Alabama Gold Camp
Lineville, Alabama
placer goldgarnet
Fee dig · Fee
Alabama Gold Camp
Placer gold has come out of this Clay County drainage since Alabama's 1830s gold rush, and this camp is the state's one pay-to-prospect operation open to the public. Miles of creek are available to pan, sluice, highbank or dredge, with equipment sizes capped and priced by the day. Red garnets and other heavies turn up in the same gravels. Bring cash or a checkbook - the office takes nothing else.
The card catalog
| What you can find | placer gold, garnet |
|---|---|
| Access | Fee dig — Fee |
| Fees | visitor pass $5/day per person covering admission, panning, sluicing and metal detecting, children 11 and under free with an adult; bring-your-own dredge $15-$40/day by size (2" to a 5" maximum) and highbanker $15-$25/day (3" maximum); cash or check only, no credit cards |
| Season & hours | hours and season are not posted on the camp's site - water level and weather drive what is workable, so call (256) 396-0389 to confirm the gate is open before a long drive |
| Kids | Family-friendly — A five-dollar adult pass and free entry for under-12s makes this one of the cheapest real field days in the region. Panning in a shallow creek is well within a grade-schooler's range; leave the dredging to adults. |
| Official source | Alabama Gold Camp |
| Last checked | Checked against its source August 16, 2026 |
Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
Before you go
What does Alabama Gold Camp cost?
visitor pass $5/day per person covering admission, panning, sluicing and metal detecting, children 11 and under free with an adult; bring-your-own dredge $15-$40/day by size (2" to a 5" maximum) and highbanker $15-$25/day (3" maximum); cash or check only, no credit cards Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
When is Alabama Gold Camp open?
hours and season are not posted on the camp's site - water level and weather drive what is workable, so call (256) 396-0389 to confirm the gate is open before a long drive Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
Is Alabama Gold Camp good for kids?
Yes — Alabama Gold Camp works for families. A five-dollar adult pass and free entry for under-12s makes this one of the cheapest real field days in the region. Panning in a shallow creek is well within a grade-schooler's range; leave the dredging to adults.