The RV Atlas Podcast A Haunted RV Road Trip Pt. 3: More Spooky Spots Near Campgrounds with Shannon Minner
On this week’s special Halloween episode of The RV Atlas Podcast, we’re taking you on another leg of our Haunted RV Road Trip series with our resident “Camping Librarian,” Shannon Minner. In previous years, Shannon guided us through haunted campgrounds and spooky destinations from coast to coast. This time, she’s serving up something a little different: haunted bars and restaurants where you can grab a drink, enjoy a meal, and soak up some eerie atmosphere before retreating to the comfort of your RV for the night at a nearby campground.
From the haunted speakeasies of New Hampshire to the witchy taverns of Salem, the ghostly pubs of Charleston, and the haunted saloons of the Wild West, these are some of the best destinations for a spooky (and delicious) RV road trip.
Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
The Omni Mount Washington Hotel
Perched at the base of Mount Washington, this grand white hotel looks like it was designed to star in a ghost story—and in many ways, it has. Built in 1902 by wealthy coal magnate Joseph Stickney, the Omni Mount Washington became a playground for the elite. When Stickney died soon after the hotel’s completion, his wife Carolyn inherited it. She later remarried a French prince but reportedly continued to visit the property—and some say she never left.
Guests and staff often report sightings of Carolyn, especially in Room 314, which still contains her original bed. The hotel features three restaurants and three bars, including the prohibition-era speakeasy known as “The Cave.” It’s a cozy, candlelit lounge beneath the hotel where staff have reported unexplained activity—most famously, a set of teacups that mysteriously flew from behind the bar before shattering on the floor.
The Omni is a spectacular stop for travelers exploring the White Mountains, even if you just drop in for dinner or a drink. The 1902 Restaurant serves breakfast and dinner in a grand dining room, while Stickney’s Pub and Steakhouse offers upscale comfort food and mountain views.
Nearby Camping:
- Mountain Lake Camping Resort (Lancaster, NH) – A family-friendly favorite with a swimming lake, water slides, and RV sites plus cabins, yurts, and tipis. Perfect for campers who prefer fun over fear.
- Moose Brook State Park (Gorham, NH) – For those who prefer peace and pine needles, this rustic park offers tent and RV sites without hookups but plenty of natural charm.
Bonus excursion: Ride the Mount Washington Cog Railway for panoramic views—and maybe a few ghostly chills on the mountain’s summit.
Salem, Massachusetts
Turner’s Seafood and Rockafellas
You can’t talk about haunted America without mentioning Salem, the site of the infamous witch trials of 1692–1693. The town draws visitors year-round, but it truly comes alive (and perhaps a little undead) in October. If you’re planning to visit, make reservations early—many attractions and restaurants are open only on select days of the week, even during peak season.
Turner’s Seafood sits on the site of Bridget Bishop’s former apple orchard. Bridget was the first woman executed during the witch trials, and many believe her spirit lingers near the restaurant. Patrons have reported seeing a woman in a flowing white gown at the top of the staircase and catching whiffs of phantom apple scents. For a signature drink, order the Campfire Espresso Martini—a fitting toast for Halloween campers.
A few blocks away, Rockafellas occupies a striking old bank building that once stood on the site of Salem’s first church. Its resident ghost, Sarah “The Blue Lady,” was supposedly murdered by a jealous sea captain and is still spotted in the alley and on the restaurant’s security cameras. Rockafellas leans into the legend with themed cocktails like the Blue Lady Martini, and if you’re lucky, you can reserve a private table inside the restaurant’s bank vault—an eerie and unforgettable experience.
Nearby Camping:
- Winter Island Park (Salem, MA) – Located minutes from downtown, this historic 17th-century fort site offers 28 RV spots (with 30- and 50-amp hookups), beaches, and easy access to Salem’s trolley.
- Normandy Farms (Foxborough, MA) – About an hour away, this iconic resort campground is perfect for families. Highlights include four pools, an 18-hole disc golf course, an RC track, and even a meditation garden.
Charleston, South Carolina
The Blind Tiger Pub and Poogan’s Porch
Charleston may be known as the “Holy City,” but it’s also one of the most haunted cities in America. Its cobblestone streets and centuries-old buildings hide stories of scandal, heartbreak, and restless spirits.
At the Blind Tiger Pub, housed in a 200-year-old building once used as a speakeasy, patrons have reported a ghostly woman in a black dress who tugs on the hair of female guests. Despite its spooky reputation, this Charleston classic is renowned for its lively patio and award-winning menu—especially the Infamous Bowl, a comfort food concoction of mashed potatoes, gravy, chicken nuggets, and cheese.
Just down the street, Poogan’s Porch offers a slightly gentler haunting. The restaurant occupies a restored Victorian home once inhabited by two sisters, Zoe and Elizabeth, and a loyal dog named Poogan. After their deaths, guests have spotted Zoe wandering the halls in her long black dress and the ghostly pup darting across the porch. Whether you come for the Southern fare or the spooky ambiance, Poogan’s Porch remains one of Charleston’s most beloved dining spots.
Nearby Camping:
- James Island County Park (Charleston, SC) – A sprawling 643-acre park with full hookups, trails, saltwater fishing, and even a seasonal water park. A longtime RV Atlas favorite.
- Mount Pleasant / Charleston KOA – Located on the grounds of the historic Oakland Plantation, this KOA offers shady sites, a private lake, and easy access to downtown and nearby beaches.
Breckenridge, Colorado
The Prospector Restaurant and The Gold Pan Saloon
In the mining town of Breckenridge, the ghosts of the Gold Rush still linger. At the Prospector Restaurant, once a 19th-century boarding house for miners, staff and guests have reported encounters with a ghost named Sylvia, a hostile female spirit said to dislike women. The restaurant’s old-fashioned charm and hearty fall menu—complete with housemade pumpkin pie—make it a must-visit, even if you’re keeping an eye on your surroundings.
A few blocks away, the Gold Pan Saloon claims to be one of Colorado’s oldest continuously operating bars, dating back to 1861. It survived Prohibition and countless barroom brawls, and its upstairs apartments are rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a former madam who gently touches tenants’ cheeks as they sleep. The bar now includes the Carboy Winery, where you can sample wine alongside the spirits of another kind.
Nearby Camping:
- Prospector Campground (Dillon, CO) – In the White River National Forest, this dry campground offers 105 sites with sweeping mountain views. No hookups, but plenty of stargazing.
- Tiger Run RV Resort (Breckenridge, CO) – A luxury resort with full hookups, a heated pool, fitness center, and riverside cabins. Note: RVs must meet certain age and length requirements.
Houston, Texas
La Carafe and Dean’s Downtown
Everything’s bigger in Texas—including the hauntings. In Houston, two historic bars bring together good drinks and ghostly company.
La Carafe, housed in the city’s oldest commercial building (built in 1847), is a candlelit wine bar where visitors report flickering lights, moving shadows, and the eerie feeling of being watched. Some locals say the energy here is more mischievous than menacing—but it’s still enough to raise a few goosebumps.
A short walk away, Dean’s Downtown occupies a five-story building from 1893—the first steel-framed building in Houston and one of the first in the country to have an electric elevator. Originally a department store, it later became a bar where staff still encounter “trickster spirits” that move or hide objects. The craft cocktails are designed by a former wine sommelier, so even if the ghosts don’t appear, you’ll still have something special to sip on.
Nearby Camping:
- Traders Village RV Park – Big-rig-friendly and located beside a massive weekend flea market with carnival rides and shopping. Concrete pads, pool, and a family-friendly vibe.
- Lakeview Quality RV Resort – A gated park with a pool, jacuzzi, fishing lake, dog wash, and even a popcorn bar. Offers shuttles to nearby hospitals for guests in town for medical care.
- Eric & Jay’s RV Resort – Ten miles from downtown Houston, featuring a resort-style pool, hot tub, business center, and outdoor games. Great for business travelers, long-term stays, and weekend tourists alike.
Plan Your Own Haunted RV Road Trip
Whether you’re sipping a martini in Salem, listening for whispers in a Charleston pub, or spotting shadows in a Houston bar, these haunted restaurants and campgrounds prove that Halloween doesn’t have to end on October 31st.
To hear all the spooky stories and travel tips from Shannon’s A Haunted RV Road Trip series, tune in to this week’s full episode of The RV Atlas Podcast. Then start planning your own ghostly getaway—with the comfort of knowing your RV is your safe, non-haunted home base.
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