Camp Monsters

REI Co-op

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. read less

Our Editor's Take

The Camp Monsters podcast shares outdoor monster stories from all over the United States. What was that noise in the woods? Is a monster lurking somewhere out there? This podcast explains the hidden horrors in the woods. For listeners who are sitting around a campfire or commuting, this spooky podcast is fun and entertaining. Outdoor store chain REI is behind the podcast. They want to encourage people to get outside and enjoy wildlife. This show has its own kinds of wildlife, though.

Weston Davis hosts and writes the podcast. He shares stories of monsters that listeners may or may not have heard of. From famous legends to small-town stories, this podcast shares monster "impossibilities." For example, one episode talks about the Mothman of Point Pleasant, a sign of doom for those who see it. The Mothman became famous after the movie The Mothman Prophecies.

Other Camp Monsters legends include Gumberoo of the Cascade Mountains. This monster has a tough hide that can repel bullets. He explores the legend of South Carolina's Lizard Man, who is seven feet tall with scaly skin. Listeners can learn about "hogzilla" and what is the Alkali Lake monster.

The podcast does more than talk about famous stories, though. It also offers unique information on how the idea for the show originated. During the summer, Davis offers summer camp shows on Camp Monsters. Campers can turn these on to spice up the camp nights. Adults can also use them for amusing nights in a tent. Each story is immersive and interesting.

This podcast is a good mix of scary and fun to listen to. It offers a blend of expert narrations and spooky legends. Each episode is around 30 minutes.

read less

FictionFiction

Play Trailer

Camp Monsters: Coming October 1, 2019

Camp Monsters: Coming October 1, 2019

Join us by the fire as we try to scare each other with stories about those things you hear pass too close to your tent late at night or what made that sudden rustle in the bushes as you walked by. Every part of the country has its own legends to explain what it was you thought you caught a glimpse of. We’ll be traveling the country telling stories of the things that live beyond the firelight.While you listen, remember that these stories are just that: stories. Sure, some of them are based on the testimony of people who claim to have seen these creatures, but it’s up to you how much you believe, and how to explain away what you don’t.Come closer to the fire and let’s hear this week’s legend.The first episode of Camp Monsters is coming to your ears Tuesday, October 1st.

Season 5

Camp Monsters is Back for Season 5

Camp Monsters is Back for Season 5

Camp Monsters is back for season 5, and the monsters are more mysterious than ever. Tune in to hear tales of peculiar creatures wandering through neighborhood yards, a strange relic discovered in a cabin in the woods, unexplained knocking in the basement and more. Check out this season’s sponsors:FjallravenKeenRoarkBenchmadeArtwork by Tyler Grobowsky

An old man at his cabin in Appalachia finds a dried-out old relic of a strange experience long ago. A hunt in the nearby woods that ended in a terrifying, near-fatal encounter. All these years later he'd found the old relic again, where he'd tucked it in the back of his safe. It brought back a lot of memories. And, as it turns out, that isn't all it brings back.This episode is sponsored by Fjallraven. Check out all of their amazing gear in store or at REI.com.

Lara just moved into a new house in an old coal-mining town in West Virginia. One night, she begins to hear sounds behind the walls of her basement bedroom. Knocking, knocking…This episode is sponsored by Keen. Check out all of their amazing gear in store or at REI.com.

Honolulu in the late '50s was changing about as fast as a place can change. People and money were pouring in as quickly as the new jets could fly them— so no one remembers what had once occupied the spot that was paved and set up as the Waialae Drive-In Movie Theater. One night, Leilani was trying to catch a movie at the new theater when she walked into the bathroom and found a redheaded woman peering suspiciously into the mirror. Maui Wildfire Support:Hawai'i People's FundCouncil for Native Hawaiian Advancement Hawai'i Community Foundation - Maui Strong FundThis episode is sponsored by Roark. Check out all of their amazing gear in store or at REI.com. Sign-up for the Camp Monsters LIVE show in Denver on Saturday, October 28th from 5:30-7pm MT.

Fresno Nightcrawler

Fresno Nightcrawler

One night in Fresno, California, Mateo's security camera caught strange, pale, billowy, disembodied legs walking across his front lawn. But when he looked out the window, there was nothing there...This episode is sponsored by Benchmade. Check out all of their amazing gear in store or at REI.com. Sign-up for the Camp Monsters LIVE show in Denver on Saturday, October 28th from 5:30-7pm MT.

BONUS EPISODE from the Camp Monsters live show at the REI Flagship store in Denver, Colorado. Join host, Weston Davis, as he shares a personal story of his encounter with the Augerino, a wormy-snake-like creature attracted to water who bores tunnels through the earth... Thank you to this season's sponsors: Benchmade, Roark, Keen and Fjallraven.

Season 4

Introducing: Camp Monsters, Season 4

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 from around the country. Make sure to like, share and spread the word about the Camp Monsters podcast.Special thanks to our friends at YETI for sponsoring this year's seasons of Camp Monsters. Need some new gear? Shop YETI here.

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 summer camp creatures. Hopefully you can take these episodes with you to summer camp or they'll bring you back to when you were a camper, scared of what might be lurking outside of your cabin.This year's sponsor is YETI. Check out all of their amazing gear in store or at REI.com. Pack it up - Shop YETI Camp CoolersDrink it in - Shop YETI Drinkware

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 summer camp creatures. Hopefully you can take these episodes with you to summer camp or they'll bring you back to when you were a camper, scared of what might be lurking outside of your cabin.This year's sponsor is YETI. Check out all of their amazing gear in store or at REI.com. Pack it up - Shop YETI Camp CoolersDrink it in - Shop YETI Drinkware

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 these episodes with you to summer camp or they’ll bring you back to when you were a camper, scared of what might be lurking outside of your cabin.This year’s sponsor is YETI. Check out all of their amazing gear in store or at REI.com. Pack it up - Shop YETI Camp CoolersDrink it in – Shop YETI Drinkware

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 our own — to create our first series of legendary summer camp creatures. Hopefully you can take these episodes with you to summer camp or they’ll bring you back to when you were a camper, scared of what might be lurking outside of your cabin.This year’s sponsor is YETI. Check out all of their amazing gear in store or at REI.com. Pack it up – Shop YETI Camp CoolersDrink it in – Shop YETI Drinkware

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 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 these episodes with you to summer camp or they’ll bring you back to when you were a camper, scared of what might be lurking outside of your cabin.This year’s sponsor is YETI. Check out all of their amazing gear in store or at REI.com. Pack it up - Shop YETI Camp ChairsDrink it in - Shop YETI Drinkware

The Signal Cabin

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 researched a few of our own — to create our first series of legendary summer camp creatures. Hopefully you can take these episodes with you to summer camp or they’ll bring you back to when you were a camper, scared of what might be lurking outside of your cabin.This year’s sponsor is YETI. Check out all of their amazing gear in store or at REI.com. Pack it up - Shop YETI Camp ChairsDrink it in - Shop YETI Drinkware

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 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 these episodes with you to summer camp, or let them take you back to the days when you were a camper, scared of what might be lurking outside of your cabin.This year’s sponsor is YETI. Check out all of their amazing gear in store or at REI.com. Pack it up - Shop YETI Camp CoolersDrink it in - Shop YETI Drinkware

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 a few of our own — to create our first series of legendary summer camp creatures. Hopefully you can take these episodes with you to summer camp, or let them take you back to when you were a camper, scared of what might be lurking outside of your cabin.This year’s sponsor is YETI. Check out all of their amazing gear in store or at REI.com. Pack it up - Shop YETI Camp CoolersDrink it in - Shop YETI Drinkware

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 YETI DrinkwareShop YETI Rambler Camp Monsters Mug

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 DrinkwareShop YETI Rambler Camp Monsters Mug

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 DrinkwarePack it up - Shop YETI Camp ChairsShop YETI Rambler Camp Monsters Mug

Iris was ice fishing on Payette Lake in McCall Idaho when suddenly, with an impact she could feel through her feet, something struck the ice beneath her...something greenish gray, and dark…and tipped with snapping teeth.This year’s sponsor is YETI. Check out all of their amazing gear in store or at REI.com. Drink it in – Shop YETI DrinkwareShop YETI Rambler Camp Monsters Mug

Alkali Lake Monster

Alkali Lake Monster

Along the shores of Walgren Lake State Park in Nebraska, the wind is chilly and something seems off in the water. Little whirlpools are starting to form, like something is pushing the water around…something deep down in the lake...something far too big...This year’s sponsor is YETI. Check out all of their amazing gear in store or at REI.com. Drink it in – Shop YETI DrinkwareShop YETI Rambler Camp Monsters Mug