How to Get Started with Ghost Hunting: A Beginner’s Guide

If you’re like most people, you’ve probably seen creepy ghost-hunting shows on TV, like Ghost Adventures with Zak Bagans, or watched documentaries about the famous paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. Maybe you’ve even watched countless YouTube videos showing haunted locations, and now you’re thinking, “Hey, that looks fun. I want to try it for myself!”

The good news is, ghost hunting is something anyone can do—even if you’re just starting out. Whether you’re looking to investigate haunted houses or curious about the supernatural, ghost hunting can be an exciting and thrilling adventure. But, if you’re a beginner, it can also be a little overwhelming. So where do you even start?

Don’t worry! In this blog post, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to get started on your very first ghost hunt. Plus, we’ll show you how you don’t need to break the bank on expensive equipment to dive into the paranormal world.

Step 1: Choose Your First Location

One of the first steps in ghost hunting is deciding where you want to go. Of course, the idea of exploring places like the infamous Amityville Horror house or the eerie Conjuring house sounds tempting, especially if you’ve watched those movies based on Ed and Lorraine Warren’s investigations. But before you grab your EMF meter and flashlight, it’s a good idea to start with something a little less intense.

Here are some great places to start your ghost-hunting journey:

• Local haunted locations: Many cities have famous haunted spots—whether it’s an old cemetery, a historic building, or a well-known haunted house. These places are often open to the public and may even offer ghost tours that are a great way to get a feel for paranormal investigations.

• Abandoned buildings: If you’re interested in exploring on your own, abandoned places can be full of history and spooky vibes. However, make sure to get permission to investigate and always prioritize your safety.

• Public ghost tours: If you’re feeling nervous, public ghost tours are a fantastic way to get started. In cities like New Orleans, Savannah, or even your local area, ghost tours take you to the spookiest spots while giving you a historical overview of the location.

While places like the Amityville Horror house might be off-limits, Ghost Adventures has shown us that almost any location can be a potential haunt—just take a look at their investigations at places like the Stanley Hotel in Colorado or the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. Zak Bagans and his team have explored countless locations, proving that with the right tools (and a lot of bravery), you can uncover paranormal activity in unexpected places.

Step 2: The Basic Equipment You’ll Need

When you watch ghost-hunting shows, you see investigators using all kinds of expensive, high-tech gadgets, like full-spectrum cameras, spirit boxes, and night-vision equipment. However, as a beginner, you don’t need all of that fancy equipment. In fact, you can start with just a few basic tools to help you get started—and, trust us, you don’t need to spend a ton of money to be successful.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common gear used in ghost hunting:

• EMF Meter
  An EMF meter measures electromagnetic fields in the environment. Paranormal investigators believe that spirits can create disturbances in these fields, so EMF meters are often used to detect unusual readings. You don’t need a top-of-the-line model to get started. Basic versions can be found for under $50, and they’re easy to use for beginners.

• Audio Recorder
  One of the most important tools for ghost hunting is a simple audio recorder. In fact, some of the best evidence of paranormal activity comes in the form of Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP), where you capture voices on your recording that you couldn’t hear at the time. No need for a high-end digital recorder—just a regular voice recorder from a department store will work fine for beginners.

• Flashlight
  You’re going to be in dark, possibly creepy places, so a good flashlight is essential. You don’t need an expensive tactical flashlight—just make sure it’s bright and durable enough for your needs. LED flashlights work well because they’re long-lasting.

• Infrared Thermometer
  Ghost hunters often report cold spots as signs of paranormal activity. A basic infrared thermometer is a great tool to detect sudden temperature drops in a room or area. While professional models can get pricey, affordable options are available for under $30, and they’re enough to get you started.

• Camera
  When you’re ghost hunting, capturing images is essential. You don’t need an expensive camera—your smartphone camera should work just fine for taking photos of interesting areas or potential evidence. Many beginner ghost hunters use their phone’s camera, which works well for capturing orbs, shadows, or sudden flashes of light.

Step 3: How to Actually Ghost Hunt

Now that you have your gear, it’s time to start investigating. But how do you actually conduct a ghost hunt? While every investigation is different, here are some tips to help you get the best results:

• Stay quiet and calm: Spirits are often thought to be attracted to calm environments. Loud talking or sudden movements might scare them off or disrupt any potential paranormal activity. Instead, stay quiet and focused, especially when you’re using your recording equipment or EMF meter.

• Ask questions: One common technique ghost hunters use is to ask the spirits questions. You can do this out loud or even leave a recorder running with questions. Be respectful and clear with your questions—simple “yes” or “no” questions work best.

• Take notes: Keep a notebook with you to record any unusual occurrences. If you notice strange temperature changes, weird sounds, or odd feelings, jot them down. This can help you analyze your evidence later.

• Don’t get discouraged: Ghost hunting isn’t always about finding ghosts. Many times, nothing paranormal will happen. But that’s okay! Sometimes, just the experience of being in a haunted place and learning about its history is the most rewarding part.

Step 4: Safety and Respect

Ghost hunting can be fun, but it’s important to stay safe and respectful. Always go ghost hunting in groups. Not only is it more fun, but it’s also safer. Never go to dangerous places without the proper safety gear, and always let someone know where you’re going. Many haunted locations are old or abandoned, and the risk of injury is real.

Also, respect the locations you visit. Many haunted places are historically significant, and it’s important to show respect to the history and the spirits that may inhabit them. Never provoke or taunt spirits, and always follow the rules if you’re investigating a private location.

Step 5: Check Out Our Ghost Hunting Gear

You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on high-end gear to get started in ghost hunting. In fact, you can get by with affordable equipment that will still get you great results. Whether you’re looking for an entry-level EMF meter or a reliable audio recorder, we’ve put together a comparison of the best ghost-hunting gear for all budgets.

Visit our Ghost Hunting Gear section to learn more and find the best equipment for your ghost-hunting adventure!