Monsters Among Us: S19 Ep24 - Campfire Chronicles - The MAU Camp Out

Release Date: July 3, 2025
Host: Derek Hayes | Audioboom Studios
Podcast Description:
Monsters Among Us presents true paranormal stories narrated by the witnesses themselves. Host Derek Hayes curates first-hand audio recordings from experiencers of the supernatural, delivering chilling tales and in-depth explorations of phenomena ranging from ghosts and UFOs to cryptid creatures like Bigfoot and Sasquatch.

Introduction: Setting the Scene [01:38]

Derek Hayes welcomes listeners to a special campfire edition of Monsters Among Us, transforming the usual studio setting into a spooky outdoor ambiance. He invites listeners to imagine the sounds of the wilderness as they join him around the virtual campfire for a night of paranormal storytelling.

Caller Stories

1. Wolfgang's Encounter in Oregon [03:32]

Summary:
Wolfgang from California recounts a terrifying camping experience in the Fremont-Winema National Forest near the Oregon border. While watching the sunset with his child by the lake, they hear an inexplicable scream that morphs from female to male, lasting half a minute before turning into a howl. Later that night, Wolfgang hears footsteps and hears a mysterious mumbling in what seems like a foreign language. He locks his tent and observes a large, bipedal creature resembling a bear but moving unnaturally fast and silently across the lake.

Notable Quotes:

• "It's completely deserted... what the hell was that?" [04:15]
• "I saw it for maybe five seconds and it was that classic look... It was gone." [07:05]

Host's Insight [08:34]:
Derek connects Wolfgang’s experience to known Bigfoot phenomena, specifically referencing "samurai chatter" from the Sierra recordings by Ron Moorhead and Alan Berry in the 1970s. He highlights similarities between Wolfgang’s auditory and visual encounters with established Bigfoot lore.

2. Mark's Yosemite Bear Encounter [22:36]

Summary:
Mark from North Dakota shares a story from a 2006 class trip in Yosemite Park. During the night, he senses a large creature outside his tent. Assuming it's a bear, he plays dead, but upon inspection, finds nothing. In the morning, he learns that others did not hear the noises he did, deepening the mystery of his solitary encounter.

Notable Quotes:

• "I was the only one that heard that... there was no sign of anything." [23:15]
• "How could they not hear that? It was loud..." [23:45]

Host's Insight [24:41]:
Derek discusses the abundance of black bears in Yosemite but acknowledges the possibility of Sasquatch sightings, referencing a 2017 Bigfoot encounter near Yosemite’s borders involving unusual creature behaviors and physical evidence like large handprints.

3. Anonymous from California's Supernatural Light [13:54]

Summary:
An anonymous caller describes seeing a perfectly round, bright yellow light on a pine tree trunk near Shaver Lake in 1987. The light appeared and disappeared mysteriously, each time growing more intense. Upon waking, the caller hears footsteps and sees the light vanish when checked, later revealed to be attributed to a poltergeist by the local family.

Notable Quotes:

• "It was a perfectly round light... completely still." [14:30]
• "It felt like this light was mocking me." [17:00]

Host's Insight [19:28]:
Derek speculates on the nature of the light, contemplating reflections or mysterious phenomena, and connects it to broader poltergeist activity. He references recurring supernatural elements associated with camping, emphasizing the integration of various paranormal concepts.

4. Rachel's Mountain Lion Mystery [45:13]

Summary:
Rachel from North Carolina narrates a 2017 backpacking trip where she and a friend hear unusual noises resembling mountain lion calls, despite authorities declaring mountain lions extinct in the area. Further research by Rachel’s family reveals recent sightings, challenging official reports.

Notable Quotes:

• "What we heard sounded like a mountain lion noise." [46:10]
• "Mountain lions are gone from this area... this would stand to contradict that." [47:20]

Host's Insight [48:56]:
Derek explores the folklore of legendary big cats in North Carolina, particularly the Beast of Bladenborough, linking Rachel’s account to ongoing mysterious animal attacks in the region. He provides historical context and references a documentary titled The Beast of Bladenborough.

5. Eli's Arizona UFO Sighting [30:52]

Summary:
Eli from Arizona shares a 2020 camping experience where he and friends observe three lights in the sky braiding in and out like satellites near Snowball. The phenomenon is briefly interrupted by flashlights, causing them to lose focus on the unusual lights, prompting Eli to seek further explanation.

Notable Quotes:

• "There was three lights in the sky... braiding in and out of each other." [31:00]
• "They were floating things... thinking of movies." [32:10]

Host's Insight [34:01]:
Derek contextualizes Eli’s UFO sighting with historical events around Mount Adams, including Kenneth Arnold's 1947 UFO encounter. He delves into local legends about Mount Adams being a UFO hotspot and possibly housing a secret UFO base, enhancing the mystery surrounding Eli’s observation.

6. Rose's Ghostly Encounter at Camp Whispering Winds [35:19]

Summary:
Rose from Oregon recounts a recent experience at Camp Whispering Winds where she hears a child's barefoot running and a young girl's voice greeting her as "cowgirl." Upon investigating, she finds no one, leading her to believe she encountered a ghost or spirit.

Notable Quotes:

• "How you doing, cowgirl?" [36:10]
• "It was a very brief, little potentially ghost encounter." [37:00]

Host's Insight [37:56]:
Derek connects Rose’s story to other Scout-related paranormal encounters, emphasizing the eerie connection between youth activities and supernatural phenomena. He encourages listeners to share similar experiences, reinforcing the campout theme.

7. Matthias' Skinwalker Experience in Canada [59:33]

Summary:
Matthias from British Columbia describes a sunrise hike where he and a friend encounter a being whispering his name and floating yellow dots that disappear. Upon consulting a native woman, they’re warned that such encounters could attract skinwalkers, adding cultural significance to the experience.

Notable Quotes:

• "I heard my name whispered in my ear." [62:15]
• "It sounded like skinwalker." [64:50]

Host's Insight [66:35]:
Derek draws parallels between Matthias’ encounter and previous stories, contemplating the sentient nature of the entities and their knowledge of the witnesses. He highlights related folklore about skinwalkers and their connection to the wilderness.

8. Ricky's Photographic Evidence of a Creature [68:57]

Summary:
Ricky from Pennsylvania sends in a photo taken during a 2020 hike on Never Sink Mountain. He describes seeing a tall, gray-skinned creature with long black hair and large wings crouched near his camping area. The image, though blurry, serves as visual proof of his encounter.

Notable Quotes:

• "It's a creature that looks like... it has a gray skin." [71:10]
• "It's crouched down, looks like it has long black hair... big wings." [72:00]

Host's Insight [72:56]:
Derek discusses the uniqueness of photographic evidence in paranormal investigations, analyzing Ricky’s blurry image. He introduces the Slide Rock Bolter, a legendary Colorado cryptid, as a possible explanation but remains open to other interpretations, stressing the enigmatic nature of such sightings.

9. Ken's Saguaro National Park Experience [74:51]

Summary:
Ken from Arizona details a 2020 backpacking trip in Saguaro National Park where his headlamp flickers mysteriously, and his food bag moves without explanation. Upon consulting park personnel, he learns that nocturnal noises are common, yet the unexplained movement of his belongings remains unresolved.

Notable Quotes:

• "My headlamp started to flicker and it finally just turned out on me." [77:30]
• "The food bag was sitting right in the middle of the campground." [78:10]

Host's Insight [78:07]:
Derek explores natural explanations such as wildlife interference, like raccoons or beavers, but acknowledges the persisting mystery. He introduces the concept of forest entities or "little people" and connects Ken’s story to broader folklore regarding forest tricksters in the western US.

10. Robin and Michelle's Gnome Encounter at Mount Shasta [79:46]

Summary:
Robin and her sister Michelle from Oregon share a 1999 camping experience at Mount Shasta where they hear their dog Tobias scream as three bipedal beings approach their tent. The creatures' synchronized movements and heavy presence frighten them, leaving no physical evidence behind.

Notable Quotes:

• "They stepped from one foot to the other... it felt like the earth was moving." [83:20]
• "It was a terrifying night." [84:00]

Host's Insight [87:09]:
Derek delves into Mount Shasta's rich paranormal history, including legends of hidden Lemurian cities and frequent UFO sightings. He connects the sisters' gnome-like encounter to the sacred Panther Meadow vortex, suggesting a dimensional doorway may be the reason for such apparitions.

11. Colin's Mysterious Boulder Splash in Colorado [94:33]

Summary:
Colin from Oregon recounts a 2019 backpacking trip in Grand Mesa where he hears a massive object fall into a river but finds no trace upon investigation. He theorizes it felt too large to be natural, hinting at cryptid involvement, possibly referencing the legendary Slide Rock Bolter.

Notable Quotes:

• "A massive object falling into the river creating a sparkly, crackly noise." [95:40]
• "It feels like something else entirely." [98:15]

Host's Insight [100:23]:
Derek explores natural phenomena like large fish jumps but posits Colin might have encountered the mythic Slide Rock Bolter— a creature from Colorado folklore known for causing massive disturbances without leaving traces. He provides a detailed description from historical accounts, blending myth with Colin’s experience.

12. Sigrid's Virginia Sasquatch Encounter [104:58]

Summary:
Sigrid from Virginia shares a 2000 camping trip in the George Washington National Forest where she and her group hear Sasquatch screams and experience mysterious wood knocking. Their attempts to fend off perceived threats result in thrown pine cones and rocks, intensifying their fear and prompting an immediate departure.

Notable Quotes:

• "How you doing, cowgirl?" [115:00]
• "We stood there... nothing had been touched." [114:50]

Host's Insight [116:16]:
Derek highlights the prevalence of Sasquatch sightings in Virginia, referencing the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization's reports. He connects Sigrid’s experience to other regional encounters, emphasizing the ongoing mystery and active investigations surrounding Sasquatch phenomena.

13. Annette's Encounter with Upright Creatures in Oregon [111:33]

Summary:
Annette from Oregon describes a haunting 1990s camping trip near Mount Shasta where she and her ex-husband encounter three upright, large-winged creatures near their tent. The creatures' synchronized steps and heavy presence make her fear for her family's safety, especially after she discovers a weapon was inadvertently left behind.

Notable Quotes:

• "Three large bipedal beings coming walking." [113:20]
• "I saw a man in a tall, pointy hat... absolutely terrifying." [124:15]

Host's Insight [120:39]:
Derek discusses the folklore surrounding Mount Shasta, including the involvement of little people and ancient legends. He emphasizes the area’s concentration of paranormal activity, linking Annette’s story to broader Mount Shasta mysteries and the enigmatic Panther Meadow.

14. Matt's 60 Freeway Creature Sighting [124:55]

Summary:
Matt from California recalls a childhood 1990s encounter on the 60 Freeway near Moreno Valley. At age five, he witnesses a squat, humanoid creature with spindly arms and an extended head illuminated by truck headlights. The sighting coincides with the known activities of Ivan Hill, the 60 Freeway Killer, raising suspicions about the creature’s nature.

Notable Quotes:

• "It had long, spindly arms and a really weird extended head." [126:05]
• "It's just a from one of these low slopes... looking in the curvature of the lake." [127:00]

Host's Insight [128:46]:
Derek connects Matt’s eerie sighting to the chilling activities of Ivan Hill, suggesting the possibility that Matt may have seen one of Hill’s victims rather than a cryptid. He juxtaposes real-life horror with supernatural legends, highlighting the thin line between human evil and paranormal mystery.

Conclusion

Final Thoughts [133:25]:
Derek Hayes wraps up the campout edition by thanking all callers for their spine-tingling stories. He emphasizes the enduring allure of the wilderness as a backdrop for unexplained phenomena and encourages listeners to share their own encounters.

Notable Final Quote:

• "Only you can prevent forest fires. Keep it spooky and have a great night." [123:44]

Call to Action:
Listeners are invited to submit their own paranormal camping stories through the provided hotline or email, with instructions and guidelines reiterated throughout the episode. Derek also promotes additional content available via Patreon and upcoming episodes, ensuring continuous engagement with the Monsters Among Us community.

Key Takeaways:

• Diverse Encounters: The episode features a wide range of paranormal experiences, from Bigfoot and ghosts to UFOs and mysterious lights, illustrating the multifaceted nature of supernatural lore in outdoor settings.

• Cultural and Folkloric Links: Many stories are intertwined with regional legends and folklore, enhancing their authenticity and connecting personal experiences to collective myths.

• Host Engagement: Derek Hayes not only narrates the stories but also provides insightful commentary, linking individual experiences to broader paranormal research and historical accounts.

• Listener Participation: The campout edition heavily relies on listener submissions, fostering a sense of community and shared mystery among the audience.

Recommended for Listeners Who:

• Enjoy True Paranormal Stories: If you’re fascinated by firsthand accounts of the supernatural, especially those set in eerie outdoor environments, this episode is a must-listen.

• Appreciate Structured Storytelling: With clear sections and detailed narratives, listeners will find the summary both engaging and easy to follow.

• Seek Insights and Connections: Derek’s analytical approach offers deeper understanding and connections between individual stories and larger paranormal phenomena.

Final Note:
Whether it’s encountering cryptids in dense forests, witnessing unexplained aerial phenomena, or experiencing ghostly apparitions by the campfire, Monsters Among Us: The MAU Camp Out delivers an enthralling collection of stories that keep listeners on the edge of their seats. Join Derek Hayes for this spine-chilling adventure into the unknown.