Activities using mining gear is what is called leisure mining. This is actually the sort of mining that individuals do in their spare time, and is not to be confused with industrial mining.

Thermal City Gold Mine

The very best mining camp on the east coast is Thermal City Gold Mine. It's very abundant with minerals and you can mine for emarld, citrine, rose quarts, rubies, and much more.

It is rather easy to make it by car. It's midway between Marion and Rutherford at the county line. For those travelling from the Rutherfordton/Marion exit on I-40 then simply head to the south towards Rutherfordton for approximately 8 miles. 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 kitchenette with a microwave for $50.00.

You can bring your own mining gear or you can buy it from their store. They are able to give you pumps, dredges, gold pans, and other mining supplies.

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 available to public, all year round, from 8am to 7pm.

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

Cotton Patch Gold Mine & Campground

Cotton Patch is another well-liked recreational mining site positioned in New London, NC. Their store comes with a great deal of prospecting supplies and they also organize training courses for newbies.

The campground is open throughout the year and prices start at $15.00 per night and constant discounts can be obtained for longer stays. You can book a whole month of RV camping for around $350. You're highly advised to call and enquire about availability.

The camp is situated on 41697 Gurley Road in New London. If you want to use a GPS device you are able to put in the coordinates which are Longitude 80.1874. Latitude 35.4358.