Gem Mining, Gold Panning & Rockhounding in California
Where can you go gem mining in California? We list 17 sites in California (5 rockhounding / fossil sites, 8 gold panning sites, 3 mine tours, 1 pay-to-dig gem mine), including Oceanview Mine (Pala) (Pala, CA).
Listings come from operators' official websites, OpenStreetMap, the federal RIDB database and the Bureau of Land Management.
Verify before visiting. Hours, fees, access and collecting rules change, and some listings come from community-edited data. Call or check the operator's official page before you go. Details we could not confirm are marked "call to confirm".
Pay-to-Dig Gem Mines in California (1)
Oceanview Mine (Pala)
Pay-to-dig gem minePala, CA · the operator's official website
Gold Panning Spots in California (8)
Dave Moore Nature Area
Gold panningEl Dorado County, CA · Recreation Information Database (RIDB)Dry Creek Group Campground (Whiskeytown NRA)
Gold panningShasta County, CA · Recreation Information Database (RIDB)Gold Panning Area (Big Bear City, CA)
Gold panningBig Bear City, CA · OpenStreetMapHorse Camp Primitive Campground
Gold panningShasta County, CA · Recreation Information Database (RIDB)McCabe Flat Campground
Gold panningMariposa County, CA · Recreation Information Database (RIDB)Railroad Flat Campground
Gold panningMariposa County, CA · Recreation Information Database (RIDB)Sierra Campground (North Yuba River)
Gold panningSierra County, CA · Recreation Information Database (RIDB)Willow Placer Campground
Gold panningMariposa County, CA · Recreation Information Database (RIDB)
Rockhounding & Fossil Sites in California (5)
Agate Beach County Park (Bolinas, CA)
Rockhounding / fossil siteBolinas, CA · OpenStreetMapChambless Rock Collecting Area
Rockhounding / fossil siteSan Bernardino County, CA · Bureau of Land ManagementNorth Black Hills Geode Beds
Rockhounding / fossil siteImperial County, CA · OpenStreetMapSavahia Peak Rock Collecting Area
Rockhounding / fossil siteSan Bernardino County, CA · Bureau of Land ManagementWiley Well District Geode Beds
Rockhounding / fossil siteImperial County, CA · Bureau of Land Management
Mine Tours in California (3)
Kennedy Gold Mine
Mine tourAmador County, CA · OpenStreetMapMammoth Consolidated Gold Mine
Mine tourMammoth Lakes, CA · OpenStreetMapSutter Gold Mine
Mine tourAmador County, CA · OpenStreetMap
FAQ
How many gem mining and rockhounding sites are in California?
This directory lists 17 in California: 5 rockhounding / fossil sites, 8 gold panning sites, 3 mine tours, 1 pay-to-dig gem mine.
Which California mines have hours and fees confirmed?
We checked the official websites of Oceanview Mine (Pala) on 2026-11-04. Their pages show the hours and fees as stated by the operator.
Can I keep what I find in California?
At pay-to-dig mines, usually yes, under the mine's own rules. On BLM land you may generally collect reasonable amounts for noncommercial use. Rules for state parks, national forests and private land differ, so check with the manager.
Also see: Pay-to-Dig Gem Mines · Gold Panning Spots · Rockhounding & Fossil Sites · Mine Tours · Gear checklist