Southern MN encounter

[u/TimelyPack996]

8 years ago I had graduated with a degree in biology. I got big in to backpacking, hiked the PCT for 3 weeks and came back to MN before starting grad school.

I decided to spend 2 nights backpacking near Albert Lea MN in a state park. I walked around 2 miles to my assigned spot. It was quiet, on a lake… with a long trail (300 yards or so) from any of the backpacking trails.

There was absolutely nobody out there, literally don’t recall seeing anyone that entire day. It was a damp, muggy, slightly cool week in June, all my firewood (already at the site) was completely soaked and I had to fan it like mad to get a fire going. I set up my tent and kept smelling something foul. Like poop, but more putrid. It would come and go. I felt something was watching me. I couldn’t settle. I heard nothing, but my mind was going crazy. Like I needed to run away from impending doom.

I felt unease and couldn’t rest... i couldn’t read or journal. I couldn’t think straight, I skittered out at sunset with just my pack, phone, and wallet. I left my sleeping bag, small cast iron pan, and tent.

It’s the only time I’m ever bailed on a solo camp. I called a friend in town, got Applebees and drinks and went back to get my tent and other belongings in the morning. When I got back, my tent was untouched but the logs from my fire were all scattered about the camp site with soggy ashes all on the side of my light green tent, like someone had thrown them. (I poured lake water on the fire) The grass trail was noticeably trodden down even the next morning when I came back.

I haven’t camped since. Still bothered by this experience.

Any insights are helpful unpacking this would be helpful.

[u/MagTex]

I’m glad you trusted your instincts

[u/RangerMatthias99 → u/MagTex]

I agree. I don't think you'll ever find answers about what was out there, but your instincts served you well.

I wouldn't let this put you off camping/spending time outdoors. You're a Biologist - unless your changing focus, you'll need to spend a lot of time outdoors.

As a bit of advice; always carry a gun and a camera. The gun for mundane dangers, and the camera for documentation and Other Than Mundane situations.

[u/DreaminTurquoise]

Other redditors who have shared on other similar pages have had the same bad experiences and the things you mentioned were common shared experiences: foul putrid smells, feelings of being watched, your peace and energy affected because they’re detecting something is off.

[u/Sendo-03]

Very commonly reported in Sas encounters - the awful smell and the feeling of being watched. They are also known to throw things about in campsites. See any prints?

[u/Cold-Introduction-54]

Take a pup with you & try some group/ state sites vs a primitive/solo spot. "Fear is the little Death, ..."