Recreational mining describes recreational activities undertaken using numerous kinds of mining gear. It is the type of mining individuals do just for fun, in their spare time - a household activity that revives the Gold Rush from the 1800's - and shouldn't be confused with the economic 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. The western part of NC is wealthy in many business minerals and diamonds, and you may dig for emerald, citrine, rose quartz, rubies, aventurine, moonstone, smoky quartz, tourmaline and much more.

Thermal City is definitely reachable by car. Situated on Highway 221 it is midway between Marion and Rutherford, right on the Rutherford - McDowell county line. Coming from the Rutherfordton/Marion exit on I-40, head south towards Rutherfordton for approximately 8 or 8.5 miles whilst keeping an eye for the road sign on the left side. Follow then the directions to the mine.

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

You might bring your own mining gear and supplies or purchase it from Thermal City. They're approved resellers of Keene Engineering equipment and will present you with pumps, hi-bankers/dredges, prospecting and mining supplies, gold pans, an array of prospecting books, sluice boxes and many more.

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

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 one more well-known recreational mining site positioned in New London, NC. Their store includes a wide range of prospecting supplies and they even organize training courses for beginners.

The campground is open all year round and prices start at $15.00 per night and constant discount rates can be obtained for extended stays. You can book a complete month of RV camping for around $350. All you need to do is generate a call and check the unbooked time.

In New London the camp is situated on 4167 Gurley Road. If you wish to use a GPS device you can put in the coordinates that are Longitude 80.1874. Latitude 35.4358.