New Jersey, with its rich history and diverse landscapes, is home to a multitude of haunted and scary places that come to life each Halloween season. From abandoned asylums to ghostly mansions and haunted forests, the state boasts a wide array of terrifying attractions that are sure to send shivers down your spine. Here are some of the most sinister and bone-chilling destinations this season suggested by visitnj.org that will make your Halloween in New Jersey an experience you’ll never forget. Proceed with caution, for the stories that lurk within these haunted locales are not for the faint of heart (or young children).
Terrifying Tours & Alarming Attractions
For fans of 1980s horror movies, Crystal Lake Tours is a must-see. As the primary filming location for the first Friday the 13th movie in the cult classic series, this privately-owned camp in Hardwick is only accessible through these guided tours. Be sure to secure your tickets early because past events have sold out in as little as eight seconds!
Rated by Fodor’s Travel Guide as the scariest haunted attraction in New Jersey, Brighton Asylum in Passaic actually delivers three spine-chilling experiences in one daunting destination. You can “check-in” to Brighton Asylum, explore the gruesome staff quarters in the Bleeding Grounds and encounter the facility’s most disturbing patients in SubCULTure.
Or dare to visit a number of farm frights including Haunted Casola in Manalapan, Farm of Horrors in Flemington, Night of Terror in Mullica Hill, Field of Terror in East Windsor and Scare Farm in Hillsborough.
Hair-Raising History
As one of the original 13 Colonies, New Jersey boasts a long past – so you can only begin to imagine all the spooky mysteries that legendary history brings. Of course, we have to start with the folklore we’re most famous for – the Jersey Devil himself. You can join a guided hike through the Pine Barrens to learn more about this demonic creature.
Then there are entire haunted destinations, many of them hugging the coastline – or should we say ghostline? Follow the phantoms of Victorian Cape May on a trio of thrilling tours. Dive into the Ghost Tour of Ocean City. Scream ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh over Asbury Park’s apparitions during a Ghosts & Legends of the Downtown tour. Or join an official New Jersey Paranormal Ghost Hunt.
Eerie Eateries
Prefer your pasta with a side of poltergeists? There are several New Jersey restaurants reported to be haunted. Belly up to a table at Lake House Restaurant (Newfield), The Cranbury Inn (Cranbury), Emily’s Ocean Room (Ocean City), Knotty Pine Pub (Wharton), Old Canal Inn (Nutley), Gregory’s Restaurant & Bar (Somer’s Point), The Brass Rail (Hoboken), plus Elaine’s and Lucky Bones (both in Cape May).
Spooky Stays
Looking for accommodations that may conjure something (or someone!) that goes bump in the night? You have your choice of properties including Widow McCrea House B&B (Frenchtown), Grenville Hotel (Bay Head), Dunellen Hotel (Dunellen), The Publick House Hotel (Chester), The Dr. Jonathan Pitney House B&B (Absecon), The Flanders Hotel (Ocean City), plus Angel of the Sea and The Historic Hotel Macomber (both in Cape May).
Be sure to check with your destination’s website and social media pages before you go for the latest updates and information.
