Gold Diggin's
Multi-day flagship gatherings — panning, detecting, paydirt, prizes, and the full camp experience. No experience required.
LDMA Events · 50th Anniversary
Gold, adventure & community at America's camps
Weekends on private gold claims — panning, detecting, camp life, and people who love the hunt. No membership required to get started.
Next event
What kind of event is this?
LDMA hosts different weekends for different vibes — from flagship Gold Diggin's to detector hunts and one-of-a-kind adventures.
Dirt Party
High-energy weekends with activities, community, and adventure on real gold claims. Great for groups and first-timers.
Detector Events
Focused metal-detecting days and demos — often with manufacturer partners. Perfect for honing your skills.
Other Adventures
Dredge Quest, Desert Chaos, Push Digs, BBQ weekends, and camp-specific gatherings across 8 states.
Find your kind of weekend
Tell us what you're looking for — we'll send the right events and tips for your situation.
Real weekends, real stories
“We had never prospected before. By Sunday we were finding color in the creek and already planning our next trip.”
“The community is what keeps us coming back — everyone shares tips, and the kids love the camp activities.”
“I came for a detector weekend and left with new friends and a list of camps I want to visit.”
50
Years of adventure
12
Private campgrounds
8
States
Upcoming events
Sorted by date — register when you're ready.
Dirt Party
LDMA Birthday & Anniversary Party Italian Bar
Sep 16 – 19, 2026
Italian Bar, CA
Get details
Where we host
Private campgrounds on real gold claims — from Arizona deserts to Carolina hills.
New to LDMA? Start here.
- Do I need to be an LDMA member to attend?
- Most events welcome guests. Members often save on tickets — you'll see member and guest pricing when you register.
- What is LDMA?
- The Lost Dutchman's Mining Association — 50 years of private gold claims and campgrounds across the American West and Southeast. Events are weekends at those camps.
- I've never prospected. Is that OK?
- Absolutely. Many events include demos, paydirt, and help for beginners. Gold Diggin's and Dirt Party weekends are especially welcoming.
- What's included in my ticket?
- It varies by event — typically campsite access for your party, structured activities, and time on the claim. Each event page lists what's included.
Ready to see it for yourself?
Pick an event, grab a ticket, and show up at camp. Or start with our guide — we'll help you find the right first weekend.