THE STORY
Reported Haunting
The former Camarillo State Mental Hospital is associated with numerous reports of paranormal activity from its decades as a psychiatric institution. Witnesses have described apparitions, disembodied voices, shadow figures, and unexplained noises in former hospital buildings. Many believe spirits of former patients and staff remain on the property.
Two more interesting points to note: Jazz musician Charlie Parker stayed here for seven months in 1947 after suffering a nervous breakdown, then wrote his hit “Relaxing at Camarillo.” And the hospital is rumored to be the Eagles’ inspiration for classic rock’s “Hotel California.”