Camps - Gold Prospectors Association of America - Forum

Last Post 25 Jun 2015 03:53 PM by Paul Straub

Camps

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Gary Wilkinson

Greenhorn
Posts:2

25 Jun 2015 10:49 AM
Being a GPAA member can we still go to lost Dutchman's sites

Paul Straub

Basic Member
Posts:244

25 Jun 2015 01:22 PM
Hey Gary, Sorry the camps are for LDMA members only. GPAA members can only gain access a couple of ways, you can be a guest of a member for 3 days, ( guests can only pan and sluice, or help the member tend their equipment (dredge/highbanker), you cannot bring your own equipment.) Or once a year you can attend an LDMA outing for 3 or 5 days. You can also apply for a 3 day pass to a camp from the office, you have to pick specific days and a specific camp, as it is not an open end pass. Paul

Benjamin Crain

Basic Member
Posts:351

25 Jun 2015 01:56 PM
What are the advantages of joining the LDMA? I have noticed that a few of the GPAA claims are on worthless earth, I am not even sure why they are there, it's incredible waste of resources in my opinion. Is becoming a LDMA member worth it and how does it differ from some bad GPAA claims? As a GPAA member of a local Chapter I have been able to gain access to some very nice claims, does the LDMA basically off the same?

Paul Straub

Basic Member
Posts:244

25 Jun 2015 03:53 PM
Hey Benjamin, The big difference between the GPAA and the LDMA is the LDMA owns a lot of their camps, and have patented claims on others. They have 14 properties around the country that are exclusively for LDMA members, a lot of the camps have caretakers, shower and bath facilities and clubhouses and camper hook-ups which are inexpensive (let's just say under $5 at most camps). You can camp for up to 6 months at most camps. All the camps/claims are in proven gold producing areas. Some camps are primitive camps, some with outhouses. For me the advantage was having more places to go in my area. I live in the SE, in GA, as a GPAA member I had access to 3 claims within driving distance, 1 in AL, 1 in GA, 1 in TN. All of these are leased claims, can only be worked inside the creek bed (mainly dredging) and have been claims for a long time. When I upgraded to the LDMA, I got access to 3 more places in the SE. 1 in GA, 1 in NC, 1 in SC. All 3 camps are in the middle of the SE gold belt. I can highbank or dredge at 2 of the camps, GA, NC. SC has it's own situation and rules. I have been happy with the results whenever I've visited the camps. I always have a good time and the caretakers and other folks are always friendly and fun. When you join/upgrade to LDMA, you are also a Lifetime GPAA member, so you get the benefits of both groups. Hope this answers some of your questions. Paul

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