Spooky Roadside Stops: The Clown Motel

"America's Scariest Motel"

Spooky Season has arrived!

The wind is chilled, the leaves are changing, and through this period of transition, we find a reinvigorated sense of adventure. Happy Campers RV Rentals is here to inspire and encourage your new found Fall feelings!

Let's dig into the spirit of the season together, as we take you on a journey to some of the best Spooky Roadside Stops on the West Coast! It's time to pack up your costumes, consolidate your candy, and hit the open road on a Halloween destination vacation.

The final destination on our tour of Spooky Roadside Stops is, without a doubt, the most disturbing destination of all. Welcome to the world-famous Clown Motel.

"It's situated in Tonopah, a town literally miles from anywhere, but don't worry about that, because you won't be lonely at the Clown Motel…even if you wish you were. Because as you can see from these rather terrifying pictures, the Clown Motel, like its name suggests, is literally full of clowns. The motel office has over 500 clowns on display, and there's even a stuffed, life-sized clown that sits in a chair in the lobby. Sounds like a fun place, right?"

Table of Contents

A Brief History of The Clown Motel

The Origins of America's Scariest Motel

It all started in 1985 when Leona and Leroy David built the motel in memory of their father, Clarence David, who had passed away. Clarence David, you see, was an avid clown lover and had left a collection of 150 clowns in his home.

Leona and Leroy decided to use their late father's clown collection as the theme and focal point of their motel in their father's memory. The Clown Motel was named "America's Scariest Motel" due to its clown theme and proximity to the haunted cemetery next door.

The Haunted Cemetery Next Door

The Old Tonopah Cemetery is the resting site for dozens of miners who lost their lives to a tragic fire in 1911. Additionally, the graveyard is home to a slew of citizens who fell to pneumonia in 1907.

All in all, you know there are some disgruntled ghosts in that graveyard. The combination of clowns and cemetery creates an atmosphere unlike any other roadside attraction in America.

The Clown Motel Experience Today

Today the motel offers a little bit of something for everyone. It is home to over 2,000 clowns from every era and corner of the earth.

Staying at the Clown Motel is, to say the least, a unique experience. All 31 of their rooms feature 2 to 3 custom clown art paintings, and their clown gallery space will make your jaw drop.

The Clown Motel is an experience you'll never forget. As The Clown Motel famously says, "We'll do everything to make your stay comfortable, but what happens after dark is out of our hands…."

Planning your own spooky RV road trip? The Clown Motel is the perfect overnight stop for adventurous travelers seeking something truly unforgettable.

The Clown Motel Quick Facts

1. Cemetery Neighbors

The famous cemetery next door to The Clown Motel was founded in 1901 but was closed just 10 years later. Among those buried are victims of the 1905 "Tonopah Plague" as well as the 1911 Belmont Mine Fire and Sheriff Thomas Logan who was shot while trying to save others in a local brothel.

Among others there's also George 'Devil' Davis, the first African American man in Tonopah. He was murdered by his wife who shot him in the back, although she served a prison sentence of only one year due to the extensive abuse he'd inflicted upon her.

Also among the graves is Bina Verrault of New York who made national headlines after her and a friend made a pact to become wealthy widows. They collected clothes and jewelry to today's value of over $2.5 million from men they'd seduced. Bina went on the run and ended up in Tonopah where she died of alcoholism.

2. Ghost Adventures

Zak Bagans brought his crew to The Clown Motel to film an episode of 'Ghost Adventures'. Scenes include a visual sighting of a dark silhouette, a voice heard saying "Hello, it turned on" when using a voice spirit box.

Most famously - the hand of the large clown is caught on camera moving off its leg entirely of its own accord. It was after the episode aired that Bob Perchetti said things really started to take off, with people from all over the world donating their clowns and booking their stay to see the spooky Motel for themselves!

3. The Motel Today

The motel was purchased in 2019 by the Mehar family from Las Vegas who are experienced hoteliers with a wealth of experience from around the globe. They are both dedicated and passionate about preserving the iconic Clown Motel and growing the world-famous clown collection.

Since taking over the property, they have invested a lot of time and effort into improving the facilities and renovating the rooms. The family have many plans for the bright future of The Clown Motel to honour its legacy so it may be preserved for generations to come.

Planning Your Spooky RV Adventure

Ready to experience the Clown Motel for yourself? Renting an RV is the perfect way to explore Nevada's spookiest roadside attractions while enjoying the comfort and convenience of your own mobile accommodations.

Our fleet includes a variety of Class A and Class C motorhomes perfect for your Halloween adventure. Whether you're traveling solo or bringing the whole family, we have the right RV for your journey.

Why Choose an RV for Your Spooky Road Trip

• Freedom to explore remote destinations like Tonopah at your own pace
• Comfortable sleeping quarters if the Clown Motel proves too spooky
• Kitchen facilities for preparing meals on the road
• Bathroom access during long desert drives
• Storage space for Halloween costumes and road trip essentials

Check out our 2024 Entegra Ethos or 2022 Forest River Sunseeker for spacious options that make long-distance travel comfortable and enjoyable.

Tips for Visiting Remote Nevada Destinations

• Fill up on gas before leaving major cities - services are sparse in rural Nevada
• Bring plenty of water and snacks for the journey
• Check RV safety guidelines before hitting the road
• Book your Clown Motel room in advance during peak Halloween season
• Plan for cell service to be limited in remote areas

Have questions about which RV is right for your spooky adventure? Contact our team today and we'll help you plan the perfect Halloween road trip!

Make This Halloween Unforgettable

The Clown Motel represents everything we love about quirky American roadside attractions. It's weird, it's wonderful, and it's waiting for you to discover.

This Halloween season, trade the typical haunted house for a real adventure. Pack up an RV, hit the open road, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Whether you're a paranormal enthusiast, a lover of unusual attractions, or simply seeking an unforgettable road trip experience, the Clown Motel delivers on every level. Just remember - what happens after dark is out of their hands!

Ready to start planning your spooky season adventure? Browse our available RVs and book your Halloween road trip today!