Recreational mining refers to recreational activities undertaken using numerous kinds of mining gear. It is the type of mining people do for entertainment, in their leisure time - a household activity that revives the Gold Rush from the 1800's - and shouldn't be confused with the industrial mining done, generally, by corporations and for-profit.

Thermal City Gold Mine

Thermal City Gold Mine is certainly the very best known recreational gold mining camp on the East Coast. It is very rich in minerals and you may mine for emarld, citrine, rose quarts, rubies, and much more.

It is rather easy to make it by car. Found on Highway 221 it's halfway between Marion and Rutherford, right on the Rutherford - McDowell county line. Originating from the Rutherfordton/Marion exit on I-40, head to the south in the direction of Rutherfordton for approximately 8 or 8.5 miles whilst keeping an eye for the road sign on the left side. You will see directions to the mine.

It is very affordable to stay at Thermal City and will fit everyone's budget. You are able to camp on the riverside for as low as $15.00 per night or obtain a cabin with double beds, a bath and a kitchen area with a microwave for $50.00.

You could bring your own personal mining gear and supplies or buy it from Thermal City. They are sanctioned resellers of Keene Engineering equipment and will provide you with pumps, hi-bankers/dredges, prospecting and mining supplies, gold pans, an array of prospecting books, sluice boxes and much more.

The Lucky Strike Recreational Gold and Gem Mine Lucky Strike is another leisure facility in North Carolina. The camping site is situated in Vein Mountain in the Marion County, quite near to Thermal City Gold mine, and is open to public, all year round, from 8am to 7pm.

Next to the normal mining and prospecting activities, Lucky Strike supplies the Miner's Diner - a restaurant for individuals who would prefer to be spending the entire day digging for gold than cooking food - and, of course, accommodation at inexpensive rates.

Cotton Patch Gold Mine & Campground

Cotton Patch is one more well-liked recreational mining site situated in New London, NC. They have excellent training for beginners and they have wonderful prospecting supplies.

The campground is open throughout the year and prices start at $15.00 per night and consistent discount rates can be obtained for longer stays. You can book an entire month of RV camping for around $350. All you must do is make a call and check the unbooked time.

The camp ground is located on 41697 Gurley Road in New London. If you utilize a GPS device, plug in the coordinates: Longitude 80.1874, Latitude 35.4358.