Gold Prospecting, Camping and shooting Advice?

[Southwest Chuck]

My two Nor-Cal cousins and I are heading out in about a week for 2 or 3 days for some much needed "guy" time to catch up with each other's lives and without the pressures of our families and life in general. As an excuse (which is true ), we plan on camping and do a little gold prospecting / panning / sluicing, metal detecting, etc. during the days, as well as hopefully getting in a little plinking time, followed by some cocktails and a few nice BBQs afterwards. If we find a few flakes, all the better, but the main point is getting us all together.They are coming out of the Stockton / Lodi area, and me from Socal.

I'm not very familiar with the Motherload Country (I'm a desert guy), but have always wanted to go up Hwy 49 and camp, see the country, and do a little prospecting. I've done some minor research on locations and this is what I have come up with so far: South Yuba River around/near Nevada City, North and South Forks of the American River, Merced River near Mariposa, etc.

I know it's not much to go on, but none of us are strangers to camping and have 4x4's, GPS's, Topo Maps, etc., so dispersed / primitive camping or reasonable 4x4 access is not a problem, although a remote campground (avoiding crowds?) is ok too. I know to watch out for existing claims and many are unmarked, I know, and am researching that now. We're not looking to step on anyone's toes or trespass, just some open areas to try our luck and give use something to do, lol.

I'm not looking for anyone's honey hole or secret camp spot (but I wouldn't turn it down, either, ) but for any recommendations on general areas to go to, say, with-in about 2 - 3 hours out of Lodi (for them). I'll be heading up to that area a few days prior, to scout things out and settle on a location and then send them the GPS coordinates (via my SPOT if need be) to meet up at, if cell coverage is spotty or non-existent.

Any info or tips posted would be more than welcome, (as well as PM's for more Opsec info. lol). BLM areas are a plus If not, no worries. I'm flying half-way blind on this one, but hey, that's part of the fun, lol. Posting an after action report would be a no-brainer....... assuming I survive, ? .....

Thanks all !

[Jimi Jah]

Prospect for fun, pan for specks. Don't expect riches and you will have fun. Mix it in with other activities so you don't burn out on it. Hwy 49 at Hwy 4 has many diversions like 4 excellent caverns to explore. Go up Hwy 4 to find secluded shooting spots. 4 wheel drive is recommended.

[gorn5150]

Go to Georgetown, head east on Wentworth Springs Rd. (Main St.). When you see a sign for Volcanoville make a left and follow that road until it becomes dirt. That dirt road is 4x4 down to the Rubicon river. Great fishing and panning spot.

[Southwest Chuck]

Prospect for fun, pan for specks. Don't expect riches and you will have fun. Mix it in with other activities so you don't burn out on it. Hwy 49 at Hwy 4 has many diversions like 4 excellent caverns to explore. Go up Hwy 4 to find secluded shooting spots. 4 wheel drive is recommended.

Thanks for the tip!

Go to Georgetown, head east on Wentworth Springs Rd. (Main St.). When you see a sign for Volcanoville make a left and follow that road until it becomes dirt. That dirt road is 4x4 down to the Rubicon river. Great fishing and panning spot.

Thanks!
Hope you can you can camp / (primitive or dispersed) down there
I'll pull the topo map out and check it out! Much appreciated Sounds like a less crowded spot, and more remote. My kind of place!