Spooky Walk Returns to Center Moriches October 16 for 38th Year of Halloween Scares Benefiting Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck

By Jessica Mcfadyen Last updated Oct 9, 2026

The entrance to Spooky Walk at Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck in Center Moriches is decorated with pumpkins and colorful chrysanthemums for the annual Halloween fundraiser. Returning October 16, 2026, the volunteer-operated haunted attraction raises money to support recreational programs for children and adults with special needs. Photo courtesy of Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck Fundraisers.

Spooky Walk at Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck, one of Long Island’s longest-running Halloween fundraising traditions, returns to Center Moriches on October 16, 2026, for its 38th annual season of haunted trails, elaborate horror scenes and community-supported entertainment. The four-night event, organized entirely by volunteers, transforms the grounds of Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck into an immersive Halloween attraction while raising money to support programs for children and adults with special needs.

Scheduled for October 16, 17, 23 and 24, from 7 to 9 p.m., the approximately 45-minute haunted walk takes visitors through wooded trails, alongside Kaler’s Pond and into multiple buildings featuring frightening characters and specially constructed scenes. Admission is $25 per person, with tickets available exclusively at the gate. All proceeds benefit Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck and its programs.

What began in 1989 as a fundraising initiative by the Camp Paquatuck Fundraisers has grown into a nearly four-decade Halloween tradition. Unlike commercial haunted attractions, Spooky Walk depends on volunteers who design, construct, staff and operate the experience, making the event as much a community undertaking as a seasonal destination for Halloween enthusiasts.

Costumed characters and elaborate pirate-themed decorations create a frightening atmosphere along the Spooky Walk haunted trail in Center Moriches. The annual attraction features theatrical scenes built and operated by volunteers, with proceeds benefiting Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck and its programs for individuals with special needs. Photo courtesy of Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck Fundraisers.

Eight Haunted Themes Await Visitors in 2026

Organizers have announced eight themed experiences for the 2026 event: Club Boogie, Camp Slaughter, The Twisted Path, The Pirates, The Hunt, Living Hell Hospital, Wicked Woods and House of Nightmares. Each contributes a different setting to the larger haunted walk, which combines outdoor trails with enclosed attractions and encounters with costumed performers.

The variety of themes allows the experience to move beyond a conventional haunted trail. Visitors can expect a mixture of unsettling environments, theatrical costumes, frightening figures and imaginative scenery as they travel through the campgrounds after dark. The wooded setting and proximity to Kaler’s Pond provide a natural backdrop for the Halloween production.

A sinister clown wearing oversized green flower-shaped eyes greets visitors along an eerily illuminated section of the Spooky Walk haunted trail. The approximately 45-minute experience features costumed performers, elaborate scenery and frightening encounters throughout the wooded grounds of Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck. Photo credit: Corsetti Creative, courtesy of Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck Fundraisers.

The attraction is designed to immerse guests in a series of changing scenes rather than relying on a single storyline. Some areas feature traditional Halloween imagery, while others introduce theatrical environments, supernatural characters or more elaborate horror concepts. Organizers describe the experience as approximately 45 minutes long, although the actual duration may vary with visitor flow.

A ghostly figure wearing sunglasses stands beside a glowing red "Enter If You Dare" sign inside one of Spooky Walk's haunted environments. Dramatic lighting, theatrical props and unexpected encounters help create the immersive Halloween experience that has entertained Long Island visitors for nearly four decades. Photo credit: Corsetti Creative, courtesy of Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck Fundraisers. — A ghostly figure wearing sunglasses stands beside a glowing red “Enter If You Dare” sign inside one of Spooky Walk’s haunted environments. Dramatic lighting, theatrical props and unexpected encounters help create the immersive Halloween experience that has entertained Long Island visitors for nearly four decades. Photo credit: Corsetti Creative, courtesy of Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck Fundraisers.

Among the announced attractions, The Pirates brings a maritime horror theme to the event, while Living Hell Hospital and House of Nightmares suggest more traditional haunted-house experiences. Wicked Woods and The Twisted Path complement the outdoor surroundings, where darkness and the wooded landscape become part of the atmosphere. The organizers have not provided a detailed scene-by-scene description of every attraction, leaving visitors to discover the surprises for themselves.

A pirate captain stands at the helm of a decorated ship surrounded by eerie theatrical props during Spooky Walk in Center Moriches. The Pirates is among eight themed attractions announced for the 2026 event, which returns October 16, 17, 23 and 24 to benefit Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck. Photo courtesy of Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck Fundraisers.

A Halloween Tradition Built Entirely by Volunteers

Behind the frightening characters and theatrical scenery is a large volunteer effort that makes Spooky Walk possible. According to organizers, every aspect of the event, from construction and decoration to staffing and operations, is handled by volunteers. Their work allows the fundraiser to direct its proceeds toward Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck rather than operating as a conventional commercial Halloween attraction.

The Camp Paquatuck Fundraisers established Spooky Walk in 1989, creating a seasonal event that could bring local residents together while generating financial support for the camp. Over the following decades, the attraction developed into an established part of the Halloween season in southern Suffolk County, drawing visitors interested in both the haunted experience and the cause it supports.

An elaborately costumed mermaid-like character illuminated by eerie green lighting brings a supernatural element to Spooky Walk at Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck. The annual attraction incorporates imaginative costumes, theatrical performances and detailed scenery across multiple themed environments. Photo courtesy of Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck Fundraisers.

That volunteer participation is particularly significant because the camp relies heavily on private donations and fundraising activities. Organizers state that Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck does not receive federal funding, making events such as Spooky Walk an important source of financial support for its continuing programs.

Supporting Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck and Its Mission

Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck serves children and adults with special needs, providing opportunities for recreation, social interaction and meaningful camp experiences. Located in Center Moriches, the camp is the beneficiary of the annual Spooky Walk fundraiser, which helps sustain programs and activities for the individuals it serves.

For visitors, the charitable purpose adds another dimension to the Halloween experience. Purchasing admission to Spooky Walk does more than provide an evening of entertainment. It contributes directly to an organization that depends on community generosity and fundraising support to continue its work.

The connection between the attraction and the camp has remained central to Spooky Walk since its founding. Nearly four decades later, organizers continue to emphasize that the event exists to support the camp and its participants, with volunteers contributing their time and creativity to make the fundraiser successful.

Food, Music and a Community Gathering After the Scares

Two participants pose together beneath a tent during Spooky Walk, reflecting the community involvement that has helped sustain the annual fundraiser since 1989. The event is organized, constructed and operated entirely by volunteers, with all proceeds supporting Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck and its programs. Photo courtesy of Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck Fundraisers. — Participants pose together beneath a tent during Spooky Walk, reflecting the community involvement that has helped sustain the annual fundraiser since 1989. The event is organized, constructed and operated entirely by volunteers, with all proceeds supporting Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck and its programs. Photo courtesy of Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck Fundraisers.

Spooky Walk offers more than the haunted trail itself. Visitors can spend time enjoying food, music and a festive community atmosphere before or after completing the attraction. Marie’s Food Tent provides refreshments, while a beer tent features beer donated by Long Island Farm Brewery. A DJ and Spooky Walk merchandise are also part of the event.

The food and entertainment area provides an opportunity for attendees to gather outside the haunted attraction, adding a festival-like atmosphere to the evening. Seasonal decorations, illuminated tents and the surrounding campgrounds help create an environment that combines traditional Halloween entertainment with a local community celebration.

A visitor holds a cup of beer from Long Island Farm Brewery, which donates beer for the Spooky Walk fundraising event in Center Moriches. Beyond the haunted trail, attendees can enjoy food, refreshments, music and a festive community atmosphere while supporting Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck. Photo courtesy of Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck Fundraisers.

The official 2026 event flyer also carries a dedication in loving memory of Marie Frey. Although the organizers have not provided further details about the dedication, it represents another personal element of an event closely associated with the people and volunteers who have supported it over the years.

Planning a Visit to Spooky Walk in Center Moriches

Spooky Walk takes place at Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck, 2 Chet Swezey Road in Center Moriches, in the Town of Brookhaven, Suffolk County. The 2026 attraction operates on two consecutive Friday and Saturday weekends, October 16–17 and October 23–24, with admission beginning at 7 p.m. and ending at 9 p.m.

Tickets cost $25 and are sold at the gate only. Visitors should plan for an approximately 45-minute walking experience that includes wooded outdoor areas and themed indoor environments. Because the attraction takes place after dark and includes frightening scenes, families should consider whether the experience is appropriate for younger or particularly sensitive visitors.

Visitors should wear comfortable footwear suitable for outdoor walking and dress for October evening temperatures. Free shuttle transportation has been advertised from the King Kullen Shopping Center in Center Moriches. Attendees are encouraged to consult the official Spooky Walk website before traveling for the latest event information, admission policies and transportation details.

Spooky Walk at Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck

Key Facts & Details

Event	Spooky Walk at Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck
2026 Opening Date	Friday, October 16, 2026
Additional Dates	October 17, 23 and 24, 2026
Hours	7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Admission	$25 per person, tickets sold at the gate only
Location	2 Chet Swezey Road, Center Moriches, NY 11934
County	Suffolk County
Established	1989
2026 Edition	38th annual Spooky Walk
Attraction Type	Haunted walking trail with indoor and outdoor themed scenes
Approximate Duration	45 minutes
2026 Themes	Club Boogie, Camp Slaughter, The Twisted Path, The Pirates, The Hunt, Living Hell Hospital, Wicked Woods and House of Nightmares
Beneficiary	Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck
Organizer	Camp Paquatuck Fundraisers
Food and Entertainment	Marie’s Food Tent, beer tent, DJ and merchandise
Transportation	Free shuttle advertised from King Kullen Shopping Center in Center Moriches
Official Website	www.spookywalk.com

As Long Island’s haunted houses and Halloween attractions welcome visitors for the 2026 season, Spooky Walk continues to stand apart through its long history, volunteer participation and charitable mission. For those seeking an evening of Halloween scares while supporting a worthwhile local cause, the annual Center Moriches tradition offers an opportunity to enjoy an elaborate haunted attraction while helping Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck continue serving individuals with special needs.

Are you ready for fall on Long Island? Check out these local seasonal guides:
🍎 Apple Picking | 🍂 Fall Festivals & Farm Activities | 👻 Haunted Houses | 🎃 Pumpkin Picking