Check out this fun DIY Pop-Up Camper Halloween Costume.
We attend a camping rally with other pop-up camper owners in Illinois each fall. Since it occurs in October, the kids dress up and go trick-or-treating around the campsites. The adults usually don’t dress up, but I (Diana) decided to dress up in a themed costume. I created this Pop-Up Camper Halloween Costume.
Pop-Up Camper Halloween Costume
Supplies
- four 20″x30″ white foam core boards
- ruler or straight-edge
- pencil
- box cutters
- white utility tape
- two mesh bags
- fabric (I used an old sheet)
- stapler
- cable ties
- stretchy headband
- wide ribbon
- silver utility tape
- mini foam ball
- black marker
- nut & bolt
I put this camper’s Halloween costume together quite frugally. I purchased the foam boards and mesh bags at Dollar Tree.
Since the foam boards are thin, I purchased an extra one for the roof. I had the rest of the supplies on hand.
Pop-Up Camper Costume Directions
Cut two foam boards in half lengthwise, which gives you four 10″x30″ pieces. Two of these are the sides of the trailer.
Cut 10″ off two of those boards, which leaves you with two 10″20″ pieces. These are the front and back of the trailer.
Cut a large circle from one of the 10″ pieces and draw on the tire with a black marker.
Cut another board in half the short way, giving you two 15″x20″ pieces. These are the bunk ends.
The remaining board is the roof. If your boards are thin, I recommend combining two boards to create a reinforced roof.
Attach the elastic headband with cable ties to the middle of the roof.
Tape the four side pieces together to form the trailer box.
Tape the bunk ends onto the short sides of the trailer. They should be able to move up and down.
Add two loops to each side of the trailer to attach straps later.
Cut the following pieces out of the fabric:
- (2) 30″x20″
- (1) 30″x26″
- (2) 15″x26″, then cut in half diagonally
- (2) 11″x26″
- (1) 9″x2.5″
Cut a double layer of 9″x 24″ mesh.
Cut single-layer triangles of mesh for the bunk ends and rectangles for each side of the screen door, using the pieces they are going on as a guide. I only put a screen on the front of the canvas.
Sew the canvas together. Start by sewing the 9″x 2.5″ piece of fabric to the top of the large mesh piece. Stitch the screen onto the 11″x 26″ pieces and then sew those to each side of the screen door.
Sew the screen onto the bunk end triangles. Sew those onto each side of the main piece. Stitch the 30″x20″ pieces to the long side of the bunk ends.
Sew the other side of those 30″x 20″ pieces to the bunk ends on the other side.
Finally, stitch the remaining piece in place. This is what the canvas looks like.
Attach the canvas to the roof.
First, I taped the canvas in place, but the tape wasn’t strong enough to hold it. I went back, stapled the canvas in place, and then taped over it.
Attach the canvas to the trailer box.
Finally, I stapled and then covered it with utility tape.
Carefully get into the Halloween costume by pulling it over your body and putting the elastic band over your head to hold up the roof.
Measure and cut straps out of the wide ribbon. I crisscrossed mine in the back.
Attach the straps to the loops on the inside of the trailer. I stapled mine in place.
Have fun with the costume by popping it up and down. I held a finger out in the middle of each bunk end to make it look like bunk end canvas support poles. Isn’t it fun?
I could walk around and see out the screen door of the camper.
Consider adding some stripes or stickers to the outside of your camper. Happy camping!
Michele Sowash
Thursday 22nd of February 2024
What does the foam ball get used for? Also, what do you attach the cable ties to for the headband? How do you make the loops for the straps? I couldn't find information on that. Thanks!
Diana Hansen
Saturday 24th of February 2024
The foam ball is supposed to be the hitch ball. The straps are to hold the frame on your body. I not longer have the costume, so I cannot remember the loops. Attach the straps however you wish. I punched holes in the lid to string the cable ties through, then looped them close over the mesh headband.
Mother of 3
Tuesday 2nd of October 2018
That is hilarious! I bet it was a huge hit. Pinned.
letscampsmore
Monday 8th of October 2018
Thanks! It was fun to create.
Angie
Friday 28th of September 2018
So cute! Halloween doesn't usually inspire my creativity the way it does for some. There have been a few years of original costumes I enjoyed putting together. Your pop-up camper is great! Hmmm... gives me some renewed motivation!
letscampsmore
Monday 8th of October 2018
So glad you like it. Thanks for stopping by!
Ashley
Monday 24th of September 2018
This is so great!!!!! What a fantastic idea!!! Thanks for sharing with us at #HomeMattersParty!
letscampsmore
Monday 24th of September 2018
You are welcome, Ashley!
Bright
Monday 17th of September 2018
This is hilarious! Thanks for the laugh. Very creative original idea. We are pop up trailer owners so we really appreciate the humour.
letscampsmore
Monday 17th of September 2018
Thank you!!