Finding gold in the USA isn't just about hiking; it's about database research. To find open ground, you must navigate the government's complex Land Records.
Start with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and US Forest Service (USFS) regions. Not all public land is open for prospecting.
Use the Mineral & Land Records System (MLRS) to check for active mining claims. This is the government's official database.
Ensure the land isn't 'Withdrawn' (National Parks, Wilderness areas) or already claimed by someone else.
If the area is open, file your own claim. If not, consider physical gold investment via our Vault partners.
Nugget hunting is a high-risk gamble. For most, the smartest move is to skip the shovel and rollover existing funds into a Physical Gold IRA. Our partners at Augusta Precious Metals specialize in helping you secure your retirement with the asset you love.
Explore Gold IRA OptionsThe world's largest online investment gold service. Vaulted in Zurich, London, or New York.
The world's largest crypto exchange. Buy, trade, and earn yield on your digital assets including PAXG.
Low-cost access to global mining stocks (GDX, GDXJ) and ETFs on over 150 markets.
America's favorite precious metals dealer. Vast selection of coins, bars, and rounds delivered.
Land access rights, safety conditions, and public fossicking zones change. You are solely responsible for verifying regulations with local authorities (DOC/Council/BLM) and assessing river safety before visiting. Paystreak.io accepts no liability for injury, fines, or trespassing. Never dig on private land without explicit permission.
✓ Information last verified: January 2026