What is this large wasp/bee like insect?

Question

We were camping and this large wasp/bee like flying insect was going under our fire ring. I saw them going into the trees also. It was 2 1/2-3 inches. It was not a dragonfly. It was not a hornet or yellow jacket. Someone killed one at the pool and it had a stinger and venom coming out of it.

Answer 1

Didn't say where you live or where you camp.  I have wasp looking bugs that eat june bugs, but don't sting.  Wasp, yellow jacket, dauber...it all depends.  Never heard of a flying insect going under a fire ring before.  Sounds odd, but I can't tell you a proper answer without a picture.

Answer 2

Sounds like it was probably a Cicada Killer-genus Sphecius.

They are very large, and can really deliver a painful sting.

If you are in U.S., this is what is was.   There are also other members of the species scattered around the world.

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