With the high prices of gold these days, many folks are interested in panning for gold for fun and recreation. The chances you'll strike it rich are dim, but if you will work at it, there is still gold out there to be found. Many new prospectors have a problem finding good places to prospect for gold. Many spots are either located on private property or already held as a private mining claim. As a result, many people get together and form clubs. The prospecting clubs and acquire their own claims for the use of the members. However sometimes a new prospector would like to try his hand panning for gold at least the first few times without having to pay the money to join a prospecting club. This article describes a beautiful little spot where one can dredge, sluice, metal detect, or pan for gold, all for free. It is called Mineral Bar campground and is located where the Colfax - Iowa Hill Road crosses over the American River. In the terms of the old miners, a bar is a place where gold bearing gravel accumulates. continued below...