Smoke and Mirrors: Inside Russ McKamey's McKamey Manor – America's Scariest Haunt

As Halloween approaches and the leaves change, it's the perfect time to explore one of the most controversial and notorious haunted attractions: McKamey Manor. Known as the most extreme haunted house experience, McKamey Manor has been pushing the boundaries of fear since 2001. Originally, it started as a backyard haunt in a quiet San Diego neighborhood, with the classic jump scares and eerie sounds we all expect. But over time, McKamey Manor transformed into something much darker—a psychological endurance test designed to push people to their limits, both mentally and physically. Reports detail participants enduring grueling challenges, often leaving with bloody faces, broken bones, and swollen lips—not to mention the lasting psychological effects. What began as a spooky attraction evolved into an intense and controversial experience, sparking debates on the limits of horror and personal endurance. This week, we're taking you inside McKamey Manor to see what lies beyond the fear. ...