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How to Survive Camping #3
The Horse-Eater
This book is the physical edition of a series of posts from Reddit’s r/nosleep subreddit, containing the first major storyline of “How to Survive Camping”. It is largely unaltered, with only minor edits for readability in print form.
Every year, campground manager Kate sends out a pamphlet titled “How to Survive Your Camping Experience.” In it is a list of rules to help campers have an enjoyable experience and hopefully survive any encounters with the campground’s… other… inhabitants.
With the land turning ancient, it is no longer just the campers that are in danger. Kate is the key to ascension and every inhuman entity is out for her blood. All the lesser creatures are making attempts on her life, from the hammock monster to the gummy bears. Kate isn't willing to let her land go without a fight. If these creatures are going to hunt her, then she'll hunt them in turn and eradicate everything from her land that cannot coexist with humanity. With the help of both her inhuman and human allies, it looks like Kate might actually have a chance at controlling her land. But ancient land attracts ancient things, and the town has a bad history with ancient creatures.
A new entity has come to the campground, bearing an old grudge against one of the inhabitants. Its malevolent designs will put the entire land at risk - unless Kate can stop it.
Every year, campground manager Kate sends out a pamphlet titled “How to Survive Your Camping Experience.” In it is a list of rules to help campers have an enjoyable experience and hopefully survive any encounters with the campground’s… other… inhabitants.
With the land turning ancient, it is no longer just the campers that are in danger. Kate is the key to ascension and every inhuman entity is out for her blood. All the lesser creatures are making attempts on her life, from the hammock monster to the gummy bears. Kate isn't willing to let her land go without a fight. If these creatures are going to hunt her, then she'll hunt them in turn and eradicate everything from her land that cannot coexist with humanity. With the help of both her inhuman and human allies, it looks like Kate might actually have a chance at controlling her land. But ancient land attracts ancient things, and the town has a bad history with ancient creatures.
A new entity has come to the campground, bearing an old grudge against one of the inhabitants. Its malevolent designs will put the entire land at risk - unless Kate can stop it.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 12, 2021
About the author
Bonnie Quinn
11 books281 followersI am a Senior Software Developer and author. I'm active in the Reddit r/NoSleep community and wrote the popular "How to Survive Camping" series.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’m gonna keep promoting this series like a used car salesman because it’s SO GOOD
I’m so excited that I got the arc for this third book but now there’s a void in my heart after I saw the next one doesn’t come out until May 2027???? 😭😭😭
This series just keeps getting better and better with each installment, and The Ancient Things (originally published as The Horse Eater) expands upon what the last two installments established. We get more time connecting with the creatures inhabiting the campground as well as the humans in Kate’s life. This third book ramped up the emotional tension and made for a high-stakes adventure that had me hooked. And don’t worry, Kate’s deadpan humor is still in this story so there’s plenty of funny moments too.
This series is so nostalgic for me. It reminds me so much of early internet creepypastas mixed with the internet horror of today. It’s a perfect cozy horror book and I will not stop recommending this series.
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an arc copy of this book. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.*
I’m so excited that I got the arc for this third book but now there’s a void in my heart after I saw the next one doesn’t come out until May 2027???? 😭😭😭
This series just keeps getting better and better with each installment, and The Ancient Things (originally published as The Horse Eater) expands upon what the last two installments established. We get more time connecting with the creatures inhabiting the campground as well as the humans in Kate’s life. This third book ramped up the emotional tension and made for a high-stakes adventure that had me hooked. And don’t worry, Kate’s deadpan humor is still in this story so there’s plenty of funny moments too.
This series is so nostalgic for me. It reminds me so much of early internet creepypastas mixed with the internet horror of today. It’s a perfect cozy horror book and I will not stop recommending this series.
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an arc copy of this book. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.*
May 27, 2021
Still love it
Bonnie Quinn is one of those authors who's stories may start in humble places but who's worlds they spin are EPIC.
Continues to be one of my favorite series of urban horror/fantasy
Bonnie Quinn is one of those authors who's stories may start in humble places but who's worlds they spin are EPIC.
Continues to be one of my favorite series of urban horror/fantasy
October 27, 2021
I love these books. Just the right blend of internet/reddit culture, folk horror, and character building. I know the series probably ends with the next one, and I'm avoiding the website and r/nosleep until it's done, because I want to save it.
April 25, 2026
As always, exceptionally fun and filled with emotion. I don’t know that I’ll ever get over the loss, but here I sit waiting anxiously the next installment anyway.
May 31, 2021
Much like the last book, this one really has you connecting differently. In fact, while we do look a little at guests, the majority of this book is about the relationships with the various otherworldlies.
You could really feel the change in dynamics, learning to work with some of the monsters against the worst ones. Not only are there some that she likes but there are some she would die for.
No longer just the keeper of the campground, the protector of the town. We get to watch our leading lady stand tall and show that she is the protector of the campground and all those trapped in it. It’s hard not to feel a little proud.
As always Bonnie’s talent captivated me and while this book is just releasing, I’m already on the next book courtesy of nosleep. When it releases in paperback I will buy that too. I’ll never get bored of these stories
You could really feel the change in dynamics, learning to work with some of the monsters against the worst ones. Not only are there some that she likes but there are some she would die for.
No longer just the keeper of the campground, the protector of the town. We get to watch our leading lady stand tall and show that she is the protector of the campground and all those trapped in it. It’s hard not to feel a little proud.
As always Bonnie’s talent captivated me and while this book is just releasing, I’m already on the next book courtesy of nosleep. When it releases in paperback I will buy that too. I’ll never get bored of these stories
March 5, 2023
I’m not ready for the last book in Kate’s story. I know it’s going to wreck me.
August 6, 2021
This series is a blessing and this book in particular was an incredibly wild ride from start to finish. I cannot recommend this series enough. READ THIS SERIES!! Seriously! You will enjoy it and be left wishing for more!!
August 29, 2021
Literally iconic I have no words because my brain feels like soup right now but this instalment was so engaging and heart wrenching that I fell in love with every aspect and character.
April 12, 2022
GOD. HIS NAME IS BEAU.
Bryan. The dogs. The thing in the dark. This is gonna live in my mind forever
Bryan. The dogs. The thing in the dark. This is gonna live in my mind forever
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
BONNIE QUINN HOW COULD YOU!?!?!
How to Survive Camping: The Ancient Things by Bonnie Quinn is just another reminder that this series is operating on a completely different level of creativity. This story picks up with a quick refresher (of sorts, but you absolutely should read the rest of the series first). However, from here we introduce the idea of our "Big Bad" of the novel. A cannibalistic horse that is more terrifying than the worst nightmare that you can think of. Every time I think the story has reached its peak, when the worst possible thing has already happened, Quinn unleashes something even more horrifying. From vindictive faeries to cannibal horses to ancient entities and creeping curses, the world just keeps expanding in ways that feel both chaotic and incredibly intentional. It folds in on itself again and again, layering myth, terror, and campfire storytelling into this spinning, intricate narrative that’s honestly kind of mind‑blowing. Its levels of humor ease some of this tension, and it could be called a cozy horror novel, but with the stakes growing ever more intense, I am not sure how cozy the next installment will be.
What makes it even better is how effortlessly Quinn makes all of this feel cohesive. It never feels like too much; instead, it feels like you’re peeling back layers of something ancient and dangerous that was always waiting to be uncovered. This campground is danger incarnate, but it is also a viable tourist location. Something that terrifies the locals, but campers flock to the grounds to keep the economy booming (and for the four-wheelers to keep being purchased). The stakes keep climbing, the lore keeps deepening, and I am just completely locked in every step of the way. This series has genuinely become one of my favorites, full stop, and The Ancient Things proves exactly why. I cannot wait to keep reading, to keep unraveling, and honestly, to keep being terrified by whatever Bonnie Quinn decides to throw at us next. Also, the ending of this novel was one of the most devastating things I've ever read. I was so upset. Do not miss this series, it is genuinely one of the best ones out there!
How to Survive Camping: The Ancient Things by Bonnie Quinn is just another reminder that this series is operating on a completely different level of creativity. This story picks up with a quick refresher (of sorts, but you absolutely should read the rest of the series first). However, from here we introduce the idea of our "Big Bad" of the novel. A cannibalistic horse that is more terrifying than the worst nightmare that you can think of. Every time I think the story has reached its peak, when the worst possible thing has already happened, Quinn unleashes something even more horrifying. From vindictive faeries to cannibal horses to ancient entities and creeping curses, the world just keeps expanding in ways that feel both chaotic and incredibly intentional. It folds in on itself again and again, layering myth, terror, and campfire storytelling into this spinning, intricate narrative that’s honestly kind of mind‑blowing. Its levels of humor ease some of this tension, and it could be called a cozy horror novel, but with the stakes growing ever more intense, I am not sure how cozy the next installment will be.
What makes it even better is how effortlessly Quinn makes all of this feel cohesive. It never feels like too much; instead, it feels like you’re peeling back layers of something ancient and dangerous that was always waiting to be uncovered. This campground is danger incarnate, but it is also a viable tourist location. Something that terrifies the locals, but campers flock to the grounds to keep the economy booming (and for the four-wheelers to keep being purchased). The stakes keep climbing, the lore keeps deepening, and I am just completely locked in every step of the way. This series has genuinely become one of my favorites, full stop, and The Ancient Things proves exactly why. I cannot wait to keep reading, to keep unraveling, and honestly, to keep being terrified by whatever Bonnie Quinn decides to throw at us next. Also, the ending of this novel was one of the most devastating things I've ever read. I was so upset. Do not miss this series, it is genuinely one of the best ones out there!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley and S&S/ Saga Press for the ARC!
I love this series so much. This entry was just as good as the last two. I finished it in one day because I had to know what was happening. This has been my experience with the previous two and I know I will be the same with the next book.
Kate, our morally gray heroine, is facing a whole host of new issues. Campers who can’t understand the rules she has given them on top of a bunch of new monster problems. Then there is Beau and his mysterious help. And her own death which she feels coming closer. Still, she brushes off her stabby things and her guns to chase down an ancient being, a murder horse (her name) and some Gummy Bears (I can’t really explain this easily, you have to read the book).
One thing I really liked about this book was we got more of her brother, Tyler. I like seeing them grow closer since their relationship has been complicated since childhood. I also appreciate Kate’s creative (and sometimes humorous) names for the inhuman creatures that live on her campground. I also think Kate has really grown over the course of the series. She starts off making questionable choices and viewing the occupants of her land as problems. As she learns more about the things that are drawn to her land, she gains a better understanding of them. She might not always like them or what they do, but she’s learning to treat them with respect.
I can barely handle waiting for the 4th book in this series. So good. I highly recommend this series to anyone who likes horror/ urban fantasy books with heart and the occasional laugh.
I love this series so much. This entry was just as good as the last two. I finished it in one day because I had to know what was happening. This has been my experience with the previous two and I know I will be the same with the next book.
Kate, our morally gray heroine, is facing a whole host of new issues. Campers who can’t understand the rules she has given them on top of a bunch of new monster problems. Then there is Beau and his mysterious help. And her own death which she feels coming closer. Still, she brushes off her stabby things and her guns to chase down an ancient being, a murder horse (her name) and some Gummy Bears (I can’t really explain this easily, you have to read the book).
One thing I really liked about this book was we got more of her brother, Tyler. I like seeing them grow closer since their relationship has been complicated since childhood. I also appreciate Kate’s creative (and sometimes humorous) names for the inhuman creatures that live on her campground. I also think Kate has really grown over the course of the series. She starts off making questionable choices and viewing the occupants of her land as problems. As she learns more about the things that are drawn to her land, she gains a better understanding of them. She might not always like them or what they do, but she’s learning to treat them with respect.
I can barely handle waiting for the 4th book in this series. So good. I highly recommend this series to anyone who likes horror/ urban fantasy books with heart and the occasional laugh.
May 26, 2026
Kate is back in another installment about the ancient campground in the third book of How to Survive Camping. This time the stakes are much more personal. Kate finds herself in the middle of an ancient battle and must find a way to protect the things she loves. Has her past come back to haunt her? And will she make the correct choices for her, her campers, and her family?
Another excellent addition to the series. I believe this book is actually better than the first two, the author is really honing her craft. We get to delve deeper into Kate’s emotions and past. Our beloved campground manager continues to let more people she cares about into her life, as she inhabits new roles such as being an aunt. This book allows Kate a vulnerable side that she has shunned before, which is very interesting and refreshing. It’s always good to see growth in characters, especially when we get to feel like we can be proud of them.
I was provided with an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Another excellent addition to the series. I believe this book is actually better than the first two, the author is really honing her craft. We get to delve deeper into Kate’s emotions and past. Our beloved campground manager continues to let more people she cares about into her life, as she inhabits new roles such as being an aunt. This book allows Kate a vulnerable side that she has shunned before, which is very interesting and refreshing. It’s always good to see growth in characters, especially when we get to feel like we can be proud of them.
I was provided with an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 24, 2026
This is such a great series. You get inhuman creatures, action, suspense, and some humor thrown in which ties everything together.
Kate runs a campground which has been in her family for generations. It's not your typical campground though. It's filled with viscous creatures and campers have to read the guidelines very carefully before camping there. But still, not everyone listens.
Each book has brought certain creatures to the forefront and, in this book, it's the most powerful formidable one yet. An ancient ascended monstrosity who rides a flesh eating horse and it's out for blood.
We also have The Children, Harvesters, Beu, The Weeping Girl, and Gummy Bears (wait until you read about these nasty things). As always, alliances between humans and these creatures are tenuous at best and this is going to put Kate, her brother, and staff into some very tense and terrifying situations.
This book is fun, scary, and filled with monsterous action. I highly recommend it.
Kate runs a campground which has been in her family for generations. It's not your typical campground though. It's filled with viscous creatures and campers have to read the guidelines very carefully before camping there. But still, not everyone listens.
Each book has brought certain creatures to the forefront and, in this book, it's the most powerful formidable one yet. An ancient ascended monstrosity who rides a flesh eating horse and it's out for blood.
We also have The Children, Harvesters, Beu, The Weeping Girl, and Gummy Bears (wait until you read about these nasty things). As always, alliances between humans and these creatures are tenuous at best and this is going to put Kate, her brother, and staff into some very tense and terrifying situations.
This book is fun, scary, and filled with monsterous action. I highly recommend it.
May 10, 2026
When I say I dislike an ongoing series, I'm never talking about Bonnie Quinn's How to Survive Camping series. Learning that this came from Reddit and got picked up is one of the best things. Each installation keeps growing and I can't wait to see what new inhumans will be there or what will happen to the remaining humans.
Now the land has turned ancient and the rules Kate has grown up with and knows like the back of her hands are bending and changing. It's so interesting to see how time passing changes or the land being more known changes the land.
The last entry in the series was really grief heavy. While it's a cozy horror book, this one was easier in a way. It almost felt more healing. While yes, spooky and violent. Also cathartic.
Overall I can't wait to see what happens to the series next.
Thank you to Saga and Netgalley for the ARC!
Now the land has turned ancient and the rules Kate has grown up with and knows like the back of her hands are bending and changing. It's so interesting to see how time passing changes or the land being more known changes the land.
The last entry in the series was really grief heavy. While it's a cozy horror book, this one was easier in a way. It almost felt more healing. While yes, spooky and violent. Also cathartic.
Overall I can't wait to see what happens to the series next.
Thank you to Saga and Netgalley for the ARC!
December 21, 2022
This series was a lot of fun. A campground manager tells you about her life on "old land", blog-style. From the routine camping rules and tasks, like planning enough space for tents and ropes, to more site specific rules, like fairy rings and things that get into your tent at night and mimic the voices of those you know. Actually read all of these on reddit's r/nosleep, after a recommendation from a friend. Only then noticed they're also available in a sort of ebook format. It's very much a "entity of the week" formula, with an overarching plot that gets more relevant as time goes on. Expect lots of different types of folklore, folkloric fiction, and popculture references. There is a lot of violence.
November 8, 2021
This book focuses more on the inhabitants of the campground than people. That's not to say that the people that are in the book play minor roles. There were some important, even heroic, moments for the side characters from the first two books.
We also learn a lot more about Kate, and her struggles with morality. She gets to shine as she tries to save as many people, including the otherworldly inhabitants of the campground, as possible. She also has a couple of dark moments where she has to be honest about herself.
The next book is supposed to be the last. I can see how this book paves the way for the endgame. I'm pretty excited to see what happens to wrap everything up.
We also learn a lot more about Kate, and her struggles with morality. She gets to shine as she tries to save as many people, including the otherworldly inhabitants of the campground, as possible. She also has a couple of dark moments where she has to be honest about herself.
The next book is supposed to be the last. I can see how this book paves the way for the endgame. I'm pretty excited to see what happens to wrap everything up.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Netgalley and Saga Press for this ARC of my favorite campy, horror series!
It's another year following camp manager Kate doing her best to keep everyone alive, human and inhuman. Except this time, its an extremely bad year. The world building is lush with more spooky terrors with ties to Kate's family. The land is becoming ancient and these new entities are determined to wrestle away her control of the campgrounds by killing her. What I love about the progression of this series is its not only about following the rules and surviving anymore - Kate is determined to fight back.
It's another year following camp manager Kate doing her best to keep everyone alive, human and inhuman. Except this time, its an extremely bad year. The world building is lush with more spooky terrors with ties to Kate's family. The land is becoming ancient and these new entities are determined to wrestle away her control of the campgrounds by killing her. What I love about the progression of this series is its not only about following the rules and surviving anymore - Kate is determined to fight back.
March 20, 2022
Aaugh! The book ends in a cliffhanger which always annoys me whether I planned to continue or not. In this particular narrative, the humans are becoming more inhuman and the inhumans are becoming more human - the dividing line is thinning. More of the truly evil is disposed of but the - I can’t say good - lesser evils are gone too. The author has covered all the rules, their whys and wherefores, and now there is only The Beast.
January 29, 2023
I was introduced to the Goat Valley Campgrounds series by the nosleep podcast, and I'm SO glad I made the effort to seek out and read the full series of books. Fantastic stories for fans of fantasy and the supernatural
September 17, 2023
Love this series
I enjoyed this book almost as much as the first two. So far this series has been fantastic. I love the rules and stories. Great book and I'm excited to read the next one.
I enjoyed this book almost as much as the first two. So far this series has been fantastic. I love the rules and stories. Great book and I'm excited to read the next one.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
💙⚔️
5++☆
Not much to add but that the third book was as amazing as the other parts. I loved it from the very start to the very end. Can't wait for the final book and I'm so grateful for NetGalley's existence that yet again saves me from thia impossibly long wait!!
5++☆
Not much to add but that the third book was as amazing as the other parts. I loved it from the very start to the very end. Can't wait for the final book and I'm so grateful for NetGalley's existence that yet again saves me from thia impossibly long wait!!
May 27, 2026
How to Survive Camping: The Ancient Things was a Read Now on NetGalley. I didn’t know what to expect, but I genuinely had so much fun reading this one. It was a paranormal mess on a campground. Now I have to go back and read the other two books.
February 27, 2023
Best in the series so far!
Enjoyed every second of it!
Enjoyed every second of it!
March 4, 2023
Counting this as a book read too, it's just a great story, very compelling and quite well written. I love it personally
August 5, 2024
Pacing: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Style: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Setting: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Character: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Theme: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Style: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Setting: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Character: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Theme: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Want to Read
May 12, 20268/09/26
October 27, 2023
I started this series actually on Reddit and this book was where I think I had stopped as I recognized some information but not others. All in all great writing I really love these stories and Bonnie’s writing
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews