Are you an adventurous spirit seeking eerie thrills? If so, you’re in for a treat. The United States is dotted with campgrounds that offer not only breathtaking natural beauty but also spine-tingling ghost stories. Here’s a list of ten haunted campgrounds, each with its own creepy history and tales of the supernatural. Plus, we’ve got some tips for camping in these haunted spots. So, let’s dive in!
1. Devil’s Den State Park, Arkansas
Location: 11333 AR-74, West Fork, AR 72774
Phone Number: (479) 761-3325
Background: Named after its deep crevices and dark caves, Devil’s Den State Park is steeped in mystery. Legend has it that the park is haunted by a soldier from the Civil War, whose restless spirit roams the grounds. Visitors have reported hearing ghostly footsteps and seeing shadowy figures among the trees.
2. Big Moose Lake Campground, New York
Location: Big Moose Lake, NY 13331
Phone Number: (315) 357-4001
Background: This serene campground is shrouded in a tragic tale of love and betrayal. Grace Brown, a young woman, was murdered by her lover in the early 1900s, and her spirit is said to haunt the lake. Campers often report eerie cries and sightings of a ghostly woman near the water .
3. Braley Pond, Virginia
Location: Braley Pond Rd, West Augusta, VA 24485
Phone Number: (540) 291-2188
Background: Known as one of the most haunted spots in Virginia, Braley Pond is notorious for a gruesome gang-related murder that took place in 2003. Since then, visitors have experienced an overwhelming sense of dread, witnessed strange lights, and heard unexplainable noises .
4. Lake Morena County Park, California
Location: 2550 Lake Morena Dr, Campo, CA 91906
Phone Number: (619) 579-4101
Background: This campground’s haunted reputation stems from the numerous drownings that have occurred in its waters. Ghostly apparitions, disembodied voices, and cold spots are commonly reported by campers who brave the eerie ambiance of Lake Morena.
5. Bannack State Park, Montana
Location: 721 Bannack Rd, Dillon, MT 59725
Phone Number: (406) 834-3413
Background: Bannack is a well-preserved ghost town with a dark past. Established during the gold rush, it saw its share of violence and death. The campground is said to be haunted by former residents, and visitors frequently hear phantom footsteps and see spectral figures .
6. Honey Island Swamp, Louisiana
Location: Honey Island Swamp Rd, Slidell, LA 70461
Phone Number: (985) 641-1769
Background: Known for its eerie beauty and the legendary Honey Island Swamp Monster, this swamp is also home to numerous ghost stories. The most famous tale involves the ghosts of pirates who buried their treasure here. Mysterious lights and ghostly figures are often reported by those who camp in the swamp .
7. Indian Springs State Park, Georgia
Location: 678 Lake Clark Rd, Flovilla, GA 30216
Phone Number: (770) 504-2277
Background: One of the oldest state parks in the country, Indian Springs is rumored to be haunted by Native American spirits and Civil War soldiers. Campers have reported hearing war cries, seeing ghostly soldiers, and feeling an inexplicable chill in the air.
8. Greenbrier State Forest, West Virginia
Location: 1541 Harts Run Rd, Caldwell, WV 24925
Phone Number: (304) 536-1944
Background: This forest is home to several ghost stories, including that of a young girl who disappeared and is said to haunt the area. Visitors often report seeing her ghostly figure wandering the forest, along with strange noises and sudden drops in temperature.
9. Fort Worden Historical State Park, Washington
Location: 200 Battery Way, Port Townsend, WA 98368
Phone Number: (360) 344-4400
Background: Once a military base, Fort Worden is now a state park with a haunted reputation. The spirits of soldiers who died here are said to roam the grounds. Campers have heard ghostly marching, seen apparitions, and experienced unexplained cold spots .
10. Gifford Pinchot State Park, Pennsylvania
Location: 2200 Rosstown Rd, Lewisberry, PA 17339
Phone Number: (717) 432-5011
Background: This park is named after the first Chief of the US Forest Service and is rumored to be haunted by the spirits of those who perished in tragic accidents here. Ghostly sightings and strange sounds are common, especially near the lake.
Tips for Camping in Haunted Campgrounds
- Bring a Buddy: It’s always safer (and less scary) to camp with a friend or a group.
- Stay Respectful: Many haunted campgrounds are historic sites. Respect the area and its history.
- Pack Essentials: Bring a flashlight, extra batteries, and a first aid kit. You never know what might happen in the dark!
- Stay Calm: If you experience something paranormal, try to stay calm and rational. Fear can often escalate the situation.
- Document Your Experience: Bring a camera or a voice recorder to capture any potential paranormal activity. Just be sure to review your footage with an open mind.
Exploring haunted campgrounds is not for the faint of heart, but it can be an incredibly rewarding and thrilling experience. If you’re ready to delve into the unknown and experience the paranormal, these ten campgrounds are a great start. For even more haunted places to visit, be sure to check out our directory on the Spooky Travel Guide website. Happy haunting!
Sources
- Big Moose Lake Ghost Story: Adirondack.net
- Braley Pond Hauntings: Virginia Haunted Houses
- Bannack State Park Ghosts: Montana State Parks
- Honey Island Swamp Legends: Honey Island Swamp Tours
- Fort Worden Paranormal Activity: Fort Worden Historical State Park
Be sure to search our directory on Spooky Travel Guide for more haunted places to visit on your next eerie adventure!
