Recreational mining refers to activities undertaken using different kinds of mining gear. It's the sort of mining people do for fun, in their leisure time - a household activity that revives the Gold Rush from the 1800's - and shouldn't be mistaken with the commercial mining done, in general, by corporations and for-profit.

Thermal City Gold Mine

The very best mining camp on the east coast is Thermal City Gold Mine. It is very rich in minerals and you may mine for emarld, citrine, rose quarts, rubies, and much more.

It is extremely simple to arrive there by car. Situated on Highway 221 it is midway between Marion and Rutherford, right at the Rutherford - McDowell county line. If you are coming from the Rutherfordton/Marion exit on I-40 then just head south towards Rutherfordton for around 8 miles. There will be directions to the mine.

It is very reasonable for stay at Thermal City and will fit everyone's budget. You can camp on the riverside for as little as $15.00 per night or obtain a cabin with double beds, a bath and a kitchen area with a micro wave for $50.00.

You are able to bring your own mining gear or you can buy it from their store. They are authorized resellers of Keene Engineering equipment and will present you with pumps, hi-bankers/dredges, prospecting and mining supplies, gold pans, a wide range of prospecting books, sluice boxes and many more.

The Lucky Strike Recreational Gold and Gem Mine Lucky Strike is yet another recreational facility in North Carolina. It's in Marion County in Vein Mountain. It is open all year from 8 to 7.

There's a great restaurant at Lucky Strike which is called the Miner's Diner that is excellent.

Cotton Patch Gold Mine & Campground

Cotton Patch is another common recreational mining site located in New London, NC. Their store includes a wide range of prospecting supplies and they even organize online classes for beginners.

It is possible to camp here for $15 a night and you can get constant discounts should you stay longer. You can book an entire month of RV camping for around $350. You're highly advised to call and enquire about accessibility.

The camp ground is situated on 41697 Gurley Road in New London. Should you wish to use a GPS device you can put in the coordinates that are Longitude 80.1874. Latitude 35.4358.