The 5 Most Haunted Truck Stops in the U.S.

Pilot Travel Center – Jamestown, New Mexico

Located along the haunted Route 66, the Pilot Travel Center in Jamestown, New Mexico, has a reputation that gives even the most seasoned truckers chills.

The Story:
Route 66 is steeped in tragic history, with countless accidents and unexplained disappearances. Many truckers report pulling into this truck stop late at night only to encounter flickering lights and cold drafts that seem to have no source. Shadowy figures are often spotted in the corner of the eye, vanishing when approached. One trucker recalled stopping to refuel and hearing whispers on his CB radio—voices that didn’t match any other driver on the road. The source of these voices remains a mystery.

Why It’s Haunted:
Given the stretch of highway it's located on, many believe that the spirits of those who died in accidents along Route 66 continue to haunt the area. The vast desert landscape surrounding the stop adds to its isolated, eerie feeling, making it one of the most haunted truck stops in the Southwest.

Screaming Jenny's Truck Stop – Waverly, West Virginia

Nestled near the railroad tracks, this truck stop is famous for one of the oldest ghost stories in West Virginia, “Screaming Jenny.”

The Story:
In the 19th century, a woman named Jenny was tragically burned alive after her dress caught fire near the railroad tracks. Her ghost is said to haunt the area, screaming in agony. Truckers passing by late at night have reported hearing her screams echo across the parking lot and even seeing her fiery apparition running alongside the trucks. One trucker shared that he stopped to check his brakes after hearing an unusual noise, only to see the ghostly figure of a woman engulfed in flames staring back at him from the rearview mirror.

Why It’s Haunted:
The ghost of Screaming Jenny is tied to the land near the railroad, and her tragic death left her spirit restless. For over a century, truckers and locals alike have claimed to witness her haunting presence near this stop, especially during the colder months when fog often rolls in, adding to the eerie atmosphere.

TravelCenters of America (TA) – San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio may be known for its rich history and the Alamo, but it’s also home to a haunted truck stop that has left many drivers unsettled.

The Story:
The TravelCenters of America stop in San Antonio has long been rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a woman who roams the parking lot late at night. Truckers have reported seeing her wandering aimlessly, dressed in a white gown, as if searching for something. Some have even said she knocks on truck doors, asking for help, but vanishes when anyone steps out to assist. One trucker said he saw her in his side mirror but, when he stopped to ask if she was okay, there was no one there.

Why It’s Haunted:
San Antonio is known for its historic tragedies, and the area near this truck stop is no exception. Some believe the woman could be the spirit of someone who met an untimely fate while traveling. Her ghost is said to linger, forever searching for the help she never received.

Love’s Travel Stop – Gallup, New Mexico

Located near the Navajo Nation, the Love’s Travel Stop in Gallup is surrounded by desert, Native American history, and supernatural lore.

The Story:
Truckers have long reported strange occurrences at this remote truck stop. Mysterious lights are often seen flickering in the distance, and figures dressed in old-fashioned clothing have been spotted walking along the highway, only to disappear moments later. One trucker described a night when his radio picked up strange voices in a language he didn’t understand, followed by an intense cold filling his cab, even though it was a warm desert night.

Why It’s Haunted:
Gallup sits near sacred Native American lands, and the surrounding area has a deep history filled with legends of spirits, shapeshifters, and skinwalkers. The combination of ancient history and modern road accidents contributes to the eerie energy of this stop. Locals believe that the spirits of those who once inhabited the land may still walk among the living, keeping a watchful eye on those who pass through.

Iowa 80 Truck Stop – Walcott, Iowa

Known as the largest truck stop in the world, Iowa 80 is not just a place for rest—it’s also a place where spirits are said to linger.

The Story:
Truckers have reported paranormal activity at Iowa 80, especially in the middle of the night when the hustle and bustle dies down. Cold spots are felt inside the buildings, and some truckers have reported hearing footsteps in the hallways of the restrooms when no one else is there. One driver recalled parking his truck late one night and seeing a figure walking between the trailers. When he stepped out to check, the figure was gone, and no other trucks were parked nearby. Other drivers have claimed to see ghostly apparitions in the mirrors of the dining area or feel a sudden chill as they eat alone at the counter.

Why It’s Haunted:
With such a high volume of travelers passing through over the decades, it’s no surprise that some spirits might still be lingering. The nearby highways have been the site of fatal accidents, and some believe the truckers who lost their lives on the road may still be resting at this mega stop, unable to complete their final journey.

The Haunted Highways: Where the Road Never Ends

Haunted truck stops aren’t just tales told to pass the time—they are an integral part of the long-haul lifestyle. These places, with their lonely stretches of highway and quiet, desolate nights, provide the perfect backdrop for supernatural encounters. Whether or not you believe in ghosts, these five truck stops have become famous for their eerie occurrences, keeping the stories alive on every CB radio.

If you’re a trucker passing through one of these haunted stops, keep your eyes open and your radio tuned—you never know what might be waiting for you just around the corner.