During the Gold Rush, hundreds of rough and rowdy men flocked to Northern California’s most remote and rugged edges to strike it rich. They made their homes in places like Bodie, one of the most infamous but also eerie ghost towns throughout the Wild West. Bodie was originally what was known as a boom town, a place that seemingly sprang up overnight in the late 1800s. Along with the gold miners came prostitutes, gamblers, and saloons. It was an uncouth and uncivilized place, and its ghosts do not rest easy. Today, it is often recognized as the creepiest abandoned town in California.

There are several allegedly haunting souls that still remain in this empty town. You’ll have to visit it for yourself to see why anyone with a lick of sense stays far, far away from its creepy structures that are almost preserved in time.

Related Stories

This Speakeasy Hidden In An Unmarked Building In Northern California Is Perfect For A Date Night

This Speakeasy Hidden In An Unmarked Building In Northern California Is Perfect For A Date Night

This Easy 3.4-Mile Trail In Northern California Is Covered In Wildflower Blooms In The Springtime

This Easy 3.4-Mile Trail In Northern California Is Covered In Wildflower Blooms In The Springtime

The Little-Known Salt Cave In Northern California That Will Melt Your Worries Away

The Little-Known Salt Cave In Northern California That Will Melt Your Worries Away

Bodie may be abandoned, but it is not forgotten. Now a state park, it will continue to be preserved with or without the presence of territorial ghosts. Any travelers to this part of Northern California can go see it for themselves… if they dare.

Have you ever visited Bodie before? Do you agree that it’s the creepiest abandoned town in California?! We’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts and photos in the comments.

Craving more abandoned adventure? You must swing by the coziest and most haunted small town in Northern California.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

The Creepiest Abandoned Town In California

What other abandoned places are there in California?

Across the 164,000 or so square miles of California, visitors will find all sorts of delights. Some, however, can’t resist the allure of abandoned places in California. The Golden State is home to a number of former gold rush settlements, but it’s home to just as many abandoned relics of the modern era. The abandoned Nevada County Hospital still stands to terrify onlookers, just as Preston Castle does with its purported ghostly inhabitants. If you’re craving a longer trip into the unknown, perhaps a drive down the haunted Highway 299 will help you unwind.

Are there any hiking trails to abandoned places in California?

All throughout California, visitors will find incredible opportunities to spend time in the great outdoors. Fortunately, for those with a hankering for dark tourism, some hiking trails lead to abandoned destinations. In Southern California, you’ll find a hike to an abandoned mansion. Up North, you can follow the path of an old railroad in search of adventure. You’ll find a number of ruins along hikes in California, so outdoor lovers and those in search of historical relics will easily find common ground along these incredible routes.

What ghost towns can you find in California?

The Golden State is home to a number of incredible ghost towns, some of which rank among the scariest places in California. Chinese Camp is one of the saddest – after all, it was once home to thousands of Chinese laborers. While its abandoned streets are in a state of decay, those of North Bloomfield are surprisingly well-preserved. These are just two of several ghost towns in California that have grown iconic in local legend. However, none of the aforementioned ghost towns feel quite like home. If you’re longing for a cozy, abandoned town to call your own, this one is for sale.