So Many Choices . . .
So Many Choices . . .
Dominic Ricci – GPAA/LDMA Executive Director of Operations
Photos by Dominic Ricci
As we enter 2020, many people make their “New Year’s Resolutions” and “Goals” for the year. After all, if you don’t make a plan, and especially write them down, they will soon be forgotten. Personal, financial, health, and of course . . . TRAVEL!
The statistics on how many people actually follow through and accomplish their New Year's resolutions are rather grim. Studies have shown that less than 25% of people actually stay committed to their resolutions after just 30 days, and only 8% accomplish them.
Do you want adventure? Love the outdoors? Want to find your gold? . . . It’s out there waiting for you!
What better time than now to make plans to visit your favorite Lost Dutchman’s Mining Association Camp or Property. Why not add to your “goals” to visit one, two, three or all the camps?
Each time you arrive at a LDMA Camp, you will have that internal feeling of . . . “Welcome Home!” It doesn’t matter if it’s a quick weekend escape, a day trip, or a long term stay up to six months. Once you arrive, get your site and set up your spot you can relax.
Each camp is unique, has scheduled activities, events and fun for all. Get involved or try to keep to yourself, but sooner or later you will think, “Why did it take me so long to get home to this camp?”
“When I joined LDMA, I went to a few outings, had fun, met a lot of great people, and started planning my stays. Like a little kid, I can’t wait to go back,” LDMA member John Shannon
With so many choices, you need to plan now to get to your next camp. There is always space for you, but we do encourage you to call each camp and make a reservation, especially if there is a certain site you desire.
“My husband (Paul) and I laugh when we make our plans to stay at any of our ten ‘second’ homes.” Paul & Cathy McGillis
If you are not a LDMA member, take advantage of a one-time 3-day pass to the camp of your choice. Call 800-551-9707 for details. OR, you can participate in any of our National Events hosted at our LDMA Camps. Get the whole family involved and bring some friends too!
Hope to see you out In-The-Dirt and sharing stories around the campfire!
Dominic Ricci is the Executive Director of Operations for GPAA/LDMA and can be reached at 800-551-9707 extension 163 or by email: dricci@goldprospectors.org.
Lost Dutchman’s Mining Association – Camps & Properties
ARIZONA
LDMA Stanton Camp: The Camp consists of 120 patented acres at an old ghost town with several buildings dating from the l870's. Antelope creek runs through the property and has seasonal water for mining operations. The Property also includes a portion of the main wash (Slaughter House Gulch) draining from the famous gold producing Rich Hill. Full hook-ups (electric, water & sewer) and dry camping, restroom/bath house, laundry facilities, trash service, dump station, kitchen, library, billiard room, craft room, work-out room, and club house.
Events
Valentine’s Day Dinner
Saint Patrick's Day Dinner - corn beef and cabbage
Volunteer Appreciation Dinner - March
Season Kick-Off Day with Concert – October 17th
Bi-Weekly Potluck Dinner
Bi-Weekly Game night
Weekly Bible Study
Weekly Bingo & Hot Dogs!
Weekly Poker
Extras
Camping Discounts on stays of 4 – 6 months
Exclusive LDMA claims nearby to prospect on
Great ATV trails (Must have Arizona ATV/UTV Permit)
Local Gem and Mineral Club
Lost Dutchman Claim: Consists of 120-acre claim of placer on the slopes of Rich Hill; a short distance from the LDMA Stanton Camp. Dry washing and metal detecting.
CALIFORNIA
LDMA Duisenburg Camp: The Camp consists of 160 patented acres near the historical mining districts of Randsburg and Ridgecrest, in the California Mojave Desert. This high desert camp has a rich mining history and a unique beauty all its own. Primitive dry camping, club house, kitchen, library, billiard room, portable toilets, water brought in, shower, trash service and dump service w/fee.
Camp Events:
Camp Dig - May 1-3 – Pre Cinco de Oro - Gold, Fun and More!
Camp Dig – July 4-6 - Celebrating the Gold that brought real wealth to this country. Gold, Games, Food and More.
Camp Dig – September 4-6 – May all your Labors produce Gold! Fun, Games and Gold!
Extras
Camping Discounts on stays of 4 – 6 months
Exclusive LDMA claims nearby to prospect on
Great ATV trails
Local Museums, Petroglyphs, Rock Shops & Ghost Town.
Detecting for Prizes
LDMA Finley Property: LDMA Finley Property: At 2600 ft. elevation, this picturesque property consists of 140 acres of patented land with the North Fork of the Salmon River, and Russian Creek, running through the property. Property is primitive, secluded, and covered with a variety of trees to provide shade while camping. There are no amenities on this property, must be self-contained; however, there is a forest service campground across the road. A beautiful place to escape to.
Property Events:
Contact LDMA Scott River Camp for Scheduled Events.
LDMA Italian Bar Camp: This was the first property that George Massie “Buzzard” acquired in 1977 for LDMA. The property consists of 160 acres of patented land on the south fork of the Stanislaus River near the restored 1851 gold rush town Columbia, CA. Dry camping, limited water hook-ups, restroom/bath house, library, club house, kitchen, trash service and dump station.
Camp Events:
Camp Dig - TBA – Stanislaus Sluice Fest - Gold, Fun and More!
Camp Dig – TBA – Anche tu Oro (Dig for Gold) - Gold, Fun and More!
Extras
Camping Discounts on stays of 4 – 6 months
LDMA Klamath River Property: Consists of 28 acres of patented land near the Klamath River National Forest. The Klamath River banks against the property with Natural River vegetation. Primitive property, no amenities must be self-contained.
LDMA Scott River Camp: Consists of 28 acres of patented land located at the mouth of the Scott River where it meets the Klamath River at the old town site of Steelhead. Limited hook-ups (electric & water) and dry camping, limited water hook-ups, kitchen, portable toilets, shower, water available, trash service and dump service w/fee.
Camp Events:
Camp Dig - TBA – Scott River Sluice Swill Down - Gold, Fun and More!
Camp Dig – TBA – Get Out Of Camp Outing – Gold Gett’N Adventure
Extras
Camping Discounts on stays of 4 – 6 months
Exclusive LDMA claims nearby to prospect on
COLORADO
LDMA Leadville Property: Consists of 60 acres of patented land in the heart of Colorado’s premiere mining districts. A seasonal creek runs through. Primitive property, no amenities must be self-contained. Elevation is 10,430 feet so take this into consideration for oxygen levels.
GEORGIA
LDMA Loud Mine Camp: Consists of 37 deeded acres. The property is located near the eastern end of Georgia’s famous Dahlonega Gold Belt. Town Creek and one of its smaller tributaries meander through the property. Hook-Ups (Electric & Water), dry camping, restroom/bath house, club house, kitchen, pavilion, trash service, portable toilets, and dump station.
Events
Camp Dig - TBA – Gold Stomp’N Dirt Dig - Gold, Fun and More!
Camp Dig – TBA – Down & Dirty Gold Fest – Gold Gett’N Adventure!
Camp Dig – TBA – Get LOUD Get GOLD – Gold PayDirt Recovery and More!
Extras
Camping Discounts on stays of 4 – 6 months
PayDirt available
Processing Ponds
Dredging
Famous Dahlonega is 15 minutes away
MICHIGAN
LDMA Athens Camp: Consists of 70 acres. The property is mostly flat with some small rolling hills with a creek that runs through the center of the property. The area is a major glacial deposit. Gold is found throughout the gravel layers; very fine with occasional small nuggets, plus a variety of other rocks, minerals, fossils and artifacts. Dry camping, portable toilets, water station and trash service.
Events
Veterans Appreciation Day – TBA June
First Responders Appreciation Day – TBA June
Weekly Panning lessons
Weekly Dredging lessons
Extras
Camping Discounts on stays of 4 – 6 months
PayDirt available
Processing Ponds
Dredging
Local Gem and Mineral Club
NEVADA
LDMA High Divide Property: Consists of 20 acres of patented land at an elevation of over 6,000 ft., just a few miles south of Tonopah, NV historic mining district. Placer gold, silver and turquoise are present in the area. Remote primitive property, no amenities must be self-contained.
NORTH CAROLINA
LDMA Vein Mountain Camp: Consists of 130 deeded acres in the heart of North Carolina’s “Mother Lode” in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Approximately 2/3 mile of South Muddy Creek and about ¾ mile of a small branch runs through the property. Hook-Ups (Electric & Water), dry camping, one cabin, restroom/bath house, portable toilets, trash service, & dump station.
Events
Spring Kick-Off Event – March 21st
First Responders Appreciation Day – TBA June
Easter Extravaganza – April 11-12 – Run some PayDirt until it’s time for Easter Dinner
Mother’s Day – All Mommy’s will get flowers
Fourth of July – Summer Kick-Off - BBQ Cook-Off and fireworks
HallowGold – October 30-31 - We provide the material; you process it and keep all the Gold you recover!
Extras
Camping Discounts on stays of 4 – 6 months
PayDirt available
Processing Ponds
Dredging
OREGON
LDMA Blue Bucket Camp: Consists of 118 acres of patented land south of the historical Baker City, OR. The property has a high gravel bar on the ridge that will give years of prospecting. Hook-Ups (Electric & Water), dry camping, shower, restroom, portable toilets, club house, library, kitchen and trash service.
Camp Events:
Easter Sunday - Potluck and Egg Hunt
Mother’s Day Potluck & Campfire
Camp Dig - June 5-7 - We provide the material; you process it and keep all the Gold you recover! Saturday Potluck!
Fishing - June 6-7 Free Fishing Weekend (No license required)
Fourth of July BBQ & Potluck
Camp Dig – August 28-30 - We provide the material; you process it and keep all the Gold you recover! Saturday Potluck!
Fishing - Sept 5-6 Free Fishing Weekend (No license required)
Extras
Camping Discounts on stays of 4 – 6 months
PayDirt available
Processing Ponds
Great ATV trails (Must have Oregon ATV/UTV Permit)
Sumpter Valley Dredge State Heritage
Oregon’s Largest Gold Nugget is on display in Baker City
LDMA Burnt River Camp: Consists of 136 acres of patented land near Durkee, OR. Bisected both by the Burnt River and Deer Creek. Dry camping, restroom/shower, portable toilets, club house, library, kitchen trash service and dump station.
Camp Events:
Easter Sunday - Potluck and Egg Hunt
Camp Dig - May 29-31 - We provide the material; you process it and keep all the Gold you recover! Saturday Potluck!
Memorial Day BBQ & Potluck
Fishing - June 6-7 Free Fishing Weekend (No license required)
Father's Day BBQ & Potluck
Fourth of July BBQ & Potluck
Camp Dig – July 24-26- We provide the material; you process it and keep all the Gold you recover! Saturday Potluck!
Fishing - Sept 5-6 Free Fishing Weekend (No license required)
Extras
Camping Discounts on stays of 4 – 6 months
Exclusive LDMA claims nearby to prospect on
PayDirt available
Processing Ponds
Great ATV trails (Must have Oregon ATV/UTV Permit)
Sumpter Valley Dredge State Heritage
Oregon’s Largest Gold Nugget is on display in Baker City
LDMA Cave Creek Property: Consists of 32 patented acres on Cave Creek. Approximately a mile of Cave Creek runs thru property. Camping is available at nearby LDMA Burnt River Camp.
SOUTH CAROLINA
LDMA Oconee Camp: Consists of 120 acres of deeded property located in Tamassee, SC, nestled in the foothills of the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. Approx. 1.25 miles of Knox Creek runs on a horseshoe pattern through the property. Also found is clear and smoky quartz, garnets, rubies and amethyst. Limited electric hook-ups, dry camping, portable toilets, and trash service.
Camp Events:
Camp Dig - April 16-19 – Gold N BBQ - We provide the material; you process it and keep all the Gold you recover! BBQ each day!
Extras
Camping Discounts on stays of 4 – 6 months
PayDirt available
Processing Ponds
LDMA EXCLUSIVE CLAIMS
LDMA Exclusive Claims: For additional Claims access, please ask LDMA Camp Caretaker when in camp and they will provide the current information on exclusive claims near that specific LDMA Camp.
