Something is exciting and intriguing about exploring abandoned places. They’re rich in history but also have a mysterious and eerie vibe.
If you love to dip your toe in the spooky and scary, you should check out Texas ghost towns. Not only do they hold the secrets of the past, but some ghosts of the past might still be roaming the streets.
From counties with alleged haunted places San Antonio offers like hotels and towns with a handful of people, to places with nothing but ruins, you’ll find what you’re looking for here!
Here’s our list of Texas ghost towns near San Antonio.
Editor’s Note: We work hard to bring you the most up-to-date information. However, all information is subject to change! As always, please verify with the organizer before heading out!
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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 Best Roadtrips from San Antonio, Caverns Near San Antonio, and Best Lakes near San Antonio
Texas Ghost Towns – haunted places to go that take less than 2 hours to drive from San Antonio
1. Catarina

Description: The town of Catarina was founded as a railroad junction. According to legend, it was named after a woman who was killed in the area, when a standoff occurred during the 1700s. The town had a post office, schools, and a thriving population. Unfortunately, the town’s economic decline is due to a shortage of water and a generally bad economy. There are still residents in the area, but there are just less than a hundred, making it one of Texas’ semi-ghost towns.
Driving Time: 1 hr. & 49 mins.
Area: Dimmit County
2. Helena
Description: Helena, the former county seat, was a very auspicious city. For many years it was the most important city between San Antonio and Goliad.
Today, it’s one of Texas’s ghost towns with several abandoned structures that have been restored into museum pieces: The 1873 courthouse, the old post office, the John Ruckman Home, the Sickenius farmhouse, and the jail.
Helena was once known as “the most violent place in the Old West.” This could be the reason for all the alleged hauntings and ghost sightings.
Driving Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Address: Helena, Karnes County, Texas
Area: South Texas
3. D’Hanis
Description: As of 2000, this small town had a population of 548. It has remnants of its past, including historic buildings and ruins.
Driving Time: 1 hour
Address: D’Hanis, Medina County, Texas
Area: Texas Hill Country
4. Luckenbach
Looking for other Ghost Towns in Texas? Check out these articles – Ghost Towns in Houston and Ghost Towns in Austin.
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