Rhode Island doesn’t offer traditional ghost towns, but you’ll find something better—living historic sites where you can spend the night among spirits. Book a room at the General Stanton Inn in Charlestown, where four presidents once visited and Victorian ghosts still wander, or stay overnight at Rose Island Lighthouse, where Keeper Curtis’s footsteps echo at midnight. The Carriage Inn in North Kingstown offers accommodations in a former 1760 stagecoach stop. Each location below reveals what awaits after dark.
Key Takeaways
- Rhode Island has no true abandoned ghost towns, but offers haunted historic homes, inns, and lighthouses for overnight stays.
- Rose Island Lighthouse provides overnight accommodations in keeper’s quarters with reported paranormal activity from former keeper Charles Curtis.
- General Stanton Inn in Charlestown offers restored Victorian guest rooms blending colonial ambiance with local ghost stories.
- The Carriage Inn on Tower Hill Road features overnight stays in a historic 1760 stagecoach stop with ghostly folklore.
- The Conjuring House in Harrisville is currently inaccessible to visitors despite its famous paranormal history and tourism interest.
The Conjuring House: Ghamping With Paranormal Activity in Harrisville
Where does New England Gothic architecture meet genuine terror? At Harrisville’s infamous 1736 colonial homestead, you’ll find supernatural folklore carved into every timber. The Perron family’s decade-long nightmare here spawned “The Conjuring” franchise, attracting paranormal research teams worldwide.
Ed and Lorraine Warren’s 1973 investigation ended dramatically when Carolyn Perron reportedly became possessed during a séance, prompting her husband to physically remove them. You can’t stay overnight anymore—the 2024 owner’s paranormal tourism venture collapsed amid staff resignations, revoked licenses, and legal troubles. The house is currently inaccessible to visitors following Jacqueline Nuez’s failed attempt to operate it as a tourist attraction.
Still, this pre-Revolutionary War structure stands as Rhode Island’s most notorious haunted property, where Bathsheba Sherman’s alleged spirit and dimensional disturbances created America’s most documented supernatural case. Bathsheba actually resided on the Sherman Farm, not the Perron house location, though folklore has persistently linked her to the property. Freedom-seekers found something darker than adventure here.
Rose Island Lighthouse: Sleep Where Keeper Curtis Still Roams
You’ll find Rose Island Lighthouse perched on a rocky outcrop in Narragansett Bay, where guests have reported footsteps descending from the lantern room at midnight—the exact time Keeper Charles Curtis ended his shift for 31 years.
Overnight stays start at reasonable rates, letting you experience the keeper’s quarters where Curtis allegedly still performs his nightly routine of coming downstairs for a glass of milk. The guest keeper program allows visitors to stay in the restored 1870 lighthouse, which was re-lit in 1993 after standing dark for over two decades.
Paranormal investigators captured a face resembling Curtis reflected in a picture frame, and you might spot the mysterious white mass that appears in camera feeds near the barracks. The island also served as a quarantine station during the 1820s and 1850s, housing victims of cholera and yellow fever in unmarked mass graves that still remain on the property.
Curtis Apparition Sightings Documented
When midnight strikes at Rose Island Lighthouse, guests still hear footsteps descending the tower stairs—the same path Charles Curtis took twice nightly during his 32-year tenure as keeper.
Historical evidence suggests he’d check the light, then stop in the kitchen for milk before returning to bed.
Paranormal investigations have captured compelling encounters:
- Midnight footsteps echo through the tower, stopping precisely in the kitchen where Curtis reportedly took his nightly break.
- White luminous mass appeared on camera outside the barracks, defying conventional explanation.
- Faint voices and door movements emanate from the quarantine room, while Curtis’s face materialized in a picture frame reflection.
The octagonal tower rises 35 feet above the island, its 48-foot focal plane having guided ships through Newport’s waters since 1870.
A photograph of Curtis as keeper remains archived, documenting the man whose presence visitors claim to encounter.
You’re free to experience these phenomena yourself—the lighthouse welcomes overnight guests seeking authentic encounters with keeper Curtis’s lingering dedication.
Lighthouse Accommodation Rates Options
Your journey to Rose Island begins with a choice between four distinct accommodations, each offering its own blend of historic charm and spectral possibility.
The Keeper’s Apartment crowns the second floor at $560 for four guests, featuring panoramic bay views where Keeper Curtis once watched for ships.
Below, the Museum First Floor starts at $365, while adventurous souls can embrace authentic lighthouse history in the electricity-free Foghorn Building ($285) or Fort Hamilton Barracks ($225).
Members save 15% year-round, and everyone receives 20% off during April and October’s shoulder seasons.
The accommodation amenities range from full kitchens to shared facilities, but all guests share access to the 18-acre island, outdoor firepit, and those moonlit moments when footsteps echo through empty corridors.
Most stays require a minimum of 2 nights, though single-night bookings become available on a rolling basis 60 days before your desired date.
For booking inquiries or questions about availability, contact the Rose Island Lighthouse and Fort Hamilton Trust at 401-847-4242 or info@roseisland.org.
Graduate Providence Hotel: Prohibition-Era Spirits and the 14th Floor Tragedy
On June 6, 1922, Providence’s skyline transformed when the doors of the Providence Biltmore Hotel swung open to a crowd enthusiastic to witness what 1,800 citizens had funded together—a monument to civic pride rising in neo-Federal Beaux-Arts elegance.
Now called Graduate Providence, this haunted hotel at 11 Dorrance Street harbors decades of paranormal sightings within its 290 guestrooms.
You’ll discover:
- Prohibition-era spirits lingering in the ornate lobby where vice presidents once mingled beneath elaborate inlay ceilings
- Glass-and-brass elevator frozen since the 1990s, preserved as a “time travel” exhibit accessing ghostly 18th-floor views
- Mysterious 14th floor where unexplained incidents echo through corridors
The iconic neon “Biltmore” sign still glows above Kennedy Plaza, beckoning freedom-seekers to explore where glamorous history meets supernatural intrigue. The hotel reigned as Providence’s second-tallest building until 1928, dominating the city’s architectural landscape during the Roaring Twenties. During the Hurricane of 1938, floodwaters surged 7.5 feet into the grand lobby, leaving an indelible mark on the building’s tumultuous history.
General Stanton Inn: Colonial Haunts in Charlestown
Today’s 17 Victorian guest rooms hold more than antiques—locals share ghost stories of spectral figures wandering the halls. Owners David and Jackie Moore reopened this restored landmark in 2022, blending fine dining with overnight stays.
Whether you’re chasing paranormal encounters or simply craving authentic colonial atmosphere, you’ll discover why four U.S. Presidents visited this revolutionary-era sanctuary.
The Carriage Inn: North Kingstown’s Historic Overnight Encounter
You’ll find The Carriage Inn tucked along Tower Hill Road in North Kingstown, where a 1760 stagecoach stop has transformed into a dining destination that still whispers of its centuries serving weary travelers.
The stone barn—sole survivor of a devastating 1957 fire—now anchors five distinct dining rooms where you can settle in for New England clam chowder and craft cocktails amid fire-charred stones and original timber.
While overnight lodging isn’t available, the restaurant’s banquet facilities and multiple atmospheric spaces let you linger long enough to sense why paranormal investigators once walked these same floors.
Tower Hill Road Location
At 1065 Tower Hill Road in North Kingstown, the Carriage Inn occupies a plot of South County land that’s witnessed over two centuries of travelers seeking rest along the historic Post Road. This Northeast Corridor route between Boston and New York has collected ghostly folklore since its stagecoach days, and the inn’s location keeps those stories alive.
When you arrive, you’ll notice:
- Private parking lot with direct access to check-in
- Upper balcony display showcasing 19th-century carriages visible from your car
- Original stone barn standing as testament to pre-1957 fire survival
The setting invites you to explore haunted crafts and architectural remnants from multiple eras. You’re not just passing through—you’re stepping into a waypoint where spirits reportedly still wander freely.
Dining and Lodging Options
The stone walls that survived the 1957 blaze now frame your dining experience at the Carriage Inn, where American comfort food arrives on tables positioned near original char marks and colonial-era fireplaces.
You’ll find Rhode Island’s seafood traditions at the oyster bar—littlenecks shucked fresh, colossal shrimp, and creamy clam chowder—alongside burgers crafted with house-made red mayo ($9-$29).
The Whiskey Bar stocks 125 bottles in the building’s oldest section, while the Saloon channels Irish pub energy with craft brews and TVs.
*Ghost Hunters* investigated these haunted legends after staff reported a woman in period dress wandering the premises.
Though the inn doesn’t offer traditional ghostly accommodations for overnight stays, you can linger until 10pm Friday-Saturday, savoring your meal where stagecoach travelers once rested between Boston and New York.
Belcourt Mansion: Candlelit Tours and Newport’s Most Active Site
Stepping through Belcourt’s entrance feels like crossing a threshold between centuries, where the scent of aged wood and stone mingles with stories whispered through 130 years of history.
Belcourt’s threshold transports visitors across 130 years, where aged wood and stone breathe life into whispered stories of gilded history.
This 52-room mansion blends haunted history with architectural intrigue—originally designed in 1894 with stables on the first floor, prioritizing horses over human comfort.
You’ll discover:
- Candlelit evening tours that transform Richard Morris Hunt’s French Renaissance design into an atmospheric journey through Gilded Age excess
- The original single bedroom featuring nobleman wall scenes and Newport’s first standing shower
- Active paranormal experiences reported throughout spaces once filled with $7,000 party favors and automobile races
Current owner Carolyn Rafaelian maintains ongoing restoration while welcoming visitors to explore this privately owned residence, where past and present collide along historic Bellevue Avenue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Children Allowed to Stay Overnight at These Haunted Locations?
You’ll find no official age bans at these haunted Rhode Island stays. However, family-friendly policies vary—consider children’s safety when paranormal activity peaks at night. The Conjuring House’s 3-4 person tents and Rose Island’s lighthouse rooms welcome adventurous families.
What Should I Do if I Experience Paranormal Activity During My Stay?
Keep your cool if spirits stir—historical legends come alive here. Document everything with your gear, follow safety precautions like avoiding sudden moves, and immediately contact staff. If you sense aggression, trust your gut and leave quickly.
Do I Need Prior Paranormal Investigation Experience to Book Overnight Stays?
You don’t need paranormal familiarity to book these stays. Sites welcome curious adventurers regardless of experience level. Your appreciation for history relevance matters more than expertise—just bring enthusiasm, basic equipment if desired, and an open mind ready for mystery.
Are Pets Permitted at Any of These Haunted Accommodations?
Want to bring your furry companion ghost hunting? Unfortunately, pet policies aren’t specified for these haunted locations. You’ll need to contact each property directly about pet-friendly amenities before booking your paranormal adventure with your four-legged investigator.
Can I Request a Room Change if Paranormal Activity Becomes Too Intense?
While these haunted history hotspots don’t explicitly advertise room-change policies for ghostly encounters, you’re free to request different accommodations. Most innkeepers understand that intense paranormal activity isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, despite choosing haunted lodging.
References
- https://www.travelawaits.com/2991565/glamping-rhode-island/
- https://www.rambleandroam.org/post/a-haunted-hotel-in-providence-rhode-island
- https://www.roseisland.org/overnight
- https://www.rimonthly.com/haunted-places-rhode-island/
- https://usghostadventures.com/newport-ghost-tour/
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g54083-d20820146-Reviews-The_Conjuring_House-Harrisville_Burrillville_Rhode_Island.html
- https://www.mynewenglandtraveler.com/post/haunted-inns-rhode-island
- https://abandonedwonders.com/tag/bates-motel/
- https://www.visitrhodeisland.com/things-to-do/haunted-rhode-island/?skip=0&startDate=01/31/2026&endDate=01/31/2026&sort=distance
- https://www.americanghostwalks.com/the-conjuring-house-is-the-haunting-real
