Recreational activities using mining gear is what is known as leisure mining. This is actually the form of mining that individuals do in their free time, and is not to be mistaken for industrial mining.

Thermal City Gold Mine

The best mining camp on the east coast is Thermal City Gold Mine. The western part of NC is rich in many industrial minerals and crystals, and you can dig for emerald, citrine, rose quartz, rubies, aventurine, moonstone, smoky quartz, tourmaline and much more.

It is rather simple to get there by car. Located on Highway 221 it is midway between Marion and Rutherford, right on the Rutherford - McDowell county line. Originating from the Rutherfordton/Marion exit on I-40, head south towards Rutherfordton for around 8 or 8.5 miles whilst keeping an eye for the road sign on the left hand side. Follow then the directions to the mine.

Accommodation at Thermal City is affordable and fits everyone's budget. You are able to camp on the riverside for as little as $15.00 per night or get a cabin with double beds, a bath and a kitchen area with a microwave for $50.00.

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

The Lucky Strike Recreational Gold and Gem Mine Another leisure facility in North Carolina is Lucky Strike. The campground is located 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.

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

Cotton Patch Gold Mine & Campground

This is a really popular mining site in New Londan, NC. Their store comes with a great deal of prospecting supplies and they even organize training courses for newbies.

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

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