Texas Ghost Towns
San Antonio, with its vast landscapes and rich history, is home to numerous ghost towns, each of the Texas ghost towns with its own unique story. These abandoned settlements offer a glimpse into the state’s past, providing a sense of mystery and intrigue.
Once a bustling community, Luckenbach is now a popular tourist destination known for its live music scene. Despite its popularity, Luckenbach still retains a sense of its past, with abandoned buildings and a cemetery that offer a glimpse into its history.
Established in the 1850s as a military outpost, Fort McKavett today, the fort stands as a historic landmark, with its ruins providing a haunting reminder of its past.
Also, there is Lobo, whose abandoned buildings and eerie atmosphere make it a popular destination for ghost hunters and history enthusiasts. Check out the other ghost towns in Texas below!
Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out.
In case you are wondering about the choice of listings in this article, here is how we come up with our recommendations.
Also, check out our posts on Haunted Houses in San Antonio, The Japanese Tea Garden San Antonio, and Best Treehouses in San Antonio!
Texas Ghost Towns
Ghost Towns in Texas Less Than 2 Hour Drives
Ghost Town Texas 2 to 3 Hour Drives
Abandoned Places in San Antonio 3+ Hour Drives
Haunted Places in San Antonio – Less Than 2 Hour Drives
Catarina
Visitors can explore the ruins of old buildings, including a schoolhouse, church, and cemetery in one of the spooky Texas ghost towns.
- Insider Tip: For a more immersive experience, visit Catarina at dusk or on a moonlit night to appreciate the eerie atmosphere.
- How Far: 121 miles
- Driving time from San Antonio: 1 hour and 50 minutes
- Where: Catarina, TX 78836
- Area: Texas Hill Country
Helena
Former county seat with a preserved courthouse and a few abandoned structures making it one of the abandoned places in San Antonio.
- Insider Tip: Helena’s cemetery is a fascinating glimpse into the town’s past. Look for interesting markers and learn about the people who lived there.
- How Far: 59.4 miles
- Driving time from San Antonio: 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Where: Helena, TX 78118
- Area: South Texas
D’Hanis
D’Hanis is one of the small Texas ghost towns with remnants of its past, including historic buildings and ruins.
- Insider Tip: The ruins of the old church and other buildings offer a haunting glimpse into D’Hanis’ past.
- How Far: 50 miles
- Driving time from San Antonio: 53 minutes
- Where: D’Hanis, TX 78850
- Area: Texas Hill Country
Luckenbach
Image credit: Luckenbach Texas
Iconic ghost town famous for its country music heritage and laid-back atmosphere.
- Insider Tip: Luckenbach is famous for its live music scene, so be sure to check the schedule and catch a show.
- How Far: 62.3 miles
- Driving time from San Antonio: 1 hour and 2 minutes
- Where: Luckenbach, TX 78624
- Area: Texas Hill Country
Gruene
A charming historic district featuring an old dance hall, a general store, and quaint shops.
- Insider Tip: We know you’re on the hunt for the most spooky Texas ghost towns, but Gruene is famous for its live music scene, so be sure to check the schedule and catch a show.
- How Far: 36.2 miles
- Driving time from San Antonio: 39 minutes
- Where: Gruene, New Braunfels, TX 78130
- Area: Texas Hill Country
Boerne
One of the more picturesque Texas ghost towns with preserved German-style architecture, antique shops, and a historic district.
- Insider Tip: Visit the Kendall County Museum which showcases the history of Boerne and the surrounding area that makes it a Texas ghost town.
- How Far: 31.1 miles
- Driving time from San Antonio: 32 minutes
- Where: Boerne, TX 78006
- Area: Texas Hill Country
Bandera
Known as the “Cowboy Capital of the World,” this town offers western-themed attractions and cool abandoned places in Texas.
- Insider Tip: The Bandera County Jail Museum is a must-visit for history buffs and ghost hunters. It’s what makes Bandera one of the must-visit Texas Ghost towns.
- How Far: 53.3 minutes
- Driving time from San Antonio: 57 minutes
- Where: Bandera, TX 78003
- Area: Texas Hill Country
Shiner
Image credit: City of Shiner
A Texas ghost town with remnants of its past, including a historic brewery and abandoned buildings.
- Insider Tip: Shiner is home to the Spoetzl Brewery, which produces the famous Shiner Bock beer.
- How Far:
- Driving time from San Antonio:
- Where: Shiner, TX 77984
- Area: South Texas
Pearsall
A small ghost town Texas has with a rich agricultural heritage and remnants of its past, including historic buildings and landmarks.
- Insider Tip: Check out the Frio Pioneer Jail Museum when you visit this spot on our list of ghost towns in Texas.
- How Far: 55.1 miles
- Driving time from San Antonio: 53 minutes
- Where: Pearsall, TX 78061
- Area: South Texas
Medina
One of the more tranquil ghost towns of Texas, nestled in the scenic Hill Country, offering a peaceful getaway and access to outdoor activities.
- Insider Tip: Medina’s historic district is well-preserved and offers a glimpse into the town’s past. Look for the old courthouse, church, and other landmarks in one of the haunted Texas ghost towns on our list.
- How Far: 66.5 miles
- Driving time from San Antonio: 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Where: Medina, TX 78055
- Area: Texas Hill Country
Karnes
Image credit: Karnes County, Texas
This is one of the Texas ghost towns with a rich oil and agricultural history, featuring historic buildings and a vibrant community.
- Insider Tip: Panna Maria is one of the abandoned places in Texas for you to visit.
- How Far: 54 miles
- Driving time from San Antonio: 1 hour
- Where: Karnes, TX 78118
- Area: South Texas
Llano
A picturesque town located on the Llano River, offering outdoor activities, historic buildings, and one of the haunted places in San Antonio!
- Insider Tip: Making your way through the different ghost towns of Texas? Lone Grove should be on your list.
- How Far: 108 miles
- Driving time from San Antonio: 1 hour and 46 minutes
- Where: Llano, TX 78643
- Area: Texas Hill Country
Ghost Towns in Texas – 2 to 3 Hour Drives
Fork McKavett
Preserved fort ruins and historic structures that offer insights into frontier military life making it one of the popular haunted places in San Antonio.
- Insider Tip: The cemetery at Fort McKavett is a haunting reminder of the past. Take a walk through one of the abandoned places in San Antonio and learn about the soldiers and civilians who are buried there.
- How Far: 154 miles
- Driving time from San Antonio: 2 hours and 20 minutes
- Where: Fort McKavett, TX 76841
- Area: West Texas
Langtry
Former home of Judge Roy Bean, known as the “Law West of the Pecos,” with a preserved saloon and visitor center and one of the ghost towns in Texas.
- Insider Tip: Check Out the Judge Roy Bean Saloon. This historic saloon is said to be haunted by the ghost of Judge Roy Bean himself makes it a haunted house in San Antonio.
- How Far: 215 miles
- Driving time from San Antonio: 3 hours and 32 minutes
- Where: Langtry, TX 78871
- Area: West Texas
Thurber
A once-thriving coal mining town, now one of the Texas ghost towns with a few remnants of its industrial past.
- Insider Tip: Thurber is a Texas ghost town with many abandoned buildings. Explore the ruins and imagine what life was like in the town’s heyday.
- How Far: 234 miles
- Driving time from San Antonio: 3 hours and 48 minutes
- Where: Thurber, TX 76363
- Area: North Texas
Ghost Town Texas – 3+ Hour Drives
Terlingua
Terlingua, one of the Texas ghost towns, is an abandoned mining town offering scenic desert landscapes and an annual chili cook-off.
- Insider Tip: Put Starlight Theatre on your list of haunted places in San Antonio. This historic theater is said to be haunted by the ghost of a former actress.
- How Far: 460 miles
- Driving time from San Antonio: 6 hours and 42 minutes
- Where: Terlingua, TX 79852
- Area: West Texas
Lobo
Once a lively community, now one of the Texas ghost towns with a few ruins and abandoned homes.
- Insider Tip: Lobo is one of the smaller Texas Ghost towns, but there are still some ruins to explore. Take a walk around and see what you can find.
- How Far: 447 miles
- Driving time from San Antonio: 6 hours and 23 minutes
- Where: Lobo, TX 79855
- Area: South Texas
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