Nestled within the beautiful scenery of Platte City, Missouri, Basswood Resort transforms into a Halloween wonderland each October. Families from across the region flock to the popular RV park and campground to partake in the property’s legendary lineup of spooky and fun events.
“When you come to Basswood, it truly becomes a family experience and you meet a lot of great people,” said Jason Woods, Basswood’s general manager, in an exclusive interview with Modern Campground.
The Halloween festivities kick off early in October and continue all the way through Halloween weekend, providing guests with endless opportunities for seasonal fun.
Photo courtesy of Basswood Resort/IVEE Management Group
One of the most popular activities is the magic pumpkin ride, where families board a trailer and travel through the property collecting “magic pumpkin dust” which helps pumpkins grow that they can take home. Little ghosts and goblins can also enjoy pumpkin decorating and painting, costume contests, trick-or-treating, and more.
Campers never have to leave Basswood during their stay—the resort truly has everything guests need for a fun-filled vacation. Grab a bite at the on-site Pizza Shack, let the kids burn off energy at the massive jump pad, or swim a few laps in the pool. With activities and amenities galore, the resort is a one-stop destination.
For the grown-ups, Basswood has several haunted trails lined with spooky scenes and decorations.
According to Jason, the resort partners with students from the local Northland Career Center each year to help operate the thrilling haunted trails. The trails and other events help cultivate a sense of community, where families mingle and form bonds.
Photo courtesy of Basswood Resort/IVEE Management Group
Safety is paramount during all of Basswood’s family events. “During every event, we have employees with everybody…guests are never left unattended,” Jason emphasized. With staff supervising every activity, guests of all ages can rest assured the events are both safe and fun.
Basswood’s Halloween setup has been honed and perfected over many years. “It’s kind of nice to have somebody start something, just watch it keep growing and growing, and actually have guests involved in it as well by donating, just because they look forward to coming back the next year and seeing what we’ve done, and they get to be a part of it as well,” Jason said.
While October has come and gone, the memories of Basswood’s spooky festivities will live on. From the elaborate haunted trails to the magical pumpkin rides, it’s easy to see why families return year after year.
Although the resort’s Halloween celebrations are now over for 2023, they have once again succeeded in making October an unforgettable month filled with community, excitement, and of course, plenty of scares.
More Than Just Halloween: The Basswood Experience
While the Halloween events may draw the crowds in October, Basswood Resort is an inviting destination all year long.
Guests can enjoy amenities like the Pizza Shack restaurant, massive jump pad, swimming pool, and playgrounds.
The tight-knit staff helps cultivate a warm, welcoming environment. According to Jason, the team works seamlessly together to ensure guests have a fantastic experience. “We get along. Like we’ve known each other for years. Like, we’ve grown up together like brothers, sisters,” he said.
No matter the season, Basswood Resort offers the perfect blend of nature, community, and family entertainment.
Managed by Jason Woods, the resort is part of the Turnstone–Blue Vista portfolio and receives operational support from the IVEE Management Group.
The joint venture of the Turnstone Group and Blue Vista Capital Management boasts an impressive array of campgrounds and RV resorts namely American RV Resort, Sugar Sands RV Resort, Bonanza Camping Resort, Gulf Beach RV Resort, Milton/Gulf Pines KOA Holiday, Navarre Beach Camping Resort, Panama City Beach RV Resort, and Pikes Peak RV Park.
When it comes to property management, IVEE Group plays an important role, empowering Basswood’s staff to constantly find new ways to surprise and delight visitors.
“They give us enough trust to do that. We’re one and the same. We all enjoy what we do. We are here for the guests. We’re here for the customer service,” Jason stated. This support and latitude have been key to creating the resort’s magical events and activities.
To learn more, visit basswoodresort.com.
The management prowess at Basswood Resort is part of a larger network of excellence. The park is a key property in the Turnstone-Blue Vista portfolio, a joint venture that boasts an impressive collection of campgrounds and RV resorts.
Each with its unique charm and amenities, the portfolio includes American RV Resort, Bonanza Camping Resort, Gulf Beach RV Resort, Milton/Gulf Pines KOA Holiday, Sugar Sands RV Resort, Panama City Beach RV Resort, Port St. Joe RV Resort, Navarre Beach Camping Resort, and Pikes Peak RV Park.
Building on this foundation of quality, Basswood Resort has ambitious plans for the future.
