Discover the 10 best ghost towns in Texas! Explore abandoned ruins, historic cemeteries, and towns frozen in time.
Texas is full of towns that boomed during the days of mining, oil, and railroads — only to fade into near obscurity. Today, many of these ghost towns still stand, offering a fascinating glimpse into history.
From desert ruins to forgotten coastal ports, these are the 10 best ghost towns in Texas worth visiting (and in some cases, spending the night nearby).
Texas Ghost Town Road Trip
Terlingua
The most famous ghost town in Texas, Terlingua sits near Big Bend National Park. Once a thriving mercury mining community, today it’s filled with crumbling ruins, colorful art shops, and casitas you can rent for the night. Don’t miss a meal at the Starlight Theatre and a visit to the historic cemetery.
Shafter
Known as the “Silver Capital of Texas,” Shafter once had over 4,000 residents during its mining heyday. Now home to fewer than 20 people, visitors can see adobe ruins, explore the cemetery, and take in the charm of this forgotten desert town.
Glenrio
Sitting on the Texas–New Mexico border along historic Route 66, Glenrio was once a popular stop for road trippers. Today, abandoned motels, gas stations, and diners stand as reminders of its past. Nearby lodging makes it easy to explore this slice of Americana.
READ NEXT: Guide to Route 66 in Texas
Thurber
At one time, Thurber was the largest coal-mining town in Texas. Today, only the towering smokestacks, cemetery, and a few restored buildings remain. It’s a great day-trip stop, with overnight lodging in nearby Strawn or Mineral Wells.
Indianola
Once a bustling port city on the Gulf Coast, Indianola was destroyed by hurricanes in the late 1800s. Only ruins and a historic cemetery remain today. Stay in nearby Port Lavaca to explore this haunting piece of Texas history.
Toyah
This West Texas railroad town near Pecos once had more than 1,000 residents. Today, it’s nearly abandoned, with crumbling storefronts and an eerie main street that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Luckenbach
While not a true ghost town (thanks to its thriving music scene), Luckenbach’s population is famously listed as just three. With its historic dance hall, general store, and live music events, it’s a ghost town with a fun twist.
Catarina
Founded during the early 1900s with dreams of becoming an agricultural hub, Catarina is now almost completely deserted. A handful of abandoned buildings remain, making it a unique stop for history lovers and photographers.
Bluffton (Old Bluffton)
The original town of Bluffton was submerged when Lake Buchanan was created in the 1930s. During droughts, remnants of the old town reappear, offering a rare and haunting glimpse of Texas history.
Barstow
Founded in the 1800s with hopes of becoming an agricultural success, Barstow is now a small ghost town near Pecos. While some residents remain, visitors can explore the ruins of once-important buildings, including a historic courthouse.
READ NEXT: Top Fall Festivals in Texas
From desert landscapes to coastal ruins, Texas ghost towns each hold a unique story of boom, bust, and resilience.
Whether you’re exploring the popular town of Terlingua or stumbling upon hidden gems like Catarina, these ghost towns are perfect for history lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers.
