The flickering glow of a campfire, a chilling wind, the trees casting mysterious shadows in the moonlight…there are many things about camping that can be downright frightening, even under the best circumstances. And if you factor in a haunted national forest, you’re in for a night that could be truly terrifying.
Virginia’s campgrounds are considered among some of the best in the country. Boasting scenic variety and great upkeep, these sites will make for unforgettable summer memories. But in the case of Braley Pond, you might just get a little more than fresh air and a night under the stars. The campground is located in George Washington National Forest and has been the location of mysterious activity.
Google Maps Braley Pond is not the only site within George Washington National Forest that is claimed to be haunted, but it seems to have the most terrifying stories associated with it. It can be found just outside of West Augusta, Virginia.
TheVirginiaStew/YouTube
TheVirginiaStew/YouTube This area is a tranquil and beautiful place…in the daylight. The day use area includes the gorgeous pond which is open for trout fishing. It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon hiking, biking, or enjoying a picnic by the water.
Austin McCracken/YouTube The dispersed camp site is adjacent to the pond and is open year round. There’s no water available, but there are vaulted toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. The beautiful site is free of charge, although you may end up paying the cost of a sleepless night.
Austin McCracken/YouTube Braley Pond’s tragic history may be the source of its hauntings. On May 22nd, 2002, it was the site of of a horrific gang murder. There has also been a suicide reported in this same part of the forest.
Austin McCracken/YouTube An investigative group went in to examine the site in July of 2006, and what they found was chilling. A representative from the Shenandoah Valley Paranormal Society spoke of a grim experience: “Something came home with me that night, I was basically haunted and it went on for weeks and months at a time." What’s even more disturbing is that the haunting felt physical, as though someone or something had touched her. She noted, “it felt like slime, and I could feel it moving around on my skin.”
TheVirginiaStew/YouTube There are also eerie encounters that have taken place closer to the pond. Near the picnic area, spirits have been seen hovering above the water. And if you take the rugged trail around the pond up towards the mountain, you might hear the sounds of children’s voices in the distance.
Nick Dawson/YouTube So do you think you can stand to experience a night deep in these haunted forest? If you’re brave enough to venture out by yourself…be warned that you may not be totally alone!
Have you visited the Braley Pond campsite? We’d love to hear about your experience there. If you’re looking for more of Virginia’s haunted grounds, be sure to check out This Creepy Ghost Town In Virginia.
Google Maps
Braley Pond is not the only site within George Washington National Forest that is claimed to be haunted, but it seems to have the most terrifying stories associated with it. It can be found just outside of West Augusta, Virginia.
TheVirginiaStew/YouTube
This area is a tranquil and beautiful place…in the daylight. The day use area includes the gorgeous pond which is open for trout fishing. It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon hiking, biking, or enjoying a picnic by the water.
Austin McCracken/YouTube
The dispersed camp site is adjacent to the pond and is open year round. There’s no water available, but there are vaulted toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. The beautiful site is free of charge, although you may end up paying the cost of a sleepless night.
Braley Pond’s tragic history may be the source of its hauntings. On May 22nd, 2002, it was the site of of a horrific gang murder. There has also been a suicide reported in this same part of the forest.
An investigative group went in to examine the site in July of 2006, and what they found was chilling. A representative from the Shenandoah Valley Paranormal Society spoke of a grim experience: “Something came home with me that night, I was basically haunted and it went on for weeks and months at a time." What’s even more disturbing is that the haunting felt physical, as though someone or something had touched her. She noted, “it felt like slime, and I could feel it moving around on my skin.”
There are also eerie encounters that have taken place closer to the pond. Near the picnic area, spirits have been seen hovering above the water. And if you take the rugged trail around the pond up towards the mountain, you might hear the sounds of children’s voices in the distance.
Nick Dawson/YouTube
So do you think you can stand to experience a night deep in these haunted forest? If you’re brave enough to venture out by yourself…be warned that you may not be totally alone!
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