Community
The prospecting community is one of the most generous in the outdoor world. Connect with local clubs, national organizations, and online communities to share claims, knowledge, and camaraderie.
Featured Clubs
The Comstock Lode is one of the most legendary mineral strikes in American history — the massive silver and gold deposit discovered in 1859 in Nevada's Washoe Mountains that fueled the development of San Francisco and bankrolled the Civil War Union cause. The Comstock Gold Prospectors club carries that heritage forward for today's recreational miners.
Members gain access to club claims throughout the historic Comstock region, including areas of western Nevada rich in placer gold, crystalline quartz, and gold-bearing quartz veins. Club outings, field trips, and monthly meetings make this a great home base for Nevada prospectors.
Named after the legendary Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine — a hidden treasure of the Superstition Mountains east of Phoenix, Arizona — the Lost Dutchman's Prospecting Club embodies the spirit of the Southwest gold seeker. The legend of Jacob Waltz and his secret mine has captivated treasure hunters for over 150 years.
The club maintains active claims across Arizona and the greater Southwest, spanning some of the most geologically productive and scenically spectacular terrain in North America. From placer gold in river drainages to hardrock quartz veins in the mountains, Lost Dutchman's members prospect it all.
Nestled deep in the Mokelumne Canyon at the confluence of three forks of the Mokelumne River, Roaring Camp Mining Company is one of California's most storied gold prospecting destinations. Originally a camp for Gold Rush 49ers, its remote location meant most of the gold was never recovered — and visitors can still find it today.
Open May through September, Roaring Camp offers a true immersive mining experience — panning, sluicing, metal detecting, and dry washing on an active gold property in the heart of the Mother Lode. Add cabin and tent camping, guided tours, and campfire cookouts and you have one of the most complete prospecting getaways in the West.
Based in Grass Valley in the heart of California's gold country, Reinke Mining Adventures & Services is a community-driven prospecting operation offering guided mining experiences, group outings, and educational adventures for gold hunters of all skill levels.
The RGM Gold Mining Group subscription brings together a community of serious California prospectors with access to claims, guided trips, and an active group of members who share finds, techniques, and field knowledge. Their store carries prospecting gear and supplies, and their code of conduct reflects a deep commitment to responsible, ethical prospecting.
National & Regional
The largest recreational mining organization in the country with 200+ claims across 90,000+ gold-bearing acres. Membership includes a gold pan, free paydirt, mining guide, and the Gold Prospectors Magazine. Family memberships available — keep all the gold you find.
Join at gpaastore.com →Regional clubs serving western states. Strong emphasis on education, ethics, and environmental responsibility in recreational mining.
prospecting.orgThe premier publication for prospectors and small-scale miners. Covers geology, equipment, regulations, and member finds from around the country.
icmj.comThe world's leading manufacturer of gold prospecting metal detectors. The GPX 6000, Gold Monster 1000, and Equinox series are the top choices for serious nugget shooters. Purpose-built for gold country.
minelab.com/gold-prospectingCalifornia's legendary gold prospecting destination in the Mokelumne Canyon. Open May–September for public mining, camping, and guided tours. Their "Dirt of the Month Club" ships gold-bearing paydirt nationwide.
roaringcampgold.comUmbrella organization connecting rock, mineral, gem, and prospecting clubs across the US. Great resource for finding local clubs in any state.
fmfusa.orgManages much of the public land open to recreational prospecting in the West. Find land status maps, mining claim databases, and special regulations by state.
blm.govAdministers National Forest lands, many of which allow recreational prospecting under plan-of-operations or casual use rules. Always check local forest orders first.
fs.usda.govOnline
Regulations
Prospecting rules vary dramatically by land type and location. Always check current regulations before you set out — rules change and fines can be significant.
Hand tools and small equipment typically allowed under "casual use" on most open BLM land. No dredging, no mechanized equipment without a plan of operations.
Each National Forest has different rules. Some allow suction dredging, others prohibit it. Contact your local ranger district before prospecting.
You can stake your own BLM mining claim for $165 + annual maintenance. Gives you exclusive right to minerals — but you must still follow surface management rules.
Many states regulate in-stream work separately from federal land status. Always check state water quality and streambed alteration permits (e.g., California 1602 permits).