The best camping near Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park adventure.
This riverside park and museum commemorate where gold was first discovered.
Popular ways to camp
Community favorites near Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.
Top-rated campgrounds near Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
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Finnon Lake Recreation Area
39 sites · RVs, Tents140 acres · Placerville, CA
*BOOK EARLY* **NO FIREWORKS OF ANY KIND ALLOWED***** DINER CLOSED EFFECTIVE JULY 5TH***
**TRAILERS AND RVs
MUST USE ROCK CREEK ROAD**
From Sacramento on Hwy 50:
At the second stop light, Spring St./Hwy 49, turn left, heading north about 1 block to the stop sign. Turn left, staying on Hwy 49, approximately 1 mile.
Turn right on Hwy 193. Travel approximately 3.1 miles to Rock Creek Road.
Turn right onto Rock Creek Road and travel 8.9 miles to Finnon Lake/Frank's Diner on the Left. The campground is behind the Diner. The DINER IS CLOSED.
Traveling West on 50 from Tahoe:
make a right on HWY 49 traveling north. Follow the above instructions.
Welcome to Finnon Lake Recreation Area!
Our lovely lake offers serenity in a beautifully unique setting, nestled deep into the forest. Enjoy the scenic and exhilarating drive to our hidden gem along the South Fork of the American River- this is all for you to discover.
The night skies above Finnon Lake will reveal stars unseen in most parts of California. Enjoy searching for bullfrogs, and watch the flock of Canadian Geese fly in right at sunset as the horizon blends into the watercolor sky.
This private lake supports the fire protection efforts of the Mosquito Fire Protection District and the firefighters of this community. The lake is managed by volunteers of the community for the benefit of the residents
The primary funding source for the Finnon Lake Restoration is the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, which was signed into law in 2004 with a mission to support “efforts that improve the environmental, economic and social well-being of the Sierra Nevada Region, its communities and the residents of California,” according to its Website.
Finnon Lake is also home to a popular 18-hole disc golf course and Mosquito’s only restaurant, Frank's Diner. Enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, paddling, hiking, or biking during your stay.
Potable water, picnic tables, campfire rings, and toilets on site. The property can not accommodate horses. 2 dogs per site limit.
Our property is located in Placerville, California. Placerville is a charming California gold rush town named after the placer gold deposits found in its riverbeds and hills in the late 1840s.
PLEASE NOTE, there is construction on the Mosquito Bridge. Expect delays, RVs/trailers must use Rock Creek Road (even if your GPS says Mosquito Road). Please message me with any questions.
Please see our website: finnonrecreationarea.com for full directions.
NO FIREWORKS OF ANY KIND ARE ALLOWED.
Smoking is only allowed in an enclosed vehicle.
Pets
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$30
/ night
99%
(386)
RockNWater Cove Camping
8 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Lotus, CA
If you’re looking for a quiet getaway with a few close friends or your family, this option is for you. Tucked in along the South Fork of the American River, this beautiful campsite features picnic benches, a propane fire pit with propane included (fire pits help prevent wildfires), and a prep table for fixing up those tasty fireside meals.
Guests also have access to shared bathroom facilities (and yes, there are showers!), volleyball, ping pong, communal benches, a sink and dishwashing station, and a common swimming area along the river.
Most sites are within a very short walking distance to the banks of the South Fork of the American River, this place is ideal for anyone interested in experiencing the beauty of the foothills and the rush of the river. We offer both tent and RV sites.
Each RV site includes its own picnic table, water and (30Amp) power hookups. Guests will also have access to our volleyball court, ping pong, communal benches, and a common area with a sink and dishwashing station. Additionally, you can access the swim area and go for a dip to cool off on a hot day.
If you're looking to steal some time away to reconnect and camp, this is the place for you. People of all ages can camp out, swim, and play.
We offer toilets, showers, trash disposal,
potable water and more depending on the site you chose. Pets are allowed as well.
Enjoy biking, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, paddling, climbing, swimming, whitewater rafting, and wildlife watching all nearby, or on site.
Pets
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Toilets
from
$85
/ night
96%
(200)
Cosumnes River Somerset Camp
10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents23 acres · Somerset, CA
This land was home to the Miwok, then European and Chinese miners, then a cattle rancher. It was also home to a former nun who quit the dominican order to purchase this land for inner city kids to have a chance to ride, swim, hike and fish. We moved here in 2017 and purchased this land with the main goal to raise our large family here, but we have found that good things must be shared! There is NOTHING like being in the wilderness of this area for a good re-centering of the soul! We have found it to be a true blessing for our family, and we hope you can experience this blessing as we share this space with you.
We feel certain you will not be disappointed with this beautiful river canyon. Our property is situated right on the middle fork cosumnes river. We have 2 sleeping cabins and several tent sites (can be rented separately). The cabins offer a rustic/minimalist type vibe - bring your own bedding/pillows to sleep on the comfy futon. A table and chairs are provided for the cabins. Tent sites have a wood table (bring your camp chairs) and a fire pit when the season is open for burning. The swimming is awesome and the stars at night will put you into a state of awe! Many family owned wineries in the area, most of them offering free tasting. It’s a short drive to Tahoe and the Marshall gold discovery site as well as the historic hangtown Placerville. The recent Caldor Fire was VERY close to our property and a back burn was initiated nearby the cabins. It is still as beautiful as ever but please know there are lots of slash piles. Falling trees and burned up stump holes are also a risk and it is presumed campers will be cautious and use at their own risk. Please don't hesitate to shoot us a message if you have any questions!
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from
$45
/ night
98%
(190)
Camp 🏕 Gold Dust Vineyard
6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents6 acres · Somerset, CA
A six acre organic vineyard & natural winery on 21 acres awaits you at Gold Dust Vineyard. A working natural winery and cidery, come enjoy a glass, relax in the breezes at 2’700 feet. Decomposed granite soils and high elevation make for sweeping views and even better natural wine and cider!
We welcome guests year round!
Surrounded by nature, there is so much to do!
Up in the Foothills, we experience all four seasons!
Come relax☮️
March - May
🌸Don’t miss the wildflowers & babbling brooks, steams & rivers
June - September
🏞Swimming in the Consumnes River or paddle boarding at Jenkinson Lake
September - December
🍂🍁Fall foliage, wine harvest, apple picking and alpaca petting
December - March
❄️⛷Snowy hikes, mushroom hunting and quick trips to South Lake Tahoe
We accept reservations for wine and cider tastings and typically host guests between the hours of 11 am and 5 pm.
Occasionally, during very hot and busy holiday weekends, we will host an evening tasting.
Please note, we are a mom and pop shop with just two of us and our young son running the show. We live on site in a tiny house and use the tasting area as our 'back yard' during off hours. We ask that guests please respect our area and off hours requests. We do not permit live fires or generators.
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$35
/ night
96%
(611)
Harris Family Farm and Forest
7 sites · RVs, Tents125 acres · Pollock Pines, CA
Immerse yourself in the tranquility of our cherished historic family farm, spanning 160 years and 7 generations. Nestled in the serene surroundings of an Apple Hill™ Grower farm, our property offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Choose to camp amidst the lush woods or in our enchanting apple orchard.
Spend your days engaging in farm activities, exploring scenic hiking trails, or simply unwinding in this idyllic setting. During the harvest season, delight in the experience of hand-picking a variety of fruits and vegetables at their peak of ripeness. Participate in our popular jam making classes held in August, and September for $55 per person, or indulge in a delightful High Tea in the Orchard, hosted on Mother’s Day weekend and June spring afternoons for $45 per person. Be sure to secure your spot early for these sought-after activities, as they tend to fill up rapidly.
Our farm is conveniently located near picturesque mountain lakes and charming historic towns, offering ample opportunities for further exploration and discovery. We eagerly anticipate welcoming you to our farm, where you can enjoy invigorating woodland hikes, lend a hand with farm chores, and partake in our weekend bonfire gatherings featuring s'mores and delectable treats from our pie shop. Don't miss the chance to harvest blackberries, apples, and pumpkins during their respective seasons, adding a touch of seasonal magic to your visit.
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$48
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97%
(85)
Manzanita Camping & Co
16 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Coloma, CA
Set up camp and relax in one of our private manzanita surrounded tent sites. A short three min walk to our cobble beach along the beautiful South Fork America River will keep you cool during this hot summer. Or use our sites as a base camp for the many hiking and biking trails in the area. Taste some local wines at one of the many wineries or grab a growler at a nearby brewery.
Propane fire pits are provided for your stay at your camp site, with one tank of propane included for your use... Because what is camping without looking at a fire and roasting marshmallows? Our fire pits sure help add to that *camping feel* but COOKING OVER FIRE PITS (OTHER THAN S'MORES) IS NOT PERMITTED, so please plan to bring your own camp stove or preferred camp-cooking appliances and the required fuel. We look forward to your stay with us!
FAQ: What should I bring?
For our standard tent or RV sites, the sites include a picnic table and a propane fire pit with propane for heating/ambiance only. You should plan to pack everything you would usually expect to bring with you to a typical Forest Service or State Park campground... For example: propane camp stove or equivalent with your own propane/fuel for cooking, extra tables for your personal camp set-up needs, shade tents or pop-ups, games or camp activities, camp cots/pads/air mattresses, camping bedding, tents, camp chairs, etc. We are happy to answer any question you may have!
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$60
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100%
(1244)
Cosumnes River Ranch
25 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Plymouth, CA
We are a family owned/operated ranch, located along the Cosumnes River, one of the last un-dammed rivers in California.
As one of the last rivers flowing from the west slope of the Sierra without a major dam, the Cosumnes is a vital example of a healthy watershed.
Our goal is to offer a unique outdoor experience for anyone looking for a place to spend time in the great outdoors.
Whether you're looking for a single campsite, or a place for a larger gathering, we're excited to have you visit!
Take your pick of activities available on site: swimming , gold panning, fishing, camp fires, wildlife watching, floating, hiking, and mountain biking to name a few. There are 3 miles of river to explore.
Private and noise free. Porta potties on site.
Pets
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$90
/ night
94%
(345)
Ascension Ranch
8 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Pilot Hill, CA
Ascension Ranch is an off-grid paradise with a unique and ever growing list of features and activities. Family owned and operated, we want to be that breath of fresh air from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life that everyone needs. With a serene environment, a healthy mix of farm animals, and good old fashion ranch activities, there's a little bit of something for everyone to enjoy.
Some of the things you'll come across at Ascension Ranch include baby farm animals, sheep, goats, cattle, horses, ranch dogs, chickens, equestrian activities, hiking, biking, camping, archery, lake activities, amazing views, access to endless trails around Folsom Lake, grass-fed meats, fresh produce and of course, good company.
Staying on the ranch can be as social, or as rural as guests choose. Camp alone, or bring others, whether it be your 4-legged companions or friends and family, we welcome all campers who respect and enjoy the great outdoors as much as we do.
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$65
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95%
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Atticus Woods Hilltop Camping
11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Fiddletown, CA
Atticus Woods sits on a sunny hilltop that is 5 acres of peace and quiet. The land is gently sloping, rolling hills and has pathways to enjoy all the views. The terrain makes for easy hiking and family friendly hangouts with a variety of cedar, oaks, manzanita and pines. The property has much to offer, including views to die for.
Accommodations
Atticus Woods offers tent camping, vintage campers, car camping and RV spaces with accommodations. We have an outhouse with a composting toilet, sink and privacy. Next to the outhouse, you will find the outdoor shower that faces the El Dorado National Forest for privacy and serenity. The 300' deep well provides clean, tasty water. Speaking of H2o, each campsite has its own water spigot as well as a campfire positioned close to the water for safety.
The tent sites have been cleared of poison oak, leveled and prepped to offer multiple configurations. Each site has its own appeal, read through to get a better understanding. For example, shady and tucked away or open and with views. It's good to note that the sites are still in the wilderness and are bound to get rough around the edges, however much I try to push back. You can expect some natural grade, rough spots and areas without a top soil layer of decomposed granite.
Electrical outlets for charging phones and other devices are located at 3 different parts of the property.
You will find a few barbecues that can be used on a first come first serve basis, this includes 3 weber for the tabletop and a full-size weber as well as some options for grilling over an open fire. I don't offer coals or starter fluid etc., anymore, I couldn't keep up with demand and remain affordable, my apologies. Please consider bringing these items with you. Keep in mind: I am ALWAYS willing to help out if you are in need, forgot something crucial etc., so don't hesitate to ask. I understand and most likely have what you need, if I am on the property.
Firewood
Atticus Woods has 5 + acres of woods and meadow. The trees will drop branches during storms, giving lots of good firewood for your campfire. We cut and stack wood for the house, but there's more than we need. So, as long as it lasts, firewood found on the property is free while you are staying with us. Campers enjoy the walks around the property to collect wood for their fire and kindling for a starter. I do have heavy, seasoned oak rounds for purchase if you are not interested in collecting wood and would like something that will burn for a long time. In addition, I have fire starter logs for purchase as well. Please reach out to host if you need to purchase.
**Firewood Seasoned Oak Logs are sold out until Oct. 2024
Campfires and Fire Circles
Camping just isn't the same without a campfire. We agree. But, this is a highly dangerous area with most of the year out of the question, unless the campfire is positioned next to a water source and folks are educated in fire safety. We have prioritized fire safety and made each campsite complete with a water spigot next to the campfire, allowing campfires most of the year.
Along with campfires at campsites, Camp Atticus is all about the communal fire circles created to encourage community and give options for larger groups. Our Communal Fire Circles are a truly beautiful experience when the property is fully booked! Whether you and your partner are the only campers on the property or the campgrounds are fully booked, the vibe is right. A truly spectacular outdoor experience at Atticus Woods Campgrounds.
Getting around
The main trail winds around the 3 campsites and continues to the Shower/Outhouse. We find the dark skies to be exhilarating, but we have lit up the trails to help you find your way. The entire property glows at night with solar string lights high in the trees helping you find your way, its kind of magical.
The private acreage has its own entrance to El Dorado National Forest with 1000's of acres of wild that provides views as far as the eye can see. This visual freedom allows the start of your "reset" as you stay here and connect with nature.
Atticus Woods was created to bring people together with nature's beauty, open skies and the quiet stillness found here. The campsites are clustered around a communal space giving privacy and community as well. The communal spaces are located in 3 separate parts of the property, giving you options to spread out, be alone, explore and always have a space close by to sit back and take it all in. Multiple fire circles (3) offer opportunity for meetings of minds under starry night skies as well as provide a place to be solo or to be quiet (even when fully booked). We really like that.
Atticus Woods has just added dispersed camping of your choice as an option that is really affordable and a casual, easy site to book. This option is taking advantage of the undeveloped, or less developed sites to pitch a tent. You might have a bit more work to prep your site, but the options are seemingly endless. Come on up and scout out your site today!
Directions to the Campsites:
Once you arrive to the property you will first take a long driveway that curves around to the top of the hillside. Keep in mind that you will not be able to see anything upon turning up the driveway. Actually, you will not see anything until after driving through the gate located about 3/4 of the way up. You will see a home on your left and the deep canyon of the national forest on your right. There's fencing around the home that is about 2 acres. Most of this area is meant only for the home's privacy except for the circular drive in front of the home. This circular drive has a communal pure pit in the middle of it and can be enjoyed by all. Beyond the communal fire pit, we ask that you respectfully keep a privacy boundary for the home's surrounding acreage. You will, of course, be driving through on your way to the campsites.
Atticus Woods campsites are located at the top of the hill on the far end of the property as well as the communal fire pit areas along the way. Keep in mind that there are maps available at the rock with a sign that says, "Atticus Woods Camp" and an arrow pointing to the renovation area. Please return when you are no longer using so other guests can use them too. Check between the rock and the sign for this very handy map that will give a much better understanding of where you are going!
Take the road past the Airstream Renovation area and the tractor barn. Finally you will come to the water holding tank on your left and the well house on your right, these markers are just before you reach the campsites. Keep following the pathway or dirt road (yes, you may drive your vehicle)to the top of the hill that will open up to a sunny clearing with a fire pit, tables, barbecues and lots of firewood. The right hand side is a communal area for all to use, first come first serve for the Weber Barbecues, as well as firewood. On your right hand side you will see campsite "A." This is the first site and marks the beginning of the upper camping area. If you follow This pathway, you will see campsite "B", Campsite "C" as well. The trail will end at the outdoor shower/compost toilet providing hot and cold water from our 300' deep well. Each site provides a shady respite with semi leveled ground that has been cleared with care and has a soft base of decomposed granite . A fresh water spigot is located in each site along with a small campfire ring and a string of solar lights. All the trails have been cleared of poison oak and have been lit with solar motion detected lights to help you find your way in the dark of the night. The campgrounds look spectacular at night, they actually have a warm glow and its a blast when the different communal areas have a roaring fire and marshmallows, beverages and good conversations!
A Thank You
I am so grateful for the opportunity to host Hipcampers. This has allowed me to continue land ownership by offsetting high costs in California. The unexpected bonus is how much fun it can be. This is better than I imagined and I appreciate every camper. Come to Atticus Woods and experience the California foothill's gold country and party in the woods on my gorgeous piece of earth!
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$25
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(1)
Ancient Native American Forest
6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Placerville, CA
Welcome! When visiting El Dorado's Wine and Gold Country, we invite you to stay at our small chicken-and-hog ranch that sits on land that was once settled by the Miwok People of the Sierras. Here you will find ancient grinding stones and a rock-lined trail along abandoned summertime swimming holes. At the base of this rustic escape, you will find a cascading waterfall that was surely admired then as it is now.
Invite your friends and family to explore these ancient living grounds that boast towering oak, pine and cedar trees with all the wildlife native to the Sierra Foothills. There is also a mile-long seasonal stream that meanders down the property along carved granite rock formations. Miles of hiking trails give access to opportunities for recreational activities like mountain biking, mushroom foraging, birdwatching, ancient native-village-site exploration, and nature-gathering. If you are a forager, keep an eye out for Lion's Mane mushrooms which we often find on fallen or decaying oak trees. Beginning in July, be prepared to pick wild raspberries that grow and ripen along the drying creek.
Our small ranch is a natural habitat to a diverse wildlife population that includes quail, turkey, deer, and bear. Our herds of sheep, goat, hogs and chicken vary with the season but they are usually "just hanging around" the farm eating the spoils of a forest rich in life and forage. When guests are around, they are usually kept in their pens where they get to relax with their dine-in buffet of grains, grass and forage.
There is tent and RV space access for overnight and multiple-day recreational trips however there is no gray or black water dumping on the property. This is an ideal spot for a private group/family getaway so come enjoy a rustic retreat that you, your friends and family can build strong memories around. Contact us for multiple site rentals and coordination prior to your booking to ensure an exceptional stay for you and your guests.
Somerset, CA is located in wine country and is within minutes of award-winning wineries and farm-to-fork eateries so you and your guests can enjoy the best of both worlds on and off-site. There are popular local swimming holes along the Middlefork of the Cosumnes River a short 5-minute drive and a scenic pond for kayaking, canoeing and fishing within 10 minutes of the ranch. We are less than an hour away from Sacramento and about an hour away from Tahoe just below the snowline.
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$40
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Sierra Camping Experience
11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents50 acres · Placerville, CA
Come experience our majestic pine and oak wilderness, all with beautiful vista of Cosumnes River Valley and mountains for miles & miles. Lounge in the peace and quiet. Hang out with our goats, sheep, dogs, chickens, guineas, and ducks during the day! Plus 2 miles of beautiful wilderness trails.
Our site is close to many attractions in the area. The area abounds with famous California gold country sites, museums, and historic Downtown Placerville. We are positioned about 20-30 minutes from some of the state's most beautiful swimming, kayaking, and hiking locations. Shenandoah Valley Wineries are a wonderful stop just 30 minutes South of us, and Apple Hill orchards are 30-40 minutes North-East of us. And of course, the ever-popular Lake Tahoe is 1 hour North-East on Hwy 50.
We aim to create a peaceful, welcoming, and safe environment. We believe in diversity, inclusion, and equity for all people!
PLEASE NOTE before you book:
- Please book all extras through the Hipcamp App. If you decide later to add on anything after arrival, you can change your reservation to reflect.
- All sites come with a fire pit. All sites except Site #9 come with a picnic table. If this is during our dry season with high fire danger, we do not allow open wood or charcoal fires. This is usually between June and October. If you have any questions about fires, please feel free to reach out to us. During fire season, propane fires are permitted and we rent them out in the extras section.
- We cannot accommodate camping vehicles larger than 20 feet. We cannot accommodate trailers. We have a very small turnaround and it is difficult to maneuver larger vehicles and trailers in these areas. Site #1 is the only site that you can park at with a vehicle within the site.
- Refunds are honored if you cancel before 72 hours prior to your check-in time. If your reservation starts at 2pm on Friday, you will need to cancel by 2pm on Tuesday. We do not refund for late cancellations due to unfavorable weather. Please do your diligence by checking weather reports early and cancel early if you believe you will not want to camp in those conditions.
- Because we are in a natural mountain environment, we do have to deal with pests from time to time. During hotter months, bees, ants, and wasps will often frequent our campsites, attracted by food. We do what we can to keep them away, but mid-Summer months especially are more difficult. If you feel like this will bother you, please consider booking with us Fall through Spring.
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$58
/ night
95%
(10)
Bakers Manor
6 sites · RVs10 acres · Placerville, CA
Great spot to bring your own camper
We have 5 spots spread out over 10 acres
No hookups yet
we do have propane tanks on-site and generators for sale !
property has very good cell service
Stays for up to two months long .
River only a couple miles away
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from
$49
/ night
The best camping near Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park guide
Overview
About
See the site where gold was first discovered, kicking off the California Gold Rush. Located along the South Fork of the American River in Coloma, the park is named after James Marshall, who made the key discovery in 1848 while building a sawmill. Today, the park is home to a museum, a replica sawmill, more than 20 historic buildings, costumed interpreters, and several riverside hiking trails. Visitors can explore exhibits, tour the park, or try their hand at gold panning. Camping is not permitted, but private campground options can be found nearby along the American River, around Placerville and Folsom Lake, and at Forest Service campgrounds in Eldorado National Forest.
When to go
Spring and fall are the prettiest times to visit, and also offer the most pleasant weather for exploring. It can get quite warm in the summer, and tours and gold panning lessons are not available when temperatures exceed 92°F. Both are otherwise offered multiple times a day. Popular events include Coloma Gold Rush Live in October, Christmas in Coloma, and Gold Rush Discovery Day in January. The visitor center is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Know before you go
- The majority of the town of Coloma is included as part of the park, and subject to fees.
- A café, educational programs, and nature camps are available at the park.
- Recreational gold panning is permitted on the east shore of the river, using hands and pans only.
- Diving is not permitted in the river.
- Dogs are not permitted inside buildings or on certain trails.
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