Texas Ghost Towns

The wind whispers secrets through tumbleweeds in Texas, where bygone towns linger like forgotten dreams. Eerie chills crawl down your spine as you explore Terlingua, a desolate mining outpost haunted by the echoes of laborers. In the deserted streets of Lobo, whispers of a vengeful spirit said to roam the abandoned buildings send shivers down your spine. And down by the coast, the skeletal remains of Indianola, a once-thriving port city swallowed by the sea, hold restless energy that lingers to this day.

Texas ghost towns aren’t just abandoned places; they’re portals to a chilling past, waiting to be explored by the brave (or foolish).

Texas Ghost Towns – Categorized by Location

West Texas

Central Texas

East Texas

South Texas

Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the most up-to-date information. However, all information presented is subject to change. Please confirm with the organizers/businesses before planning to head out!

Quick Summary of the Spookiest Ghost Towns in Texas

Texas chills you to the bone with more than just winter winds. Abandoned towns whisper tales of bygone eras and restless spirits.

Explore the remnants of Shackelford, a gold rush town that vanished overnight, leaving legends of hidden riches and vengeful spirits.

In Balmorhea State Park, unearth the secrets of “Old Balmorhea,” a submerged town haunted by its former residents who linger beneath the crystal-clear waters.

If you’re looking for a luxurious stay with a spectral twist, head to the Menger Hotel in San Antonio, where elegant accommodations share space with friendly (and not-so-friendly) ghosts.

So pack your ghost-hunting gear and head to Texas, where the abandoned places whisper secrets and the spirits of the past await.

Abandoned Towns in Texas – West Area

Terlingua

Image credit: ghosttowntexas.com

This former mercury mining town boasts a lively (though living) population today, but its haunted past lingers. Legends speak of miners trapped underground. Their spirits are said to haunt the abandoned mines and buildings.

Documented paranormal activity: Visitors report disembodied voices, strange lights, and the feeling of being watched.
Pubic access and safety: Terlingua is a public area, but some abandoned buildings may be unstable. Exercise caution while exploring.
Availability of ghost tours: Ghost hunting tours are readily available in Terlingua.
Notable sights: Abandoned mining equipment, historic buildings
Location: Big Bend National Park Area, Texas 79852
Drive time from Houston: 9 hours 30 minutes

Lobo

Eerie whispers and shadows plague this cotton farming town, abandoned after a devastating fire. A vengeful spirit, said to be the restless soul of a woman scorned by the townspeople, is rumored to roam the ruins.

Documented paranormal activity: Reports include disembodied voices, cold spots, and apparitions of a woman in white.
Pubic access and safety: Lobo is located on private property; permission is required for exploration.
Availability of ghost tours: Not offered due to private property access.
Notable sights: Crumbling buildings, remnants of cotton farming equipment
Location: Texas 79855
Drive time from Houston: 9 hours

Indianola

The skeletal remains of this once-booming port city, swallowed by the sea after multiple hurricanes, are said to hold the souls of lost residents.

Documented paranormal activity: Visitors report feelings of sadness and despair, along with strange lights and disembodied voices.
Pubic access and safety: The Indianola Townsite is a public park; some areas may be uneven or have collapsed structures.
Availability of ghost tours: Ghost tours are occasionally offered in the area.
Notable sights: Ruins of historic buildings, cemetery
Location: Calhoun County, Texas 77979
Drive time from Houston: 2 hours 30 minutes

Texas Ghost Towns – Central Area

Shackelford

Image credit: Shackelford County, Texas Facebook

This gold rush town vanished after a series of misfortunes, leaving behind a chilling emptiness. Some believe a hidden gold mine and restless spirits guarding it are to blame.

Documented paranormal activity: Reports include orbs, strange lights, and feelings of unease.
Pubic access and safety: Shackelford is public land, but some structures are collapsing.
Availability of ghost tours: Ghost hunting groups occasionally visit the area.
Notable sights: Ruins of buildings, mine shafts
Location: Shackelford, TX
Drive time from Houston: 6 hours

Balmorhea State Park

While the park itself offers natural beauty, the legend of “Old Balmorhea” adds a spooky twist. The town of Balmorhea was flooded to create the state park. Legends claim the spirits of former residents haunt the submerged areas.

Documented paranormal activity: Divers report strange noises and feelings of being watched.
Pubic access and safety: The park is open to the public; however, exploring underwater ruins is extremely dangerous and not recommended.
Availability of ghost tours: Not offered due to safety concerns.
Notable sights: The above-ground cemetery
Location: 9207 TX-17, Toyahvale, TX 79786
Drive time from Houston: 8 hours 15 minutes

Ghost Towns Texas – East Area

Jefferson

This beautifully preserved town boasts a thriving antique scene and a not-so-secret haunted past. Some believe the spirits of former residents linger in the historic buildings.

Documented paranormal activity: Visitors report apparitions, strange noises, and feelings of being touched.
Pubic access and safety: Jefferson is a public town; most areas are safe to explore.
Availability of ghost tours: Ghost tours are readily available in Jefferson.
Notable sights: Historic buildings, antique shops
Location: Jefferson, Texas 75657
Drive time from Houston: 4 hours

Bedford

Image credit: City of Bedford, Texas Facebook

This former railroad town met its demise when a train derailment engulfed the town in a fiery explosion. Legends claim the restless spirits of those lost in the disaster haunt the ruins.

Documented paranormal activity: Reports include apparitions, disembodied screams, and strange lights.
Pubic access and safety: Bedford is located on private property; permission is required for exploration.
Availability of ghost tours: Not offered due to private property access.
Notable sights: Ruins of buildings, railroad tracks
Location: Bedford
Drive time from Houston: 4 hours

Ghost Towns of Texas in the South Area

Laredo

This historic border town has a rich past and a reputation for paranormal activity. From sightings of a spectral soldier to spirits lingering in old forts, Laredo offers a unique blend of history and the supernatural.

Documented paranormal activity: Reports include apparitions of soldiers, strange lights around historic buildings, and disembodied voices.
Pubic access and safety: Laredo is a public city; most areas are safe to explore.
Availability of Ghost Tours: Ghost Tours are available in Laredo.
Notable sights: Historic buildings, Spanish colonial architecture
Location: Laredo, TX
Drive time from Houston: 5 hours

The Menger Hotel The Menger Hotel

Image credit: The Menger Hotel – San Antonio Facebook

The Menger Hotel is known for its luxurious accommodations and its resident ghosts. Several ghosts are said to roam the halls, including a socialite who died tragically and a courteous bellhop who continues to serve guests in the afterlife.

Documented paranormal activity: Guests report encounters with friendly and not-so-friendly spirits, unexplained sounds, and apparitions.
Pubic access and safety: The Menger Hotel is a functioning hotel; overnight stays are available.
Availability of ghost tours: The hotel offers ghost tours for guests.
Notable sights: The hotel’s grand architecture and historic features
Location: 204 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205
Drive time from Houston: 3 hours

Goatman’s Bridge

Located near Denton, this bridge is shrouded in local legend. Sightings of a half-man, half-goat creature and unexplained screams add to the bridge’s eerie reputation.

Documented paranormal activity: Reports include sightings of the Goatman creature, screams in the night, and strange lights.
Pubic access and safety: Goatman’s Bridge is a public bridge; however, use caution while walking or biking at night due to limited visibility.
Availability of ghost tours: Ghost hunting groups occasionally visit the area.
Notable sights: The bridge itself
Location: Old Alton Bridge, Lantana, TX 76226
Drive time from Houston: 4 hours 10 minutes

USS Lexington

Docked in Corpus Christi, this retired aircraft carrier is now a museum ship, but its haunted reputation persists. Stories of restless sailors and unexplained activity make Lexington a chilling destination for paranormal enthusiasts.

Documented paranormal activity: Visitors report disembodied voices, cold spots, and feelings of being watched.
Pubic access and safety: The USS Lexington is a museum ship open to the public.
Availability of ghost tours: The museum offers ghost tours on specific dates.
Notable sights: The massive aircraft carrier itself and its wartime history
Location: 2914 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78402
Drive time from Houston: 4 hours 30 minutes

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Jerri C.

Exploring the Eerie – Must-See Abandoned Texas Ghost Towns for a Journey Back in Time