Roaring Camp Mining Co.

Roaring Camp Mining Co. is a working gold mine and prospecting camp tucked into the Mokelumne River canyon at historic Clinton Bar, where three forks of the river converge near Pine Grove. Originally a camp for Forty-Niners during the California Gold Rush, the remote site was historically accessible only by horseback — which means much of the gold in the surrounding river gravels has never been worked. Today visitors can pan, sluice, metal detect, and dredge for gold under guidance from experienced prospectors, with all equipment provided.

Beyond prospecting, the camp offers swimming in natural river pools with crystal-clear water, fishing, hiking on trails once used by Gold Rush miners, and rock collecting among waterfalls and formations rising roughly 40 feet above the river. Saturday evenings feature a communal steak cookout for all guests. Overnight stays in tent sites or cabins can be booked through the website, and a Trading Post sells gold-bearing dirt, nuggets, and prospecting supplies. The camp is open May through September; reservations are required.