50 Years of Gold, Discovery, and Adventure
From the first Thanksgiving outing at Italian Bar to 12 camps across America — the story of the Lost Dutchman's Mining Association.
Way Back When
The Buzzard at an early LDMA outing at Italian Bar — where it all began.
Our Journey
Five decades of adventure, discovery, and fellowship
LDMA Founded
George "Buzzard" Massie establishes the Lost Dutchman's Mining Association with a vision of gold, discovery, and adventure.
First Outing – Italian Bar
Thanksgiving at Italian Bar, CA — the very first LDMA adventure on the historic South Fork Stanislaus River gravel bar.
Italian Bar Acquired
First official camp purchased — 160 acres of patented mining claims rebuilt from the ground up on 1850s gold rush grounds.
Stanton, AZ – Camp #2
Iconic ghost town purchased and lovingly restored by members into one of America's best-preserved gold camps.
Nationwide Expansion
Camps added across CA, AZ, OR, GA, NC, SC and beyond — thousands of acres of private gold-bearing claims.
Membership Boom
Grows to thousands of families enjoying year-round access, hook-ups, and legendary finds.
Modern Era
12 premier RV campgrounds, caretaker program, and the birth of signature events like DirtFest.
50 Years Strong
Celebrating half a century of gold prospecting, camaraderie, and living history. The legacy continues with YOU.
Then & Now
How our flagship camps have evolved over the decades
Vein Mountain
1990s–2000s
Early days at the North Carolina camp — quartz veins and alluvial gold in the Blue Ridge.
Today
130 acres with RV hookups, clubhouse, and gold-bearing quartz veins. Family weekend getaways in a tranquil wooded setting.
Finley Camp
1990s–2000s
Vintage footage from the Northern California camp — North Fork Salmon River and Russian Creek.
Today
140 acres at 2,600 ft with North Fork Salmon River & Russian Creek. Primitive, shaded, self-contained camping.
Burnt River
1990s–2000s
Early outings along Burnt River and Deer Creek in Eastern Oregon — where the rose gold runs.
Today
136 acres with showers, clubhouse, and dump station. Camp digs, potlucks, and famed rose gold finds.
Loud Mine
1990s–2000s
Footage from the Dahlonega gold belt — stream gold and family prospecting in Georgia.
Today
37 acres with RV hookups, pavilion, clubhouse, and rich stream gold. Swim, fish, kayak, and hunt for gold.
Stanton
1990s–2000s
The Arizona ghost town in early LDMA days — before and during member restoration.
Today
One of America's best-preserved gold camps — historic Hotel Stanton, museum, clubhouse, and 197 RV sites.
Duisenburg
1990s–2000s
High desert prospecting in the Mojave — metal detecting and dry washing near Randsburg.
Today
160 acres of Mojave gold country. Primitive RV and tent camping, clubhouse, and 40+ years of desert prospecting.
Italian Bar
1990s–2000s
The Buzzard and early members at the first LDMA camp — the South Fork Stanislaus.
Today
160 acres of river access, RV hookups, clubhouse, and gold panning. The first LDMA camp, still going strong.
Oconee
1990s–2000s
Early days in the Blue Ridge foothills — gold panning and gem hunting in South Carolina.
Today
120 acres with panning station, equipment rentals, and gem hunting — quartz, garnets, and rubies.
50 Years by the Numbers
A legacy built by members, for members
Be Part of the Next 50
Join thousands of members prospecting across 12 premier camps. Get access to exclusive events, claims, and a community built on 50 years of gold, discovery, and adventure.