Telling ghost stories around the campfire is one of our favorite Family activities (in addition to making S’ mores). Whether your stories are funny or suspenseful, great campfire stories can entertain your group for hours on end. Here are some of our favorite campfire stories to tell on your next camping excursion.
The Yosemite Camping Nightcrawlers
Yosemite is one of America’s most gorgeous National Parks. It’s also one of the country’s most haunted locations. Ghosts, malicious spirits, and curses should be the least of your worries on a camping trip. Area legend talks about multiple sightings of creatures that are all legs and not much else. They seriously look like a walking pair of pants. Local Indigenous Peoples believe these cryptids to be a species of alien that are visiting from a swampy planet. We don’t know much detail about these creatures, but we do have video footage. What are your thoughts? Watch this video.
Want to explore Yosemite National Park and all that it has to offer? Think about staying in Coarsegold, CA at Yosemite RV Resort! We have options for all camping styles: Cottages, Yurts, RV, and tent sites are available year-round.
The Haunts of Pine Mountain, Georgia
Nestled amid Georgia’s natural beauty, Pine Mountain and the surrounding Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park are known for eerie stories and mysterious sightings. Over the years, visitors have reported unsettling experiences that make this serene retreat a destination for ghost hunters and thrill-seekers alike.
Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park: The Girl at the Tavern & Inn
One of the most chilling stories takes place at the inn located within Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park. Guests and staff have occasionally reported glimpses of a five-year-old little girl dressed in 19th-century clothing. Some hear the faint sound of laughter or notice small footprints from her skipping around the tavern and even tying workers’ shoelaces together. Witnesses say she appears at night, her eyes solemn, searching the inn halls for something—or someone—she lost long ago.
The Drifter’s Lantern
At Pine Mountain RV Resort, tales of a spectral figure called “The Drifter” circulate among guests and staff alike. Legend has it that late at night, some guests have seen the dim, flickering glow of a lantern bobbing along the trails. When people approach, the figure vanishes, leaving only the lingering scent of smoke and a mysterious chill in the air. Those who’ve encountered The Drifter say he appears to be searching for his long-lost campsite, a lone spirit forever wandering.
For those seeking a quieter getaway, Pine Mountain offers more than ghostly tales. You can also enjoy the park’s scenic trails and, if you’re up for it, toast a spooky night at Pine Mountain RV Resort!
The Watchers of Lake Erie
One chilly autumn night along the Ohio coast of Lake Erie, siblings Jake and Lily gathered by the campfire, listening to the distant call of an owl and the quiet lapping of the lake. Their grandpa had told them stories of a mysterious creature said to haunt these shores, a creature spotted by fishermen, campers, and even park rangers over the years. But no one had ever been able to explain what it was.
As they stared out over the dark, rippling water, a strange, low hum drifted across the lake, sending a chill up their spines. “Did you hear that?” whispered Lily, squeezing Jake’s hand. They both leaned forward, eyes locked on the water, and that’s when they saw it—a dark shape, long and twisting, gliding beneath the surface as if it were patrolling the shore.
“Is that…?” Jake began, his voice barely a whisper. The shadow stopped, and, to their horror and fascination, two pale, glowing eyes rose from the water, staring back at them. The creature hovered silently for a moment, and then, with a splash, it vanished beneath the waves, leaving nothing but ripples and an eerie silence. Jake and Lily sat frozen, their hearts pounding, as the lake returned to its quiet stillness. When they finally spoke of what they’d seen, they realized they’d joined the ranks of those who had glimpsed the mysterious Lake Erie creature. To this day, people say that if you visit the shore on a calm night, you might just hear the creature’s song—or catch a glimpse of those glowing eyes watching from the depths, guarding the secrets of Lake Erie.
For a thrill by the fire and a skip and a jump from Lake Erie’s mysteries, Sandusky RV Resort offers the perfect autumn retreat. But keep an eye out—you never know when the secrets might surface in Sandusky.
Haunted Happenings in Hot Springs, Arkansas
Accused of attacking a local Arkansas family in the 1970s, the Fouke/Boggy Creek Monster is legendary. Initial sightings were in the Boggy Creek area. The community blamed the monster for the destruction of livestock in the area. The first reported sighting was in 1953 when a 14-year-old boy spotted it. People described the Beast as being either bear-like or ape-like. It has red hair and three toes on each paw. Local law enforcement officials made several (unsuccessful) attempts to track down the monster.
The Arlington Hotel, one of the most notable hotels in the area, has been host to many very noteworthy guests such as Babe Ruth, Al Capone, and multiple US Presidents. A couple decided to stay at the Arlington for their honeymoon. On their wedding night, the sheets were repeatedly pulled from their bed. Naturally, the woman blamed her new husband. He, understandably, denied any wrongdoing. Reasonably unnerved, they both laid awake in their bed. The sheets began to slide down again before they were abruptly ripped off the bed. Both parties then bolted from the room somewhat undressed as the story goes. (I honestly think that I would have done the same).
Keep your sheets to yourself. Are you looking for a great vacation? Check out Catherine’s Landing RV Resort. These cozy camping cottages are located only 10 minutes from downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas.
We can neither confirm nor deny that any of these stories or experiences are true. They are simply based on local folklore!! Happy Halloween.
About RVC Outdoor Destinations
RVC Outdoor Destinations develops, owns, and operates vacation resorts set within naturally beautiful environments and in close proximity to local attractions and activities. We offer RV Sites, Cottages, Yurts, and Tent camping at our 8 locations across the country! Visit our website rvcoutdoors.com for more information or to speak with a reservation specialist through our Live Chat!
