How to Plan the Perfect Haunted Road Trip: Must-Visit Stops and Spooky Stays

Are you the type who prefers ghost tours over beach tours, or haunted houses over holiday homes? Then it sounds like you're ready for the ultimate fall adventure: a haunted road trip! Imagine cruising down dark, winding roads, the chilly autumn breeze creeping through the windows, and the promise of spooky stops and eerie stays awaiting you. This isn’t just any road trip; it’s a journey to the most haunted places, with Vanly helping you find those perfectly eerie spots to park and stay the night—if you dare.

So, buckle up, ghost hunters and thrill-seekers! We’ve mapped out the ultimate haunted road trip through some of the creepiest locations across the U.S. Here’s how to plan a road trip that’s sure to raise some hairs—and maybe a few spirits along the way.

1. Start with a Spine-Chilling Itinerary

First things first, you need a plan. No, not just “let’s head to the nearest creepy-looking forest”—we’re talking a carefully curated route of America’s most haunted hotspots. Here are some must-visit locations to add to your ghostly itinerary:

Salem, Massachusetts

Kicking things off with the granddaddy of haunted locations: Salem. Known for its infamous witch trials, this town is teeming with ghostly history. Walk the haunted streets, visit the Salem Witch Museum, and if you’re feeling brave, join a nighttime ghost tour.

Spooky Stay: There are plenty of eerie B&Bs in Salem, but if you're rolling in your RV or campervan, park at a Vanly property nearby with a view of the moonlit forest. Maybe you’ll even spot a witch or two (just kidding… sort of).

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Known as one of the most haunted places in the U.S., Gettysburg is a must-see for paranormal enthusiasts. The battlefield, where thousands of soldiers lost their lives, is said to be haunted by their restless spirits. Ghost tours are a dime a dozen here, and many have claimed to see shadowy figures and hear the sounds of battle at night.

Spooky Stay: Look for a Vanly host nearby who’s not spooked by a little paranormal activity. After all, what’s a visit to Gettysburg without a few ghostly encounters?

Savannah, Georgia

With its historic homes, moss-draped oaks, and chilling ghost stories, Savannah is a haven for those who love all things spooky. Don’t miss the Bonaventure Cemetery and the Mercer-Williams House, both of which have their fair share of ghostly lore.

Spooky Stay: Park your campervan at a Vanly property on the outskirts of town where the Spanish moss sways eerily in the moonlight. Perfect for a night of ghost stories by the campfire.

New Orleans, Louisiana

No haunted road trip is complete without a stop in New Orleans. This city is bursting with haunted history, from the infamous LaLaurie Mansion to the eerie St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. Ghosts, voodoo, and vampires—oh my!

Spooky Stay: After a day (or night) of exploring haunted sites, park your van at a quiet, safe Vanly location just outside the city. Who knows? Maybe the gentle sway of your RV will lull you to sleep, or maybe it's just a restless spirit...

2. Packing Essentials for Your Haunted Road Trip

You don’t want to be caught unprepared in a haunted house—or an empty road in the middle of nowhere. Here’s what to pack to keep your haunted road trip both safe and spooky:

• Flashlight: For those times when the campfire flickers out, and you swear you heard something moving in the woods.

• Extra Batteries: Because your flashlight (or sanity) shouldn’t die when you need it most.

• EMF Detector: For the hardcore ghost hunters. Measure electromagnetic fields and detect paranormal activity—if you're into that sort of thing.

• Thermos of Hot Cocoa: Ghost hunting is chilly work, and nothing warms the bones like a hot drink. Plus, ghosts hate marshmallows… we think.

• Portable Speaker: For playing some spooky tunes or, you know, drowning out that eerie whispering outside your van.

Pro Tip: Bring a journal to document any unexplained occurrences. Just don’t read it back to yourself while alone in your campervan at 3 a.m. You’re welcome.

3. Choosing Your Spooky Stays with Vanly

One of the best parts about using Vanly for your haunted road trip is that you can find safe, private spots to stay near all the spooky destinations. Whether it’s a quiet farm on the outskirts of town, a remote spot in the woods, or a historic property with a tale of its own, Vanly has you covered. Here’s what to look for when choosing your haunted haven:

Location, Location, Location

Look for properties that are close to your ghost-hunting destinations but still offer a bit of privacy. There’s nothing scarier than a crowded campground when you’re trying to tell ghost stories.

Host Stories

Some Vanly hosts love to share stories about their properties. Ask your host if they’ve experienced anything unusual on their land. You might end up with a story scarier than any you could find on Google!

Amenities

Sure, it’s a haunted road trip, but there’s no reason to rough it. Find properties with amenities like electric hookups, campfires, and, of course, Wi-Fi (because how else are you going to upload all those spooky selfies?).

4. Haunted Activities Along the Way

It’s not just about where you go, but what you do when you get there. Add some of these haunted activities to your itinerary to really get in the spooky spirit:

Ghost Tours

Most haunted towns offer ghost tours that are part history lesson, part hair-raising horror story. Book one for after dark and keep your camera ready—ghosts love photobombing.

Visit Haunted Hotels

Even if you’re not staying the night, pop into some of the country’s most haunted hotels for a drink and a chance to snap some spooky photos. The Stanley Hotel in Colorado and the Myrtles Plantation in Louisiana are just a couple that are sure to give you goosebumps.

Explore Cemeteries

Some of the best ghost stories come from graveyards. Many historic cemeteries offer tours, or you can explore on your own. Just remember: respect the dead, and maybe they’ll leave you alone.

5. Campfire Stories and Chill (Literally)

No haunted road trip is complete without some good old-fashioned campfire stories. Park your campervan at your Vanly spot, light up the campfire, and get ready to share some tales that will have everyone huddled a little closer.

Here are a few stories to get you started:

• The Vanishing Hitchhiker: A classic tale of a hitchhiker who mysteriously disappears, only to turn out to have been dead for years. Tell this one right before a long, dark drive through the backroads.

• The Phantom Camper: The story of a ghostly camper who haunts a deserted campsite, scaring off anyone who tries to stay. Perfect for when you’re parked in a remote spot with no one around for miles…

• The Haunted RV: A chilling tale of an RV that seems to have a mind of its own, driving its terrified passengers to the very spot where its previous owner died. Just make sure your RV doesn’t start moving on its own after this one.

6. Safety Tips for the Superstitious and the Sane

Alright, adventurers, it’s time to get serious for a second. As fun as ghost-hunting and haunted road trips are, safety should always come first. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Stick to the Plan: Don’t go wandering off into abandoned buildings or restricted areas. Ghosts aren’t the only things to be afraid of.

• Check the Weather: Ghosts might not mind a little rain, but you’ll want to avoid getting stuck in a storm or snow. Always check the weather forecast before heading out.

• Keep the Tank Full: There’s nothing worse than running out of gas on a lonely road in the middle of the night. Always keep your tank full and your GPS on.

Final Thoughts: Are You Ready to Get Spooked?

Planning the perfect haunted road trip takes a bit of work, but with Vanly’s help, you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect spooky spots to park your RV and rest (if you can). So gather your bravest friends, pack your ghost-hunting gear, and get ready for a road trip full of frights, fun, and unforgettable memories.

Remember, the scariest part of any haunted road trip isn’t the ghosts—it’s running out of s’mores halfway through the night.