A Haunted RV Roadtrip to America’s National Parks: With Shannon Minner

America’s national parks are filled with breathtaking scenery, incredible wildlife, and fascinating history. But some of these beautiful destinations also have a darker side. From Civil War battlefields where visitors report seeing ghostly soldiers to abandoned mining towns, mysterious mountain forests, and historic lodges with unexplained footsteps, there are plenty of places where an ordinary national park adventure can take a spooky turn.
Just in time for Halloween, we’re welcoming Shannon Minner back to The RV Atlas for the fourth installment of our annual Haunted RV Road Trip series. Shannon is a school librarian, longtime RVer, and paranormal enthusiast who has spent 20 years working with a local ghost-hunting team. She knows a thing or two about tracking down a good ghost story, and this year she’s taking us to five of America’s most intriguing haunted national park destinations.
We’re exploring Gettysburg National Military Park, Death Valley National Park, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Crater Lake National Park. Along the way, Shannon shares the legends surrounding each destination, specific places to explore, campground recommendations, and important safety tips for visitors.
Whether you’re a dedicated believer in the paranormal, a skeptic who loves a good ghost story, or simply an RVer looking for a different kind of national park adventure, these destinations offer plenty of reasons to plan a trip.
Listen to the complete episode of The RV Atlas podcast in the media player above–or wherever you get your favorite shows!
Gettysburg National Military Park, Pennsylvania: Ghosts of the Civil War
Gettysburg is one of the most historically significant destinations in the United States, and it’s also widely considered one of the country’s most haunted places.
The three-day Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863 resulted in an estimated 46,000 to 51,000 casualties, including soldiers killed, wounded, captured, or missing. With that much suffering concentrated in such a small area, it’s easy to understand why Gettysburg has inspired generations of ghost stories.
Jeremy and Stephanie visited Gettysburg with their boys when they were young and remembers feeling the emotional weight of the battlefield. At Devil’s Den, the kids happily scrambled over the enormous boulders while the adults reflected on the terrible events that had unfolded there. That contrast between a beautiful place to explore and its tragic history can feel unsettling, even in broad daylight.
Haunted Places to Visit in Gettysburg
Devil’s Den
Devil’s Den is a dramatic collection of massive boulders that played an important role during the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg. The area witnessed intense fighting and enormous loss of life.
Many soldiers who died during the battle were initially buried where they fell or in temporary graves. According to paranormal lore, the violent deaths and unsettled circumstances surrounding these burials may help explain the battlefield’s reputation for hauntings.
Even without a ghost sighting, Devil’s Den is a memorable stop for visitors interested in Civil War history.
Sachs Covered Bridge
Located a short drive from the main battlefield, Sachs Covered Bridge is another popular destination for paranormal enthusiasts.
Local ghost stories tell of Confederate soldiers who were allegedly executed at the bridge after attempting to pass themselves off as Union soldiers. Visitors have reported seeing apparitions of soldiers around the structure.
The bridge is worth visiting for its historic architecture and scenic setting, regardless of whether you encounter anything supernatural.
Jennie Wade House
The Jennie Wade House tells one of Gettysburg’s most tragic civilian stories.
Jennie Wade was a 20-year-old seamstress who was helping her sister care for a newborn when fighting broke out in Gettysburg. While preparing bread, she was struck and killed by a bullet that passed through ...