LONGS WATER ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE
Spooky S'mores at River Island Outpost: Kayak the dusk, toast in costume, and trade campfire tales beneath tiki light
An evening event (October 24–25, 2025) that combines a half‑mile river approach by pontoon or kayak with a Spooky S'mores bar, campfire stories, an outdoor Halloween movie and optional island camping.
Spooky S'mores at River Island Outpost: Kayak the dusk, toast in costume, and trade campfire tales beneath tiki light.
Adventure brief
Spooky S'mores at River Island Outpost: Kayak the dusk, toast in costume, and trade campfire tales beneath tiki light
As the sun slips toward the horizon, River Island Outpost stages an intimate, family‑oriented evening where Halloween costumes meet a crackling fire, tiki torches and a stacked Spooky S'mores bar. Guests arrive at the Outpost, then travel by pontoon or paddle a single or tandem kayak—guided by an Adventure Guide—for a half‑mile glide to a secluded island trimmed in bistro lights and a central fire pit, where stories and sweets set the night.
River Island Adventures offers a unique seasonal experience just outside Longs, South Carolina, where the calm waters of the Waccamaw River meet a Halloween-themed evening of campfire fun. The Spooky S'mores event invites visitors to don costumes and embark on a short paddle or pontoon boat ride to a secluded island transformed by tiki torches and soft bistro lights. This is not just another night by the fire; it’s a carefully crafted journey mixing river tranquility with playful, eerie storytelling.
The adventure begins at the River Island Outpost, located at 1249 Vera Rd, a well-equipped hub with amenities like hammocks, swings, and restrooms to ease your pre-trip comfort. From here, participants choose between a guided kayak or pontoon ride, covering about half a mile of gentle river water with a chance to take in native flora like river cane and the occasional glimpse of wading birds.
Upon arrival, the island comes alive with the glow of fire pits and the tantalizing aroma of marshmallows roasting over open flames. The Spooky S’mores bar features creative treats including Pumpkin Peeps, Ghost Marshmallows, and Reese’s Rippers, giving each bite a playful twist. Gathered around the campfire, guests listen to "The Legend of the One-Eyed Owl," a local spooky tale adding an authentic storytelling element to the night.
For those seeking added thrill, a guided nighttime walk to a nearby abandoned cabin offers a spine-tingling cap to the evening. These elements combine to create a standout family-friendly experience that brings the outdoors to life with seasonal charm.
River Island Adventures stands apart in South Carolina’s outdoor scene by blending accessible water travel with themed cultural storytelling, making it a must-try for families and groups looking for memorable fall events. The company’s attention to atmosphere, safety, and unique local narratives enriches the region’s outdoor offerings and keeps guests coming back each year under the open night sky.
Route Schematic
Route Schematic & Key Stops
The evening progresses from Outpost check‑in to a guided river transit, island gathering and a return to the Outpost for film and refreshments.
River Island Outpost (Check‑in)
Arrive at the Outpost for a breezy check‑in where hammocks, swings, restrooms and changing rooms are available; guests choose between the pontoon or a single/tandem kayak to reach the island.
Half‑mile River Transit
Under guide supervision, glide by pontoon or paddle for a half‑mile downriver as the island comes into view.
Secluded Island Gathering
The island is lit with tiki torches and bistro lights; a fire pit anchors the Spooky S'mores bar where guests assemble seasonal variations before the guided woods walk and storytelling.
Return to Outpost & Outdoor Movie
After s'mores and stories, the group returns upriver to the Outpost where a free Halloween movie plays on an outdoor screen while popcorn, sodas and snacks are sold.
Optional Overnight on the Island
For those who want to extend the night, book wooded campsites, glamping tents or the two‑bedroom Treehouse on the island to sleep under the trees.
Note: the outing includes a half‑mile river transit by guided kayak or pontoon—choose the mode that matches your comfort and ability; follow guides for optional walks into the woods or to the abandoned cabin.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Pontoon or Paddle: a guided half‑mile river transit
Upon check‑in you choose to glide on a pontoon boat or paddle a single or tandem kayak alongside an Adventure Guide for a half‑mile journey downriver to the island—the slow, guided approach that frames the evening.
An island lit by tiki torches and bistro lights
The secluded island is staged for atmosphere: tiki torches, a crackling fire pit and bistro lights create the backdrop for gathering, lingering and making s'mores from the provided Spooky S'mores bar.
Stories, sweets and an outdoor movie
After indulgent s'mores and an optional guided walk through the woods to an abandoned cabin for the Legend of the One‑Eyed Owl, the group returns to the Outpost for a free outdoor Halloween movie while popcorn, sodas and snacks are available for purchase.
What the day feels like
What the night feels like
The flow is deliberate and theatrical: a breezy check‑in at the Outpost (hammocks, swings, restrooms and changing rooms available), a short guided transit by pontoon or kayak to an island dressed in lights, a communal fire pit around which you assemble inventive s'mores and listen to campfire tales, then a return to the Outpost for an outdoor movie and optional overnight stays on the island.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this evening suits—and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The event dates are October 24 and 25, 2025.
Bring a Halloween costume if you wish to participate in the themed evening; dress for paddling if you choose a kayak and for an outdoor night by a fire. Changing rooms and restrooms are available at check‑in.
Meet at the River Island Outpost for check‑in, where you’ll select pontoon or kayak for the guided half‑mile trip to the island.
A Spooky S'mores bar with fixings is provided on the island; during the return movie at the Outpost popcorn, sodas and snacks are available for purchase.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Are costumes required?
Costumes are encouraged—guests are asked to dress in their favorite Halloween attire for the evening.
How do I get to the island?
Upon arrival at the Outpost you choose to either ride a pontoon boat or paddle a single or tandem kayak, guided by an Adventure Guide for a half‑mile journey to the island.
Is the event family‑friendly?
Yes. The program is described as a fun night for the entire family, with activities and amenities suitable for children.
What food is provided?
A Spooky S'mores bar with a variety of fixings is provided on the island; additional popcorn, sodas and snacks are sold during the outdoor movie at the Outpost.
Is there an overnight option?
Yes—participants may book wooded campsites, glamping tents or the two‑bedroom Treehouse on the island to stay overnight.
Are guided walks or stories part of the program?
After s'mores, any willing guests can follow a guide on a walk through the woods to an abandoned cabin to hear the Legend of the One‑Eyed Owl and possibly observe the One‑Eyed Owl.
Is the movie free?
Yes—the Halloween movie shown at the Outpost after the island return is free to attend.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-07T20:58:01.649Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.