Gold Panning Spots in the United States
Places where recreational gold panning is listed as an activity by a federal agency, or mapped as a panning attraction in OpenStreetMap. Claims, closures and seasonal rules apply; confirm with the managing agency. We list 19 in 7 states; most are in California, Alaska, Colorado.
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".
Alaska (4)
Cripple Creek Campground
Gold panningFairbanks North Star Borough, AK · Recreation Information Database (RIDB)Gold Panning Attraction (Tok, AK)
Gold panningTok, AK · OpenStreetMapMarion Creek Campground
Gold panningYukon-Koyukuk Census Area, AK · Recreation Information Database (RIDB)Mount Prindle Campground
Gold panningYukon-Koyukuk Census Area, AK · Recreation Information Database (RIDB)
Arizona (1)
Lynx Creek Gold Pan Day Use Area
Gold panningYavapai County, AZ · OpenStreetMap
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)
Colorado (2)
Cascade Campground (Chaffee County, CO)
Gold panningChaffee County, CO · Recreation Information Database (RIDB)Chalk Lake Campground (Chaffee County, CO)
Gold panningChaffee County, CO · Recreation Information Database (RIDB)
Georgia (1)
Crisson Gold Mine
Gold panning Pay-to-dig gem mineDahlonega, GA · the operator's official website
North Carolina (1)
Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site
Gold panning Mine tourMidland, NC · the operator's official website
Oregon (2)
Sharps Creek Recreation Site
Gold panningLane County, OR · Recreation Information Database (RIDB)Yellowbottom Recreation Site
Gold panningLinn County, OR · Recreation Information Database (RIDB)
FAQ
How many gold panning spots are listed?
19 across 7 states. The states with the most are California (8), Alaska (4), Colorado (2).
What should I know before visiting?
Places where recreational gold panning is listed as an activity by a federal agency, or mapped as a panning attraction in OpenStreetMap. Claims, closures and seasonal rules apply; confirm with the managing agency.