Where to Buy Mining Claims in California
Your complete guide to purchasing verified gold mining claims from trusted sources. Learn where to buy, what to look for, and how to avoid costly mistakes.
Buying a mining claim in California is an exciting investment, whether you're looking for a recreational prospecting site, a weekend getaway, or a serious gold mining operation. But with so many options — from online marketplaces to BLM auctions to private sellers — knowing where to buy and who to trust is critical.
Our Commitment to You
At California Gold Claims, every claim is pre-verified through the BLM database, professionally surveyed, and comes with complete documentation. We only sell claims we'd be proud to own ourselves.
Where to Buy Mining Claims: Your Options
1. Specialized Mining Claim Dealers (BEST OPTION)
The most reliable way to buy a mining claim is through a specialized dealer who focuses exclusively on mining claims. These dealers typically verify claims, provide documentation, and offer some level of buyer protection.
100% BLM Verified
Every claim checked against current BLM records
Professional Photos & GPS
High-resolution imagery and exact coordinates
Complete Documentation
Location certificates, claim maps, BLM serial numbers
Expert Support
Guidance through the entire buying and transfer process
Prime Gold-Bearing Locations: Our claims are located on proven gold rivers including the Trinity River, Salmon River, and historic Mother Lode districts across California's richest gold counties.
View Our Verified Claims2. Online Marketplaces & Classifieds
Platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and mining forums often have mining claims for sale. While you can find deals here, buyer beware — many listings are from private sellers with no verification process.
- •Potentially lower prices from motivated sellers
- •Direct negotiation with claim owners
- •Wide variety of claims in different locations
- •No verification — claims may be invalid or abandoned
- •High risk of scams and fraudulent listings
- •Limited documentation and no buyer protection
- •You're responsible for all due diligence
3. BLM Land Auctions & Sales
The Bureau of Land Management doesn't sell or auction mining claims. However, you can stake your own claim on open public land that's available for mineral entry. This process involves physically locating and marking the claim boundaries, filing a location notice with the county, and registering with the BLM.
How to find open land: Check the BLM's LR2000 database to see which areas are open for new claims. You can also use the BLM's mapping tools to identify unclaimed areas near known gold deposits. Keep in mind that most of the best gold-bearing areas already have claims, so finding quality open ground is challenging.
Important: Staking a claim is complex and requires understanding of the 1872 Mining Law, proper monumenting, GPS surveying, and filing requirements. For most buyers, purchasing an existing verified claim is easier and less risky. Learn more in our guide: How to Stake a Mining Claim.
4. Direct from Claim Owners
Some prospectors sell claims directly through word-of-mouth, mining clubs, or local prospecting associations. This can work well if you know the seller personally and can verify the claim yourself.
Tip: Join organizations like the Gold Prospectors Association of America (GPAA) or local prospecting clubs to network with experienced miners who may know of claims for sale.
How to Verify a Mining Claim Before Buying
Whether you're buying from a dealer or a private seller, always verify the claim through official channels before handing over any money. Here's your step-by-step verification checklist:
Check the BLM LR2000 Database
Verify the claim is active, not abandoned, and matches the seller's information. Get the BLM serial number and case file number.
Verify County Records
Check the county recorder's office where the claim is located for the location notice and any amendments or transfers.
Confirm Annual Maintenance Fees Paid
Make sure the $200 annual BLM maintenance fee has been paid and the claim is current (or that a small miner waiver is on file).
Check for Overlapping Claims
Use the BLM's mapping tools to ensure no other claims overlap the boundaries of the claim you're buying.
Visit the Claim in Person
Physically visit the claim, verify GPS coordinates, check access roads, and assess the gold potential yourself.
Verify Seller Ownership
Confirm the seller is the legal claim holder by cross-referencing their name with BLM and county records.
Pro Tip: When you buy from California Gold Claims, all of this verification work has already been done for you. Every claim includes a verification report with BLM serial numbers, county recorder information, and proof of current maintenance fees.
For a complete guide to verifying claims, read our detailed article: How to Verify a Mining Claim Before Buying.
Red Flags: How to Avoid Mining Claim Scams
Unfortunately, mining claim scams are common. Fraudulent sellers prey on eager buyers who don't do proper due diligence. Here are the biggest red flags to watch for:
No BLM Serial Number Provided
Every valid claim has a BLM serial number. If the seller can't or won't provide it, walk away.
"Too Good to Be True" Pricing
A claim on a proven gold river for $500? Probably a scam. Research typical prices in the area.
Pressure to Buy Immediately
Legitimate sellers give you time to verify the claim. High-pressure sales tactics are a red flag.
No Documentation or Location Certificate
Every claim should have a recorded location certificate on file with the county. If they don't have it, the claim may not exist.
Seller Won't Allow a Visit
Always visit the claim before buying. If the seller refuses or makes excuses, it's a scam.
Vague or Missing GPS Coordinates
Legitimate sellers provide exact GPS coordinates for all claim corners. Vague descriptions like "near the river" are suspicious.
Golden Rule: If something feels off, trust your instincts. Legitimate sellers are transparent, provide documentation, and encourage you to verify everything yourself.
How Much Do Mining Claims Cost?
Mining claim prices vary widely based on location, gold potential, access, water availability, and size. Here's what you can expect when buying from private sellers or dealers:
• Remote locations
• Limited access or seasonal roads
• Smaller claim sizes (20 acres)
• Good for beginners and recreational prospecting
• Proven gold-bearing rivers
• Good road access and year-round availability
• Claims with documented gold history
• Ideal for serious hobbyists
• Historic Mother Lode districts
• Exceptional gold potential with proven production
• Excellent access and infrastructure
• Commercial mining potential
Important: Don't forget about annual maintenance costs. The BLM charges a $200/year maintenance fee per claim, or you can file a small miner waiver if you perform $100 worth of assessment work (trail maintenance, brush clearing, etc.).
For a detailed breakdown of what to look for when buying, check out our Gold Claim Buyer's Checklist.
Why Buy from California Gold Claims?
We specialize exclusively in California gold mining claims, and we take pride in offering only verified, well-documented claims in prime gold-bearing locations.
Our claims are located on California's most productive gold rivers, including:
- •Trinity River Claims – Historic gold production, excellent access
- •Salmon River Claims – Remote wilderness, rich gold deposits
- •Mother Lode District Claims – The birthplace of the California Gold Rush
Every claim includes:
- BLM serial number and case file documentation
- County recorder location certificate
- GPS coordinates for all claim corners
- Professional photos and claim maps
- Verification report with BLM and county records
Current Available Claims
Browse our curated selection of verified mining claims across California. Each listing includes detailed information, high-resolution photos, GPS coordinates, and complete documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a mining claim from the BLM directly?
No. The BLM doesn't sell or auction mining claims. Mining claims are acquired through the staking process on open public land, or by purchasing an existing claim from the current owner. The BLM only manages the registration, maintenance, and administration of mining claims under the 1872 Mining Law.
Do I need a lawyer to buy a mining claim?
It's not required, but highly recommended for high-value claims. A lawyer can review the claim documentation, verify ownership, and help with the transfer paperwork. When buying from reputable dealers like us, the transfer process is straightforward and we guide you through every step.
What's the transfer process when buying a claim?
The seller signs a quit claim deed transferring the claim to you. You then record the transfer with the county recorder's office where the claim is located and file a transfer form with the BLM. We provide detailed instructions and support throughout this process.
How long does it take to buy a mining claim?
Once you've selected a claim and completed verification, the purchase and transfer process typically takes 2-4 weeks. This includes signing paperwork, recording with the county, and updating BLM records.
Can I finance a mining claim purchase?
Traditional bank loans for mining claims are rare since you don't own the land. However, some buyers use personal loans, seller financing, or payment plans. Contact us to discuss financing options for specific claims.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Mining Claim?
Browse our verified claims with complete documentation, professional photos, and expert support through the entire buying process.