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Places to Pan for Gold

The price of gold, the world's most coveted precious metal, has reached historical highs during a period of economic reversals, foreclosures and unemployment. With just a gold pan and a shovel, anyone can participate in a search for the elusive metal. Thousands of gold seekers head for the mountains and deserts of America. Gold panning is fun and great exercise, and it has the potential of being financially rewarding. Naturally occurring gold, found in nearly every state, provides the weekend prospector with a wealth of locations across the United States to explore.

Pay to Pan
- Panning for gold is a fun and rewarding hobby.
  
  Commercial gold mines often allow the public to pan for gold on their property for a fee. Some sites excavate materials from deep within the earth, areas that hobbyists cannot reach, and then sell the material by the bucket. Gold pans, panning benches and washing areas are provided. All equipment is provided, and helpful staff offer tips and techniques.
  
  Alabama Gold Camp offers those new to gold panning a proven location to pan for gold. Offering friendly service, instructions and equipment rentals, the camp has miles of stream beds to sluice, pan for gold or metal-detect. Rustic, shaded campsites are available for rental.
  
  Alabama Gold Camp
  
  1398 Co. Rd. 5
  
  Lineville, AL 36266
  
  256-396-0389
  
  alabamagoldcamp.com
Public Lands
- The hunt for gold captures the imagination.
  
  A permit is not required to pan for gold prospecting on public lands as long as no mechanized equipment is employed. Contact the Bureau of Land Management to locate open federal lands where gold panning is allowed. Respect private land and established mining claims on federal property. Trespassing is a felony, and prospectors are very protective of their operations.
  
  Many gold prospectors pan for gold at public rights-of-way, where a road or highway crosses a gold-bearing stream. Research the history of an area to locate where gold has been found in the past. Government records, geological maps and reports, mining claim deeds and assay reports can provide a wealth of knowledge to aid in your quest.
Gold Mining Clubs
- Join the Gold Prospectors Association of America, a nationwide organization of gold prospectors with chapters in every state. Meet new people, learn the latest in prospecting techniques and join in common mining operations at club gold sites.
  
  Northwest Montana Gold Prospectors is an engaging group of gold prospectors who are always ready to share their experiences and knowledge with folks new to the hobby. Their camp, near Libby, Montana, is in a proven gold-producing area and is open to the public.
  
  Gold Prospectors Association of America
  
  43445 Business Park Drive Suiteq
  
  Temecula, CA 92590
  
  951-699-4749
  
  goldprospectors.org
  
  Northwest Montana Gold Prospectors
  
  Box 3242
  
  Columbia Falls, MT 59912
  
  406-756-3711
  
  nwmtgoldprospectors.com

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