What are some elements that make good camping ghost stories?

Well, there's a story where a group of campers set up their tents near a supposedly haunted lake. In the middle of the night, they saw a ghostly canoe gliding across the water with no one in it. And then, they started to feel cold spots all around their campsite. It's said that it was the spirit of a Native American who used to live near that lake before tragedy struck. The cold spots were his way of showing his presence and unhappiness with people being on his land.

The story of the 'Phantom Camper' is also great. In a certain campsite, there's a tale of a camper who died under mysterious circumstances years ago. Since then, people say they've heard strange noises from his old campsite at night, like the rustling of his tent and the clinking of his cooking utensils. It's as if he's still there, trying to relive his camping days. Some have even reported seeing a shadowy figure sitting by the cold ashes of a long - extinguished fire.

Surprise elements can make a camping story the best. For example, unexpectedly seeing a rare animal like a lynx while camping in the woods. It makes the story exciting.

One element is a sense of place. For example, an old, dilapidated building like an abandoned mansion. It gives the feeling that something sinister could be lurking there. Another is unexplained noises. Strange creaks, moans or whispers can really send shivers down your spine. And of course, sightings of shadowy figures or apparitions add to the spookiness.

The element of surprise can make a camping story sexy. Maybe stumbling upon a hidden waterfall and having a spontaneous swim there with someone special. Or unexpected encounters with wildlife in a way that makes the moment exciting and full of life. Also, the lack of modern distractions while camping allows for more focus on the relationship or connection, which can be very sexy.

Well, a good ghost story for a short story often has a relatable protagonist. In 'The Yellow Wallpaper', the woman's struggle with her mental state makes her relatable. Creepy sounds or noises are also important. In 'Oh, Whistle, and I'll Come to You, My Lad', the whistling sound that heralds the ghost's arrival adds to the scariness. And an ambiguous ending can leave the reader with a sense of unease, as in 'The Open Window' where we're not entirely sure what really happened.

The 'Lady of the Lake' is a well - known camping ghost story. There's a lake where, if you camp nearby, you might see a woman in a white dress emerging from the water at midnight. Some say she was a young woman who drowned there long ago and now haunts the area. Also, there's the story of the spectral camper. Campers have reported finding an empty campsite that was fully set up in the morning as if someone had been there, but no one was around, and they would hear unexplained noises coming from that site during the night.

Sure. There's the story of the phantom hiker. People camping in a certain forest often claim to see a lone hiker late at night. But when they approach or call out, the figure vanishes. Some say it's the spirit of a lost camper who died in the woods long ago.

One key element is atmosphere. A spooky, gloomy setting like an old, abandoned house or a fog - covered cemetery immediately sets a scary mood. For example, in 'The Haunting of Hill House', the old mansion with its creaking floors and hidden rooms creates an atmosphere of dread.

A good ghost story often has a creepy setting, like an old abandoned house or a foggy cemetery. Also, a mysterious backstory for the ghost and a sense of building tension are essential.