Thrill and Chills at Fayetteville’s Zombie Hayride & Haunted House Experience

Read the full experience

Located just outside Fayetteville, North Carolina, the Zombie Hayride & Haunted House delivers a night packed with adrenaline, screams, and immersive horror fun that’s become a seasonal staple for locals and visitors alike. Situated at 2112 River Rd, this roadside scare attraction has evolved over nine years into a must-visit destination blending interactive fun with spine-tingling thrills. When dusk falls, darkness cloaks the landscape, setting the perfect stage for the Zombie Hayride, where visitors board a covered trailer armed with paintball guns loaded with glowing zombie ammo, ready for a simulated Call of Duty-style showdown against relentless undead actors. This unique hands-on approach to a hayride differentiates the experience from typical haunted rides, infusing gameplay in a way that keeps guests active, engaged, and laughing through the intensity. What makes the Zombie Hayride stand out is its continuously expanding production value — expect explosive special effects, fog cannons, lasers cutting through the night, and some of the most realistic zombie actors in the region. With rides running continuously after dark and open until 10 PM, guests enjoy flexibility in scheduling their frightful fun. Indoor heated and cooled waiting areas ensure comfort before boarding, while concessions and kid-friendly bounce houses keep the atmosphere festive for all ages. Complementing the hayride is a meticulously crafted Haunted House trail, both indoors and outdoors, owned and operated by a haunted house master with over two decades of scare design expertise. Each year, the settings and props are reimagined and hand-built onsite, maintaining an unpredictable and immersive walk-through experience that even repeat visitors will find fresh and unnerving. Some outdoors portions mean guests should dress for weather and opt for sturdy, closed-toe footwear. Accessibility is partially addressed: the main building is wheelchair accessible, though the hayride itself is not. The venue is well-prepared for diverse guests, offering an ASL recording for deaf visitors to maximize participation and comfort. Fayetteville serves as the closest city base, offering easy hotel and dining options for travelers. Bringing bug spray for the outdoor trail and layering with jackets or hoodies is recommended due to variable weather after dark. The attraction’s operating model encourages safety and hygiene with mandated signed waivers and no contact rules around actors. For thrill-seekers and families seeking a night of interactive horror entertainment on the Carolina coast, the Zombie Hayride & Haunted House is an event that brilliantly balances storytelling, action, and seasonal spirit. Whether you’re gunning down glowing zombies or walking through hand-crafted scare scenes, this local icon honors Fayetteville’s outdoor fall traditions with originality and infectious energy, making it a bucket-list experience for October and beyond.

Trip highlights

Difficulty

moderate.

Duration

1–2 hours.

Fitness level

Guests should be able to walk steadily for about 30 minutes during the haunted house and stand during the hayride.

Frequently asked questions

Are children allowed on the hayride and in the haunted house?

Yes, the hayride has no age limit, but children under 12 must be accompanied by a guardian in the haunted house.

Can I buy tickets at the door?

Yes, tickets can be purchased at the door, but Fast Pass tickets must be purchased online beforehand.

Is the hayride wheelchair accessible?

The building is wheelchair accessible, but the hayride trailer is not. Staff can assist visitors who can walk with help.

Is safety equipment required for the paintball markers?

No safety equipment is needed because zombies do not shoot back; all pellet rounds are non-harmful and glow in the dark.

What payment methods are accepted on-site?

Cash and credit cards are accepted, though credit cards incur a 3% processing fee.

Are additional zombie ammo rounds available?

Yes, extra rounds can be purchased on site for $10 per 100 rounds.

Local insights

Wildlife

Occasional night owls
Local raccoons nearby

History

The haunted house is designed by a creator with over 20 years of experience, making it one of the longest-running seasonal haunted attractions in Fayetteville.

Conservation

The event practices waste minimization by providing designated trash and recycling receptacles and encourages visitors to stay on paths to protect local flora.

About Black Ops Paintball

Black Ops Paintball in Fayetteville, North Carolina operates a multi-discipline outdoor combat and event facility that hosts paintball, airsoft, gel blaster, and seasonal haunted attractions. The park offers veteran-designed fields, a massive 27,000 sq ft CQB arena created by military personnel, and private 3-hour CQB arena rentals for exclusive group play. Paintball packages include single-player options, group experiences, and tailored party packages; rental gear and an on-site pro shop — noted as one of the East Coast's largest — support new and returning players. Camping amenities include Full Hookup campsites with shared 50amp power service, water hydrants, and blue water hydrants equipped with splitters for two hookups. Heated private showers are available through a weekend-long Shower Pass for post-game refreshment. Event programming features themed scenarios such as Operation Red HomeFront: Aftermath, the Halfway To Halloween Zombie Hayride & Haunted House, and quarterly community events like a Swap Meet. Black Ops Paintball serves family-friendly Gel Blasters parties with lightweight, water-filled gellets on themed fields, and provides rental options and all-day play for airsoft on varied fields. Safety policies, equipment rental, and field rules are enforced to support fair play and guest safety. The facility accommodates group bookings, team-building events, and celebrations, offering experienced staff support, structured scenarios, and on-site amenities that streamline planning and ensure a memorable, action-focused visit. An on-site pro-shop stocks paint, equipment, and accessories, while rental packages lower barriers to entry for newcomers. Reservations and group coordination are available for parties seeking dedicated event time and private arena bookings today.

Base locationFayetteville, North Carolina

Tours offered12+

Adventure tips

Bring Bug SprayThe waiting and ride areas are outdoors and insects can be active at night. Protect yourself accordingly.

Dress for WeatherThe hayride trailer is covered but a short walk is outdoors; bring jackets or hoodies during cooler weather.

Wear Closed-Toe ShoesThe haunted house includes outdoor trail sections; solid footwear will keep you comfortable and safe.

Sign Waivers in AdvanceA signed waiver is required before riding; make sure to complete it to avoid last-minute delays.

Recommended gear

Bug Spray: Protects against nighttime insects while waiting outdoors or walking the trail.
Warm Jacket or Hoodie: Keeps you comfortable during the cooler October nights.
Closed-Toe Shoes: Essential for navigating mixed terrain during the haunted house experience.
Flashlight or Headlamp: Helpful for safely walking to and from your vehicle after dark.