Most Haunted Spots in Louisiana

If this year hasn’t been spooky enough for you, or if you’re looking for a scare of a more paranormal variety, you won’t have to travel far to meet some of the most ghoulish spirits in North America. Stories of Louisiana’s long and rich history can be heard around the world, but if you want to know the most haunted places in Louisiana, you’ll need to ask the locals. As Opelousas residents ourselves, the staff at Courvelles RV knows a thing or two about the best local haunts.

Whether you’re a ghost-hunting buff looking for your October road-trip destination, or an easily scared travel enthusiast looking for a roadmap of places to avoid, we’ve compiled a local’s list of Louisiana’s 5 most-haunted destinations.

Shreveport Municipal Auditorium (Shreveport, LA)

Some of this country’s most famous musicians including Johnny Cash, James Brown, Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, and Hank Williams have all played at the legendary Shreveport Municipal Auditorium. But musicians aren’t the only ones who’ve occupied this building. In the early days, according to their website, “the auditorium played host to the military by serving as barracks for the troops and housing the early aircraft warning system, more commonly known as Radar.”

While the military presence is long gone, there are still reports of paranormal activities including strange sounds, voices, and a door opening and closing on its own. Some claim to see a woman in a blue dress wandering around the lobby. Many TV crews and ghost hunters have been out to document the phenomena, but no one knows this place quite like the locals. The staff have reported hearing a woman screaming in the basement bathroom; it was there where a woman reportedly gave birth during one of the Louisiana Hayride shows. Others report hearing clapping throughout the auditorium, and voices saying “I love Johnny Cash.”

Whether you’re interested in visiting for the art-deco architecture, musical history or the opportunity to witness the paranormal, you might consider lodging at KOA, the highest ranked campground in Shreveport.

Bentley Hotel (Alexandria, LA)

Not far from our location in Opelousas, LA, the Bentley Hotel has a rich 100-year history hosting notables like President Dwight Eisenhower, George S. Patton, John Wayne, and Roy Rogers. After the eccentric Joe Bently, who is still said to visit The Mirror Room Lounge in spirit, built the hotel, it changed hands many times and underwent a multi-million dollar restoration.

Still, several other mischievous ghosts are said to haunt the Bentley Hotel including a young girl who fell down the elevator shaft to her death. Another man reportedly died after falling off the grand staircase in 1985 — visitors report seeing shadows and figures peering over the staircase, looking down at the lobby area of the hotel.

If you’re not planning to stay at the hotel for any number of reasons, you might consider staying at River Cities RV Park just northwest of town.

Old State Capitol Building (Baton Rouge, LA)

This castle-like structure in downtown Baton Rouge stands out with its architectural brilliance. Today, the building hosts a museum as well as weddings and other corporate events.

Locals believe that Pierre Couvillion, an 1800’s congressman died in the capitol building and still haunts the space to this day. The staff members report seeing mysterious footprints on the senate floor, as well as motion sensors going off when no one is in the building. But the most haunted portion of this building lies below, where the basement was once used as a hospital and prison for soldiers in the Civil War.

While you’re there, don’t miss out on their “Ghost of the Castle” show – it’s only $3 per person. While there, consider staying at Night RV Park or Courtney’s RV Park.

Manchac Swamp (Ponchatoula, LA)

It wouldn’t be a ghost tour of Louisiana without touching on the mystical powers of the Manchac Swamp. While you may know the area more for the Manchac Swamp Bridge, one of the longest bridges in the world that spans 22.80 miles, there is much more to this swampy area than meets the eye.

There are plenty of tours or kayak experiences that will allow you to get a closer look at the swamp for yourself. However, the locals say you should be aware of a supernatural threat. Legend has it that local voodoo queen Julia Brown, who previously lived on the edge of the swamp, still haunts the area with her songs and wails today. On the day of Julia’s funeral, September 29, 1915, almost 300 other people in the area died when a massive hurricane made landfall drowning residents in its 13-foot storm surge. Locals claim the hurricane was a result of Julia’s curse on the town, quoting a song she was said to sing, “One day I’m going to die and take the whole town with me.’

For more reading on this fascinating legend, visit this Mental Floss article. After a long day of swamp exploration and ghost stories, you may want to take a load off at the Reunion Lake RV Resort’s lazy river.

New Orleans Cemetery No. 1 (New Orleans, LA)

Below sea level, New Orleans locals were forced to build their cemeteries above ground. Today, you can tour these cemeteries, with their rows of ornate tombs sometimes referred to as “the City of the Dead.” The New Orleans Cemetery No. 1 is reported as the most haunted of all the New Orleans cemeteries.

Here, there are graves dating back to the 1700’s. Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau is one of the most notables buried within the block. You’ll find offerings and sacrifices laid upon her grave where many Voodoo societies still visit daily, requesting the blessings of the Voodoo Queen. Ghost-hunter groups have visited this haunted destination recording terrifying EVP’s and capturing eerie orbs floating in photos. Guests, accompanied by tour guides, have claimed to see manifestations of ghosts walking through the rows of hallowed tombs.

If visiting the city of New Orleans, you can extend your trip and plan to see many more haunted spots in this ghostly city. There are three RV parks nearby that you may consider staying at including the French Quarter RV Resort, Parc D’orleans Inc., or the Jude Travel Park.

This list only begins to scratch the surface of Louisiana’s haunted history. Regardless of your feelings about spirits, Voodoo, and ghosts, you cannot deny the beauty of our state in the fall. As you look to get out and enjoy the cooler weather, make your RV is fit for your adventure. If you are in need of any parts or service, please contact us today. And if you’re searching for a new or used RV, the experienced and friendly team at Courvelles RV can help you find the perfect RV to fit your lifestyle.