The RV Atlas Podcast A Haunted RV Road Trip: Exploring America’s Spookiest Destinations (The Sequel)
In this week’s episode of The RV Atlas, we’re diving into a haunted RV road trip with locations across the United States that make for perfect road trip stops—especially as Halloween approaches! Shannon Minner, a ghost hunting and RVing enthusiast, shares her picks for the best haunted spots to visit by RV. From spooky plantations to eerie cemeteries, we’ve got the details on must-visit haunted sites, campground recommendations, and ghostly tales. So buckle up for a paranormal road trip adventure.
This is part two of a series that we started last October. To listen to Shannon’s first “Haunted RV Road Trip” episode please click here. Thanks to Shannon for providing notes on these locations and all of the photos below (unless otherwise noted). We look forward to having her back on the show for another haunted RV road trip episode next October!
Savannah, Georgia: Southern Charm with a Spooky Twist
Savannah is one of the most haunted cities in America, rich in both history and ghost stories. Shannon shares some of her favorite haunted spots in this charming city, where almost every corner seems to have a story to tell. This is one of the best places in America for a haunted RV road trip.
Things to Do:
- Moon River Brewing: Once a hotel and now a brewery, this spot is said to be haunted by spirits from its violent past, including duels gone wrong.
- The Olde Pink House: Built in 1771, it was Georgia’s first bank, and now, employees report hearing a woman sobbing in the upstairs rooms.
- Sorrel-Weed House: Offers historical and ghost tours, including extended paranormal investigations. You can even take part in a two- or three-hour investigation if you’re feeling brave. More info here
- Bonaventure Cemetery: This beautiful and famous cemetery offers both historical and paranormal tours. You can choose a history-focused tour from the cemetery itself or a spookier experience with 6th Sense World. Check out their tours
Where to Stay:
- CreekFire RV Resort: Full of amenities like a lazy river, restaurant, sports courts, and more, this is a great place to unwind after a day of ghost hunting.
- Fort McAllister State Park: For a quieter, nature-filled stay near Savannah, this park offers 67 RV and tent sites.
For more haunted Savannah locations and book recommendations, including Historic Haunts of Savannah by Michael Harris, check out Shannon’s full list of spooky spots!
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin: Family Fun with a Ghostly Side
Known for its water parks and family attractions, the Wisconsin Dells also has a darker side, which Shannon explored during a ghost trolley tour.
Things to Do:
- Trolley Ghost Tour: This 90-minute tour stops at haunted locations like Ghost Molly’s Showboat Saloon, Spring Grove Cemetery, and more. You can even rent paranormal investigation equipment like K2 meters for the tour. Learn more here
Where to Stay:
Skillet Creek Campground
- Skillet Creek Campground: Located in nearby Baraboo, this peaceful spot offers a man-made lake, fishing pond, and plenty of family-friendly activities.
- Wisconsin Dells KOA Holiday: Just a mile from downtown, this KOA offers a playground, splash pad, and pool, making it a great place to stay while you explore the haunted side of the Dells.
For more spooky tales from the Dells, check out Paranormal Wisconsin Dells and Baraboo by Chad Lewis.
St. Francisville, Louisiana: Home to America’s Most Haunted House
St. Francisville is home to one of the most notorious haunted locations in the U.S.—Myrtles Plantation, dubbed “America’s Most Haunted House.” Make sure to put this stop on your haunted RV road trip bucket list!
Things to Do:
- Myrtles Plantation: Built in 1796, this plantation has a tragic history of poisonings, murders, and other eerie events. Tours are available, and if you’re feeling brave, you can even stay on-site. Just keep an eye on your jewelry—many guests report items mysteriously disappearing!
Where to Stay:
- Baton Rouge KOA Holiday: About a 50-minute drive from Myrtles Plantation, this KOA offers mini-golf, a pool, and plenty of amenities for a family-friendly stay. Learn more here
For a deeper dive into the history and hauntings of Myrtles Plantation, Shannon recommends The Myrtles Plantation: The True Story of America’s Most Haunted House by Frances Kermeen.
Mansfield, Ohio: Haunted History at Ohio State Reformatory
The Ohio State Reformatory is a former prison known for its haunted past and connection to the movie The Shawshank Redemption. Built between 1886 and 1910, the prison’s limestone structure is said to trap paranormal energy.
Things to Do:
- Ohio State Reformatory: Visitors can choose from a variety of tours, including history, hauntings, and even movie tours. Some areas of the prison are only accessible on guided tours like the “Beyond the Bars” tour. Plan your visit
Where to Stay:
- Mount Gilead KOA Holiday: Located 50 minutes from the reformatory, this KOA offers a peaceful setting with a pool, hiking trails, and even a restaurant and bar. Find out more
For reading material, Shannon suggests The Haunted History of the Ohio State Reformatory from the Haunted America series, or The Ghostly Tales of the Ohio State Reformatory by Emma Carlson Berne, a kid-friendly take on the haunted history.
Tombstone, Arizona: The Wild West’s Haunted Past
Photo by Robyn Heinrich
Photo by Robyn Heinrich
Tombstone is one of the most haunted locations in the Old West, with spots like the O.K. Corral, Birdcage Theatre, and Boot Hill Graveyard all rumored to be haunted by outlaws and gunfighters.
Things to Do:
- O.K. Corral: The site of the infamous gunfight between the Earp brothers and outlaws, this spot is said to be haunted by cowboys and lawmen alike.
- Birdcage Theatre: Known for its violent past, including 26 recorded deaths, this theater is a hotspot for paranormal activity.
- Boot Hill Graveyard: A must-visit for any haunted road trip through Tombstone. Many of the infamous figures from Tombstone’s Wild West history are buried here.
Where to Stay:
- Tombstone RV Park and Campground: Offering cabins, pull-through sites, and even Cowboy Suites, this campground is a perfect base for exploring Tombstone’s haunted history. Find more info here
For more on Tombstone’s haunted history, Shannon recommends The Haunted Tombstone from the Haunted America series and Tombstone: The Earp Brothers, Doc Holliday, and the Vendetta Ride from Hell by Tom Clavin.
Tips for Planning a Haunted RV Road Trip
In addition to the haunted locations and campgrounds, Shannon shared several practical tips for planning your own haunted RV road trip:
- Book Campgrounds and Accommodations Early: Haunted destinations are popular, especially around Halloween, so it’s essential to make campground or hotel reservations well in advance to secure your spot.
- Research and Reserve Tours: Many haunted locations, such as the Ohio State Reformatory or Savannah’s ghost tours, offer specialized tours that may require reservations. Be sure to book ahead to get the best options, especially if you want to take part in night-time paranormal investigations.
- Bring Paranormal Investigation Gear: If you’re serious about ghost hunting, consider bringing equipment like a K2 meter or dowsing rods. Shannon mentioned that some tour companies allow you to rent these, but bringing your own gear can give you more flexibility.
- Check the Location’s History: Understanding the history of a haunted site often enhances the experience. Shannon recommended reading books, such as those in the Haunted America series, to get the backstory on each location before your visit. This makes the trip more educational and immersive.
- Consider Your Travel Party: Some haunted tours can be intense or too scary for younger kids. Always check the tour details to make sure it’s suitable for your group. If you’re traveling with children, you might prefer daytime tours or family-friendly ghost hunts like those in Bisbee, Arizona.
- Pack for the Season: If you’re ghost hunting in warmer areas like Savannah or Tombstone, bring plenty of water and sun protection for daytime activities. For northern destinations like Wisconsin, be prepared for cooler temperatures, especially at night.
- Balance Your Trip: For longer road trips, mix in some relaxing, non-haunted activities and campgrounds to break up the intensity. Staying at a resort-like RV park such as CreekFire in Savannah or Skillet Creek in Wisconsin can provide a nice break from all the ghost hunting.
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, these haunted destinations offer fascinating glimpses into America’s darker history, with plenty of opportunities for paranormal investigation. Shannon’s campground recommendations make it easy to plan an unforgettable RV road trip to some of the spookiest spots in the U.S.
Have you visited any haunted locations on your travels? Share your stories over in our friendly Facebook group, or tag us on social media @thervatlas with your favorite spooky road trip memories!
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