America is home to some of the world’s most fascinating and chilling haunted places, from historic prisons and plantations to iconic hotels and lighthouses. These destinations captivate travelers with their mix of haunted history, ghostly legends, and eerie architecture. For thrill-seekers, paranormal enthusiasts, and curious adventurers alike, exploring these haunted places offers a unique way to connect with history, hear unforgettable ghost stories, and witness other worldly encounters.

Whether it’s wandering through the cold, silent halls of Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, stepping into the shadowy corridors of the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, or investigating the infamous Lizzie Borden House in Fall River, these locations bring centuries of haunted history to life. Many are haunted destinations where restless spirits are said to linger, creating experiences that blend history, mystery, and a touch of fear.

For those planning a haunted road trip, an RV provides the freedom to explore multiple haunted locations across the country. From haunted hotels to abandoned ghost towns, traveling by RV allows enthusiasts to stay close to the action, immerse themselves in the atmosphere, and experience these locations at their own pace. This guide highlights 10 must-experience haunted places in America, offering backstories, tips for visiting, and insight into which spots are best for thrill-seekers during spooky season.

Why RVs Are the Perfect Way to Explore Haunted Locations in the U.S.

Traveling by RV offers unique advantages for visiting haunted places in America, providing both comfort and flexibility. Here are the five main reasons RV travel enhances a haunted road trip experience:

• Freedom to Explore Multiple Haunted Locations

• Visit several haunted places in one journey, from the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park to the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose.

• Make spontaneous stops at lesser-known haunted spots or historic ghost towns without worrying about hotel availability.

• Comfort and Convenience Near Haunted Hotels

• Park your RV close to haunted hotels like the Emily Morgan Hotel in San Antonio or Hotel Monte Vista in Flagstaff.

• Enjoy all the comforts of home while staying near haunted locations, allowing for night tours or paranormal investigations.

• Immersive Paranormal Experiences

• RV proximity enhances your ability to explore the haunted history and atmosphere of these locations fully.

• Ideal for Groups and Families

• RVs provide ample space for family or group travel, enabling everyone to explore the most haunted places in America together.

Top 10 Haunted Locations in the U.S.

Eastern State Penitentiary – Philadelphia, PA

Once the most famous prison in the country, Eastern State Penitentiary housed some of America’s most notorious criminals. Its strict solitary confinement policies and harsh punishments left many inmates mentally scarred, and visitors report hearing mysterious footsteps, seeing shadowy figures, and feeling sudden cold spots in the abandoned cellblocks. The haunting is said to stem from the tormented spirits of past prisoners who endured decades of isolation.

The Stanley Hotel – Estes Park, CO

Known for inspiring Stephen King’s The Shining, the Stanley Hotel is notorious for ghost sightings. Guests and staff have reported ghostly children playing in empty corridors, shadow figures appearing in rooms, and strange sounds of piano music late at night. Much of the activity is attributed to the hotel’s rich history and the energies of former staff and visitors lingering in the halls.

Lizzie Borden House – Fall River, MA

The site of the infamous 1892 axe murders, the Lizzie Borden House is steeped in chilling history. Visitors often report hearing ghostly footsteps, seeing apparitions of a young woman, and feeling an unsettling presence in the upstairs rooms. The spirits are believed to be tied to the violent deaths of Andrew and Abby Borden, as well as lingering energies from the trauma of the crime.

RMS Queen Mary – Long Beach, CA

This retired ocean liner has a long history of reported hauntings. Passengers and staff have experienced cold spots, unexplained noises, and even sightings of shadowy figures in the engine room and hotel corridors. Some believe these spirits are former crew members and passengers who perished aboard the ship during its long service, including World War II troop transport missions.

Emily Morgan Hotel – San Antonio, TX

The Emily Morgan Hotel, built in the 1920s, is rumored to be haunted by a young woman who met a tragic end in the building. Guests report mysterious footsteps, cold drafts, and ghostly encounters in the hallways. The hotel’s location in the historic district adds to its aura, with the building’s long history of medical offices, hospital patients, and tragic stories fueling the paranormal activity.

Hotel Monte Vista – Flagstaff, AZ

Opened in 1927, the Hotel Monte Vista is home to numerous reported hauntings, including resident ghosts and mysterious disturbances in guest rooms. Guests have described shadowy figures, doors opening on their own, and strange noises in the night. The hotel’s long history and colorful guests over the decades contribute to its reputation as one of Arizona’s most haunted sites.

St. Augustine Lighthouse – St. Augustine, FL

The historic lighthouse and its surrounding grounds are linked to several tragic events, including accidents and the deaths of former lighthouse keepers. Visitors report ghost sightings on the tower stairs and unexplained occurrences in the keeper’s house. Many believe that the spirits of those who died while maintaining the lighthouse still linger, creating a chilling but captivating experience.

The Myrtles Plantation – St. Francisville, LA

Often referred to as one of the most haunted houses in America, the Myrtles Plantation has a history of murder, betrayal, and tragedy. Guests report hearing mysterious footsteps, seeing shadow figures, and experiencing sudden cold drafts. Many legends involve restless spirits of former slaves and family members who died under suspicious or violent circumstances, giving the plantation its dark reputation.

LaLaurie Mansion – New Orleans, LA

This mansion in the French Quarter is infamous for the brutal treatment of enslaved people by Madame LaLaurie in the 1800s. Tales of torture and death contribute to its haunted reputation, with visitors reporting shadowy figures, ghostly children, and mysterious sounds echoing through the halls. The mansion’s dark past makes it one of the most notorious haunted locations in New Orleans.

Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum – Weston, WV

Built in the mid-1800s, this former psychiatric hospital was the site of overcrowding, harsh treatments, and numerous deaths. Visitors report hearing disembodied voices, seeing shadowy figures, and feeling sudden chills in areas that once held patients in solitary confinement. The haunting is attributed to the suffering and trauma endured by patients during the asylum’s long and troubling history.

9 Bonus Haunted Locations to Visit

El Cortez Hotel & Casino – Las Vegas, NV

Opened in 1941, the El Cortez is the oldest operating hotel in Las Vegas. Known for its mobster history and mysterious events, guests have reported sightings of apparitions and unexplained noises.

Sweetwater Mansion – Florence, AL

Built in 1835, Sweetwater Mansion is a historic plantation house with a reputation for paranormal activity. Visitors have reported sightings of apparitions and unexplained phenomena, leading to its feature on paranormal investigation shows.

Rocky Hill Castle – Courtland, AL

Constructed between 1858 and 1861, Rocky Hill Castle was a plantation house that combined Greek Revival, Italianate, and Gothic Revival styles. Despite its demolition in 1961, the site is steeped in folklore, including tales of "The Ghost of the Angry Architect”.

Waldo Hall – Corvallis, OR

Located on the Oregon State University campus, Waldo Hall is named after Clara H. Waldo, the first woman to serve on a U.S. state college board. The building's fourth floor, which is inaccessible to the public, is rumored to be haunted, with reports of paranormal activities.

Falcon Rest Mansion – McMinnville, TN

Built in 1896, Falcon Rest Mansion is a Queen Anne-style house that has served various purposes, including a hospital. Now functioning as a bed-and-breakfast, some guests claim to have experienced ghostly encounters within its walls.

Moonville Tunnel – Zaleski, OH

Constructed in 1857, Moonville Tunnel is part of the former Marietta and Cincinnati Railroad. The tunnel gained a reputation for being haunted, particularly by the ghost of a railroad brakeman reportedly killed there in the 1880s.

Franklin Castle – Cleveland, OH

Built in 1881, Franklin Castle is a Victorian stone house with a history of reported hauntings. The building has four stories and more than twenty rooms, and is considered one of the most haunted houses in Ohio.

Bissell Mansion – St. Louis, MO

Constructed in 1823, the Bissell Mansion is the oldest brick home in St. Louis. The mansion has a history of paranormal activity, including sightings of Captain Bissell's ghost and unexplained occurrences.

Kreischer Mansion – Staten Island, NY

Built in 1885, Kreischer Mansion has a haunted past, including a mob-related murder in 2005. The mansion is said to be haunted by the spirits of its former residents, with reports of ghostly faces and unexplained phenomena.

Ready to start your haunted adventure?

Renting an RV from Cruise America is the perfect way to explore these iconic haunted destinations across the U.S. Hit the road, chase ghostly encounters, and discover the stories that make America’s most haunted sites both terrifying and captivating—all on your own schedule.