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Halloween is behind us, and Thanksgiving weekend is next! November 26–29, 2026 means another long weekend of dune runs, campfires, turkey dinners, and hanging out with friends and family at Dumont. Thanksgiving still draws a decent crowd, but it usually isn’t quite as crazy as Halloween. The weekend has more of a family atmosphere, with duners spending their days riding together and their evenings sharing food and hanging out around the campfire. Whether you’re heading out early for the whole week or squeezing in a few days, there’s something pretty hard to beat about Thanksgiving dinner at camp after a day in the sand. For many families, cooking Thanksgiving dinner at Dumont is part of the tradition. From deep-fried turkeys to everyone bringing a favorite side dish, camps find plenty of ways to put together a full feast out in the desert. It’s a good excuse to slow down, enjoy camp, and spend a little extra time with your people. Waterpumpers: Dune Masters & Sandpipers The waterpumpers are a longtime Thanksgiving tradition at Dumont. These V8-powered buggies bring a little old-school dune history to the weekend, with drag racing and hill climbs that are always worth checking out. Hill Climbs: Slowest to the Top Wins The hill climbs aren’t about who can get to the top the fastest: it’s just the opposite! The goal is to be the last one to reach the top without stopping. On the steep side of Comp Hill, that’s harder than it sounds. Go too slowly and the paddle tires dig in, sinking the buggy into the sand. Give it too much throttle and you climb faster than you want to. It takes careful throttle control and a well-built machine with the right combination of power, gearing, and traction to keep crawling uphill while outlasting the other racers. More than anything, the waterpumper tradition is about nostalgia. It’s a connection to the early days of Dumont, when these V8-powered buggies helped shape the dune scene. Seeing them line up again brings back memories for longtime duners and gives newer generations a look at a tradition that families have kept going for decades. Friday & Saturday Schedule FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27 10 a.m. Drag Races Back stretch of Sand Highway heading toward the North Pole. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28 10 a.m. Hill Climbs Steep, left side of Comp Hill. Racing is open to club members only, but everyone is welcome to come watch! Getting Ready for the Trip Make sure your entrance pass includes holidays, get the toys ready, and leave room for the turkey! Before heading out, check DDR’s weather page and nearby services directory for help planning your trip. If you’re making a longer stay out of it, plan ahead for fuel, water, propane, and everything you’ll need for Thanksgiving dinner. Bring warm layers for evenings at camp, and browse our Vendor Row directory for food, parts, and supplies. Take care of the dunes, pack out your trash, and keep an eye out for each other during the busy weekend. Who’s spending Thanksgiving in the sand? Share your plans in the comments, and post your photos and trip reports when you get back!

Weather 77 light winds no crowd! Perfect riding!

Halloween Weekend at Dumont Dunes! Halloween Weekend returns to Dumont Dunes October 30 - November 1, 2026! After a long, hot summer, it's time to get back to the sand, kick off another dune season, and enjoy one of Dumont's favorite holiday traditions. Halloween at Dumont Saturday, October 31 is the big day! Bring your costumes, decorate your camp, and stock up on candy for an evening of Halloween fun throughout the dunes. Friends of Dumont Dunes Trunk or Treat Saturday, October 31, 2026 Time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Location: Vendor Row Friends of Dumont Dunes (FODD) will be hosting their annual Trunk or Treat! Bring the kids in costume for some afternoon Halloween fun before heading back to camp for the evening. View the FODD Facebook announcement » Trick-or-Treating & Camp Decorations After Trunk or Treat, the fun continues with traditional camp-to-camp trick-or-treating Saturday night. Many families participate, so have plenty of candy ready for the kids making their rounds! Halloween decorations are also a big part of the weekend. From spooky lights and pumpkins to elaborate camp displays, get creative and join in the fun! Let the 2026-2027 Dune Season Begin! Halloween Weekend is one of the first big weekends of the season, so expect plenty of activity in the dunes and around camp. Keep speeds down near camps, watch for kids and pedestrians after dark, and ride safely in crowded areas. Get the toys ready, load up the candy, and we'll see you at Dumont!