Camp Evans Base of Terror Review (2017)

Boasting a cast of between 90-150 scaractors per night, the cast at Camp Evans is high in numbers and in energy. I got tired just from watching them. Jumping up and down, some literally bouncing off the walls, this lively cast of creeps and creatures keeps spirits high with their antics. With multiple zones each portraying a different theme, the cast ranged from shambling zombies, to asylum patients, to post-apocalyptic warriors. All of whom went above and beyond to stay in character. The zombies limped and groaned the entire time we were in their wide open zone, which was a while. The Mad Max-esque scene included a choreographed fight scene, and between the TV sellers in TV Trash and the asylum patients, I felt as if sugar and Red Bull were part of their costume process. These characters all used their surroundings to their full advantage. With the exception of one or two zones, every area was well-staffed and had plenty of actors, each of whom fulfilled their roles.

Most of the costuming was done by repurposing other items. License plates became chest and shoulder plates of armor, and old television sets were turned into masks. Not to mention hidden voice modulators amped up the tv head costumes authenticity ten fold. The rest of the costuming may not have been as out there, but they still captured the theme of the area they were in, and looked good doing it. The zombies may not have been missing limbs or chunks of body, but they looked like fresh cadavers newly risen and out for some brains. The officer in their prison scene could pass as law enforcement, and the cat in the hat looked quite real at that.

The customer service here by the staff is phenomenal. All of the non-spooky staff are friendly and helpful, and very easy going. The owner even stays in a booth most of the night, talking to guests as they enter or leave about their visit and even just some non-haunt related things. Our guide for the evening, the head of their PR, gave us the rundown on all the numbers and fun facts about what goes into making this base into a haunt. With the exception of one or two grassy areas with small mounds or holes for effect, and the initial area “The Porch,” the haunt is ADA accessible and pretty much hazard proof. Signs guide you to the base pretty much as soon as you get off the Parkway.

Some haunts spend thousands of dollars on fancy animatronics and sound effects, but just like with their costumes, Camp Evans relies on building their sets and effects from scratch, or repurposing what they have, and get a similar effect. Old military trucks and vehicles are turned into platforms of terror. Drum sets take the place of music through speakers and a live drummer pounds fear into guests, building up suspense before a ghoul attacks. Lighting varies from dim and ominous, to vibrant and disorienting. The TV Trash and Mad Max areas were greatly detailed and original, and overall just a lot of fun.