Ever considered panning for gold on your next RV camping vacation? All over the United States, there are places for newbies to search for gold nuggets. Panning for gold is relatively inexpensive, and who knows, you might just come home with the mother lode! If doing a little prospecting on your next vacation sounds good, use the ideas below to start planning your next RV camping vacation.

Southeast US Gold Paning Campervan Vacation Ideas

For a gold-digging RV vacation in the Southeast, head to the Crisson Gold Mine in Dahlonega, GA. Tour the mine and then clean out five gallon ore buckets for nuggets and gemstones.

Just down the street from the Crisson Mine, you’ll find the Consolidated Gold Mines, where your family can go underground for a tour of the mine before panning for gold at a gate. Dahlonega is also home to some beautiful North Georgia RV campgrounds.

RV Vacation Ideas for Panning for Gold in the Central USA

The Phoenix Gold Mine in Idaho Springs, Colorado is a great place for gold panning enthusiasts! Your ticket includes a guided tour of the historic Phoenix Gold Mine, plus the chance to spend the entire day panning for gold.

Another great family experience is just down the street at the Argo Gold Mine and Mill, also in Idaho Springs. Tour the famous Argo Tunnel and Double Eagle Gold Mine, established in 1893, and stay to pan for native Colorado gold and gemstones. Excellent RV campgrounds can be found just outside of Idaho Springs.

While in Colorado, continue your tour at Cripple Creek in Pikes Peak country, home to the world famous Mollie Kathleen Mine. Take the thrilling 1,000-foot mine elevator to tour the mine, then head down the valley to the nearby town of Victor to tour the Victor Lowell Thomas Museum. Try looking for gold, turquoise and topaz there. There are plenty of RV campsites right in the middle of the Cripple Creek action.

West Coast Gold Panning RV Vacation Ideas

California is the latest gold rush state, and RV campers can find plenty of gold panning action there. Right in the heart of the Gold Country, your family will love Jimtown1849 Mining Camp.

Located in the historic town of Jamestown, Mining Camp will transport you back to the days of the gold rush. Your family can pan for gold in Wood’s Creek with experienced guides and take home what they find.

Head north from Jamestown to Washington, CA, and pan for gold at one of the picturesque campgrounds in the Tahoe National Forest along the Yuba River. This gold-rich area is open to casual prospecting, and tourists have been known to “see the color” in their pans.

You should also definitely go to the source of the California Gold Rush and pan for gold in the American River at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park in Coloma. See a replica of Sutter’s Mill and twenty other historic buildings where James Marshall struck gold in 1848. Park visitors have been known to find gold while panning, so don’t miss out on this historic opportunity!

Within this gold-rich area between Downieville and Mariposa, there are streams and rivers on state and national park lands where mining is permitted. Consult with the Tahoe, Eldorado and Sierra National Forest staff as you plan your RV gold panning vacation.

This is just a quick tour of the places your gold-digging friends and family might want to visit. Doesn’t this sound like a great way to pass the time on an RV vacation? Pack your boots and jeans and head for the hills. It’s definitely time to find some gold for the holidays!