McKamey Manor is an American nonprofit haunted house where survival horror events are performed. The house permits a handful of patrons each weekend. There is no entrance fee. McKamey accepts dog food donations for his pets instead. At the Tennessee location, guests must be over 18, or 18-20 with parental consent.
The Experience
The experience can last up to 10 hours, but no one has made it that far. McKamey offers a $20,000 prize for completing the full experience. However, he takes $500 away every time someone fails an activity. He also deducts $500 for cursing, which is not allowed.
The experience is extremely intense, with both psychological and physical torment. Activities may include eating cockroaches, getting buried alive, surviving Saw-like traps, and more. Guests have sustained bruises, cuts, shame, and come out bloodied. There are no breaks.
Industry Comparison and Legal Concerns
Over 80% of haunted houses charge under $15 per ticket. Only 3% charge over $20. So McKamey Manor is an extreme outlier in the industry.
Some people question if it should be legal. But McKamey says he is providing a theatrical experience, not literally torturing people. Participants sign 40-page waivers acknowledging the intense nature of the events.
Still, the waiver does not permit everything. Guests cannot be touched without consent. And activities that would cause lasting harm are not allowed.
McKamey Manor offers an extreme haunt experience unmatched by others in the industry. The psychological and physical torment goes beyond what most can handle. So the $20,000 prize remains elusive after 30 years.
Duration Records
In 2014, Sarah P. lasted 6 hours, the record.