The Lake

Campground horror is a subgenre of horror fiction set predominantly in summer camps, remote wilderness retreats, or isolated outdoor settings in which young people experience real or imagined dangers. These stories often combine psychological tension, slasher elements, and sometimes supernatural elements, creating an atmosphere where the natural beauty of the outdoors contrasts with the lurking danger. They share other commonalities in setting and atmosphere, such as isolation from the outside world, the possibility of a predator lurking nearby, and the act of being punished or seeking revenge for some past transgression. The isolation of camp settings enhances feelings of vulnerability and heightens tension, as characters are cut off from typical support systems like police or parents. The genre relies on the nostalgia and familiarity of summer camps, but twists these associations by introducing sinister aspects such as human killers, ghosts, or curses. This contrast makes camp horror especially effective at playing with fears around trust, survival, and the loss of innocence, as well as making it a popular with younger audiences. Notable titles in the genre include classics like Friday the 13th (1980), which set the standard with its iconic masked killer stalking Camp Crystal Lake.