilling or making Christmas cookies together. Some campgrounds set up big communal meals with turkey, ham, or whatever feels festive.
- Festive Music and Movies: Christmas tunes get a midyear revival, and some campgrounds even set up outdoor movie nights with holiday classics, sometimes projected on the side of an RV.
While these are the basics, every campground puts its own spin on things, depending on the size, crowd, and location.
Why Campers Love Christmas in July
The magic of Christmas in July at a campground isn’t just about seeing inflatable reindeer under a blazing sun. Here’s why I think this event connects with so many people in the camping community:
- Boosts Social Connections: People who normally keep to themselves often join in the fun, which makes meeting fellow campers a lot easier.
- Easy Way to Create Traditions: Many families turn their Christmas in July trip into an annual thing. Kids remember those summer holiday moments for years.
- Brings a Festive Break from Routine: It can be easy to get used to the same old camping activities, so having a holiday celebration in July shakes things up.
- Makes Summer Memories: Even if you’re far from home, this tradition helps everyone feel closer together, especially if you’re an RV fulltimer or on a long trip.
- No Pressure for Perfection: Unlike December, there’s no real stress to pull off a pictureperfect Christmas. Anything goes, as long as it’s fun!
How to Prepare for Christmas in July at Campgrounds
Getting ready for a Christmas in July weekend can be a blast, even if you keep it simple. Here are some of my top tips for making sure your site looks the part and you get the full holiday experience:
- Bring Decorations: Stock up on outdoorsafe string lights, reusable decorations (think plastic ornaments, garlands), and maybe a mini tree for your picnic table. Solarpowered lights are especially handy if your site doesn’t have hookups.
- Prep a Festive Outfit: Matching shirts, Santa hats, or Christmasthemed swim trunks are always a hit.
- Get Some Holiday Tunes: A compact Bluetooth speaker with a playlist of holiday classics is all you need to set the mood.
- Plan Easy Food: Since it’s too hot for a turkey, try cold picnic salads, “Christmas” cookies, or redandgreen snacks. S’mores count, too.
- Check the Campground Schedule: Some parks offer sitedecorating contests, games, or planned group meals. It pays to check ahead and see what’s on so you can join in.
If you’re joining a group, ask about gift exchanges or planned activities. Most campers are happy to give you the scoop on what works well. If you want to get even more creative, you could make up Christmasthemed trivia or organize a water balloon “snowball” fight. These silly activities help everyone relax and get into the spirit.
Challenges and Things to Know About Christmas in July
For all the fun, there are a couple of little hiccups or tips that can help you have a smoother experience:
- Weather: Holiday lights and inflatables can be tricky in wind or heavy rain. Opt for weatherproof items, and use zip ties or stakes to secure things.
- Space: Not all campgrounds have roomy sites, so stick to smallerscale decorations if you’re in a tighter spot.
- Power: If you’re dry camping, batterypowered or solar decorations are the way to go. You won’t want to drain your RV batteries just for lights.
- Noise Considerations: Some campgrounds enforce quiet hours, so go easy on the carols at night.
- Leave No Trace: Be careful to clean up everything before checkout. No tinsel or leftover bits blowing into the woods.
Weatherproofing Your Holiday Setup
In July, you never know when a thunderstorm will roll through or it’ll be a windy weekend. I’ve found that keeping your decorations close to the ground and using sturdy anchor points helps a lot. Choosing allweather rated items means less worry if the skies darken.
Packing Tips
It doesn’t take much space to bring a little Christmas flair. Pick items that pack down small, like string lights or tinsel garlands. A small storage bin is usually enough for everything you’ll need, and you can reuse the same stuff next summer. Consider packing other summer games or pool floats to add to the fun while keeping your gear manageable.
Cool Ways to Make Your Christmas in July Stand Out
If you’re the type who really likes to lean into camp traditions, there are all sorts of ways to make Christmas in July super memorable:
- Decorate Bikes and Golf Carts: Some campgrounds have parades, so bring a few decorations for your golf cart or bicycle and join in.
- Organize a Campsite Crawl: Work with your neighbors to host a progressive dinner, with everyone sharing a different course or festive treat.
- Host a Holiday Craft Table: Kids (and lots of adults) love making tree ornaments or painted pinecones. Set up a little craft station outside your camper for everyone to enjoy.
- Set Up Lawn Games: Bring out the cornhole boards or Christmasthemed ring toss, especially if you have a group with kids.
- Snap Photos: Take plenty of pictures. It’s really fun to compare your “summer Christmas” years as a memorybuilding tradition.
I’ve seen people even build DIY “snowmen” out of white buckets or stack coolers to look like Santa. Pinterest is packed with Christmas in July camping ideas if you ever get stuck for inspiration. You could even get creative with a campground scavenger hunt, searching for “reindeer tracks” or hidden candy canes along the trails.
Common Questions About Christmas in July at Campgrounds
Newer campers or folks hitting a themed weekend for the first time often have some practical questions. Here are a few I hear a lot:
Question: Will I be out of place if I don’t participate?
Answer: Not at all. Many campers enjoy the decorations and events even if they travel light. Just watching the excitement or grabbing a candy cane is fine.
Question: Do all campgrounds celebrate Christmas in July?
Answer: Not every park does, but more and more add it each year. Check the campground’s event calendar, or ask when booking for July weekends.
Question: Can I decorate my site any way I want?
Answer: Most campgrounds have guidelines. No open flames, nothing that damages trees, and often a rule about wrapping lights only around your own space, not public trees or shelters.
Question: Should I bring gifts for others?
Answer: Only if you want! Some groups plan gift exchanges or little bag swaps, but it’s not expected for solo travelers or smaller parties.
Question: How do I find out if a campground hosts Christmas in July?
Answer: Most places with special events post them on their websites or Facebook, or mention it during reservations. You can also find campground reviews where people share photos from past years or ask other campers for suggestions on forums.
Holiday Spirit All Summer Long
Christmas in July at the campground is mostly about fun, connection, and making memories, no matter your setup or how much you decorate. With a little planning and a willingness to lean into the silliness, you’ll probably find it’s one of the most memorable summer weekends for anyone who loves camping.
I’ve found that starting small and adding something new each year gives you the best mix of relaxation and holiday cheer, without any of the December stress. Whether you’re camping solo or with a whole crew, this midsummer tradition is worth checking out if you need a little extra sparkle before the holidays roll around again.