SHERWOOD — High Cliff State Park will be enforcing new parking rules for the annual campground Halloween trick-or-treat event because of growing safety concerns.
The event has become so crowded that this will be the last year it will be held on a specific day, organizers say.
According to a social media post from the friends group, the High Cliff State Park visitor-led Halloween Activities will be Saturday Oct. 18, 2025; 4-9 p.m.
High Cliff State Park family campground has been a venue for visitor-led Halloween activities for several years, according to the group.
Many of the campsites are voluntarily decorated and campers could elect to participate in trick-or-treating.
While each year staff adjusted to improve safety for the influx of families, the popularity of the activity has grown.
For the property staff to continue to provide a safe, enjoyable, accessible property experience they are asking visitors to abide by all property rules including property hours and parking in designated areas only.
Public admission to the property may be restricted if occupancy is met for the property or serious safety issues are identified.
An admission pass is required and can be purchased online or at the property during open office hours.
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New parking info:
The campground road from the intersection near the bike trail parking lot to the campground will be closed to vehicle traffic (except registered campers) from 4 to 9 p.m. A drop-off/pick-up area will be open to the public along the campground road during this time.
Campsites with more than the allowed number of vehicles and/or vehicles parked in no parking areas may be subject to a citation.
Parking for the public will be in designated parking lots only and not along roadways or in campsites.
No parking will be allowed along the campground road, main park roads or in the group camp.
For those walking in, the approximate distance from the Indian Mound Trail parking lot on the trail to the campground is 0.5 miles.
The approximate distance from the Bike Trail and Horse Trailer parking lots to the campground is 0.5 miles.
The approximate distance from the upper park tower and other parking lots to the campground is 2 miles.
Campers and members of the public are encouraged to wear light colored clothing and utilize flashlights, glow sticks or other lighted elements to be more easily seen while walking on roadways and in the campground.
Beginning in 2026, there are no set dates for a Halloween Hike or trick-or-treating at High Cliff State Park.
Park visitors are welcome any day but will be limited to parking vehicles in designated parking stalls only, not along any roads.
By dispersing visits and respecting the property’s constraints, everyone has a better chance to enjoy a great fall outdoor experience.
