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Camp Monsters

These are the stories of impossible encounters with impossible creatures in the wildest corners of North America. We’ll travel the country, sit around campfires and talk about that thing that ran across the trail in the middle of the night, just beyond the beam of your flashlight. Come closer to the fire. Let’s hear the next legend.
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Episodes

Skunk Ape

Molly, an adventurous dog visiting the Gulf Coast of Florida with her owner, realizes she may be in trouble when she finds herself in tall thick grass, thicker reeds, mud, and deep water. A perfect trap for the Skunk Ape. This year’s sponsor is YETI . Check out all of their amazing gear in store or at REI.com . Drink it in – Shop YETI Drinkware Pack it up - Shop YETI Camp Chairs Shop YETI Rambler Camp Monsters Mug Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information abou...

Sep 21, 202235 minSeason 4Ep. 11

Hogzilla

Beyond the high school football end zone, through that little gap in the fence, and all the way down the hill into the trees is where locals believe the legendary ghost hog lives. Landry, the small town football star, may find himself running from more than his opponent this Friday night. This year’s sponsor is YETI . Check out all of their amazing gear in store or at REI.com . Drink it in – Shop YETI Drinkware Shop YETI Rambler Camp Monsters Mug Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm...

Sep 14, 202239 minSeason 4Ep. 10

Melon Heads

Across Fairfield County, Connecticut, whispers grow that back in the trees and forests, along lonely country lanes, live the “Melon Heads” — dangerous creatures known to lure and attack wayward outsiders. Trevor, a new mail carrier, found himself on an unfamiliar country route and wanted to finish before the darkness closed in. He'll always question whether or not that was a good idea... This year’s sponsor is YETI . Check out all of their amazing gear in store or at REI.com . Drink it in – Shop...

Sep 07, 202240 minSeason 4Ep. 9

The Top Bunk

You arrive late to camp and get placed in a room with a single bunkbed all by yourself. The idea of having your own space sounds nice, until you realize you’re not alone... and someone or something is occupying the top bunk… Welcome to Camp Monsters Summer Camp. Over the past few seasons of the show, we’ve gotten tons of suggestions on the monsters we should cover. We noticed that a lot of these take place at a summer camp. So we’ve collected the best of the stories you’ve sent — and researched ...

Aug 10, 202235 minSeason 4Ep. 8

The Shadowman

You’re tucked away in your bunk at Camp Whileaway when you notice a shadowy figure in the corner of your room. You can’t take your eyes off it. You wish you could run, scream and cry out for help, but you know you won’t be able to… that’s one of the powers of the Shadowman. Welcome to Camp Monsters Summer Camp. Over the past few seasons of the show, we’ve gotten tons of suggestions on the monsters we should cover. We noticed that a lot of these take place at a summer camp. So we’ve collected the...

Aug 03, 202234 minSeason 4Ep. 7

The Signal Cabin

A light in the darkness is usually a sign of a good thing—especially when you’re walking in the rain down a lonely old railway line in Tennessee. In this case, the light ahead is calling you toward something much less comforting. Welcome to Camp Monsters Summer Camp. Over the past few seasons of the show, we’ve gotten tons of suggestions on the monsters we should cover. We noticed that a lot of these take place at a summer camp. So we’ve collected the best of the stories you’ve sent — and resear...

Jul 27, 202234 minSeason 4Ep. 6

The Stowaway

Your dim lantern casts a thousand shadows down here in the low, soggy hold of the sail-training ship Amphion . But there is only one moving shadow that interests you. As you approach it, you begin to wonder who or what you have cornered, because it's not what you thought it was. Welcome to Camp Monsters Summer Camp. Over the past few seasons of the show, we’ve gotten tons of suggestions on the monsters we should cover. We noticed that a lot of these take place at a summer camp. So we’ve collecte...

Jul 20, 202237 minSeason 4Ep. 5

Spirit Lake

You’re supposed to be alone out here in the dark waters of Spirit Lake— the ranger ensured you there was nobody else. So why is there a strange glow across the lake? What is it coming from? Tonight you’ll find out. Welcome to Camp Monsters Summer Camp. Over the past few seasons of the show, we’ve gotten tons of suggestions on the monsters we should cover. We noticed that a lot of these take place at a summer camp. So we’ve collected the best of the stories you’ve sent — and researched a few of o...

Jul 13, 202237 minSeason 4Ep. 4

Thin Air

We’re taking flight this week. Far up above the clouds where we come face-to-face with something we wish we hadn’t. Welcome to Camp Monsters Summer Camp. Over the past few seasons of the show, we’ve gotten tons of suggestions on the monsters we should cover. We noticed that a lot of these take place at a summer camp. So we’ve collected the best of the stories you’ve sent — and researched a few of our own — to create our first series of legendary summer camp creatures. Hopefully you can take thes...

Jul 06, 202235 minSeason 4Ep. 3

The Cavern

To battle the summer heat we're going underground. Where things are cool and quiet. A place where you might run into something that's been trapped for far too long. Welcome to Camp Monsters Summer Camp. Over the past few seasons of the show, we've gotten tons of suggestions on the monsters we should cover. We noticed that a lot of these take place at a summer camp. So we've collected the best of the stories you've sent — and researched a few of our own — to create our first series of legendary s...

Jun 29, 202234 minSeason 4Ep. 2

The Snipe

This week we're heading to a summer camp in Mississippi. Where a group of campers decide to pull a prank on their bunk mate and something goes wrong. Horribly wrong. Welcome to Camp Monsters Summer Camp. Over the past few seasons of the show, we've gotten tons of suggestions on the monsters we should cover. We noticed that a lot of these take place at a summer camp. So we've collected the best of the stories you've sent — and researched a few of our own — to create our first series of legendary ...

Jun 22, 202241 minSeason 4Ep. 1

Introducing: Camp Monsters, Season 4

At the end of June 2022, we're kicking off our Camp Monsters Summer Camp. We've collected some of the best camp stories to create our first series of legendary summer camp creatures. You can take these episodes with you to the campfire, bunkhouses or whatever place you call camp this summer. For those of you looking for the fall monsters, don't worry, we've got you covered. We'll return as usual in September and October for another eight episodes, telling terrifying tales of legendary creatures ...

May 26, 20223 min

Char Man

In our final episode of Camp Monsters, season three we're heading to Ojai, California. Unlike our usual campfire, we're gathering around an electric lantern because the hills surrounding us are tinder-dry, a fire waiting to happen. Once a wildfire gets started, it moves fast. Fire has always been a danger around here. The story we're telling tonight starts with one: the big Ojai fire of 1948. A fire that birthed something... dangerous. Thanks to this season’s sponsor, YETI for supporting the pod...

Oct 28, 202131 minSeason 3Ep. 8

The Chicago Wolfman

Back in 2014 in the midnight alleys in Chicago, people began to encounter something larger than the raccoons and coyote that are sometimes seen around the area. Something like a dog—or a wolf—but larger. Something that should walk on four legs but was seen walking...sprinting... on two. After an initial flurry of sightings the reports died down, but there are recent indications that whatever it is may be back. Thanks to this season’s sponsor, YETI for supporting the podcast. Artwork by Tyler Gro...

Oct 21, 202134 minSeason 3Ep. 7

The Sunnyvale Haunting

In this bonus episode we're gathering around a digital campfire in the new REI Co-op store in Sunnyvale. What's so special about this store? We're glad you asked. This store has a haunted reputation. Previous tenants have complained of flickering lights, unusual noises and that eerie feeling that has you looking over your shoulder. This bonus episode is about the Sunnyvale Store and what might be waiting for you on your next visit. Thanks to this season’s sponsor, YETI for supporting the podcast...

Oct 18, 202118 min

The Black Horse Dog

The eastern part of Montana is flat, empty and full of a subtle kind of beauty. It's a place where the sky is big and the silence is bigger. A place where your mind can play tricks on you if your car happens to break down on the side of the road in the growing darkness. And that's just what happened to Loretta on an evening not too long ago. Thanks to this season’s sponsor, YETI for supporting the podcast. Artwork by Tyler Grobowsky ( @g_r_o_b_o ) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pc...

Oct 14, 202135 minSeason 3Ep. 6

Colossal Claude

Imagine that you're huddled on the deck of a ship with the wind and rain beating down on you. The waves are crashing and it feels like the boat is going to vibrate apart beneath your feet. We're offshore of the Oregon territory a place called the graveyard of the Pacific, and for good reason. There is more than just crashing waves lurking in the dark waters below the ship. Tales of a creature have haunted this coastline for years, all sailors on the coast have heard of it... Claude. Colossal Cla...

Oct 07, 202137 minSeason 3Ep. 5

The Mill Thing

Tonight we're camping out in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Surrounded by fall colors, woodsmoke and the sound of a distant river. A river that holds more than just fish and cool water. If you follow that river a few miles downstream, you'll come upon an old mill site. Nothing special, just a ruin of what once stood there. The locals know that the fishing around that site is no good. They also know that whenever they go there, a deep chill runs up their spine. That old mill site stays a l...

Sep 30, 202137 minSeason 3Ep. 4

The Traveler

Airports at night can be a bit... unsettling. When the shops are closed and the concourse is mostly empty — dark corners and abandoned corridors. The Denver airport may be the most unsettling of them all. There are as many stories about this airport as there are flights in and out of it every day. And this story is about a woman who met a person (well, she thought he was a person) and discovered some of the haunting rumors about this airport are true. And terrifying. Thanks to this season's spon...

Sep 23, 202136 minSeason 3Ep. 3

The Firwood Reflection

Can you see your reflection in the window? Like a ghost standing just outside in the night, looking back at you. It’s a trick the light plays, when you’re inside looking out on a night as dark as this one. One of many tricks light can play — some stranger than others. That’s what must be the explanation behind this story — it must be a very specific trick of reflecting light that has only ever been observed in a little lake in a little park that’s out there in the darkness. The park is called La...

Sep 16, 202134 minSeason 3Ep. 2

The Beast of Truro

Here we are on Cape Cod, around a crackling fire on one of the only beaches on the Cape where fires are allowed: Head of the Meadow Beach, just outside Truro. A pleasant and welcoming place, in my opinion. I shouldn’t spoil a night like this with a story as frightening as the last time The Beast appeared here in Truro... But that's exactly what I'm here to do. Season sponsor: YETI Artwork: Tyler Grobowsky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our col...

Sep 09, 202143 minSeason 3Ep. 1

Sasquatch - Part Four

Our third full season of Camp Monsters will start in September, thanks to our sponsors at YETI. In the meantime, we figured we'd give you a short bonus series to tide you over. And while you think you might know everything there is to know about Sasquatch, this is a personal account. A story that'll have you crawling under the covers questioning whether or not you really believe in monsters. Follow along every month and chime in with what you would do in the narrator's shoes. Drop your thoughts ...

Aug 19, 202120 min

Sasquatch - Part Three

Our third full season of Camp Monsters will start in September, thanks to our sponsors at YETI. In the meantime, we figured we'd give you a handful of stories to tide you over. And while you think you might know everything there is to know about Sasquatch, this is a personal account. A story that'll have you crawling under the covers questioning whether or not you really believe in monsters. Follow along every month and chime in with what you would do in the narrator's shoes. Drop your thoughts ...

Jul 15, 202120 min

Sasquatch - Part Two

Our third full season of Camp Monsters will start in September, thanks to our sponsors at YETI. In the meantime, we figured we'd give you a handful of stories to tide you over. And while you think you might know everything there is to know about Sasquatch, this is a personal account. A story that'll have you crawling under the covers questioning whether or not you really believe in monsters. Season sponsor: YETI Artwork by: Tyler Grobowsky, @g_r_o_b_o Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. Se...

Jun 17, 202114 min

Sasquatch - Part One

Our third full season of Camp Monsters will start in September, thanks to our sponsors at YETI . In the meantime, we figured we'd give you a handful of stories to tide you over. And while you think you might know everything there is to know about Sasquatch, this is a personal account. A story that'll have you crawling under the covers questioning whether or not you really believe in monsters. Season sponsor: YETI Artwork by: Tyler Grobowsky, @g_r_o_b_o Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. S...

May 27, 202116 min

Season Three Trailer

Camp Monsters will be back this September with a full third season, sponsored by our friends at YETI. To keep you entertained until the full season launches, we are releasing a four-part series about the legendary Sasquatch starting in May. Make sure to listen to Camp Monsters season one and season two before our new season launches and check out all the YETI gear at REI. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data f...

Apr 14, 20212 min

Mini Monster: Krampus

This Mini Monster episode takes us to the country of Austria, and the year 1709. It's the night before Christmas in a forgotten valley high in the mountains of Carinthia. It's a black, cold night. And we're about to learn about the creature that haunts the castle halls, bringing to the naughty boys and girls a fate much worse than coal in their stocking. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising....

Dec 23, 202020 min

The Dark Divide: Sasquatch

We're sure you’ve all heard of the Sasquatch. Possibly the best-known legendary creature of all time, with entire groups dedicated to finding it. There have even been scientists who have dedicated their life to proving that Bigfoot does indeed walk this earth. And in this bonus episode, we're handing the mic to Harvest Moon. Harvest Moon is a Quinault native elder, a renowned storyteller and an honored historian. Her stories evoke the vivid spirituality and moral lessons of a rich culture, while...

Nov 18, 202021 min

Boo

Down along the coast of South Carolina, the people of the Sea Islands have a name for that dream that some of them have. They call it the “Boo,” and it’s been around for a very long time. As long as anyone can remember. And the strange thing is that, just in this area, in the Sea Islands, the descriptions of the Boo are so consistent, even from people who have never heard of this dream-creature before. If it is a dream. But if it is a dream, no one has it for very long. They get rid of it, or… o...

Oct 28, 202030 minSeason 2Ep. 8

Hidebehind

What is the Hidebehind supposed to be? Just what it sounds like: a creature you never see directly, that always ducks back behind the nearest tree or rock when you turn to look at it. It sounds harmless enough, but so does any nightmare once you’re awake. And there are places where it can be a bit harder to awaken. Places where dreams come closer to reality. Places like the forests of the Pacific Northwest where the idea that something may be just behind that tree, watching you, drawing back whe...

Oct 21, 202032 minSeason 2Ep. 7
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