Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
Coloma, CA
The spot on the American River where James Marshall found gold in January 1848, starting the Gold Rush. There is a replica sawmill, old buildings and a place to try panning.
- Nearest town
- Coloma, CA
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 38.8014, -120.8923
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, September and November. Hot in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Ponderosa RV ResortMotorhome stopover1 mi from Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic ParkMotorhomes
- KOA PlacervilleMotorhome stopover9 mi from Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic ParkMotorhomes
- Placerville RV Resort & CampgroundMotorhome stopover9 mi from Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic ParkMotorhomes
- Camp Chiquita CampgroundMotorhome stopover12 mi from Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic ParkMotorhomes
- Chicken Hawk CampgroundCampsite22 mi from Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic ParkTentsFree
- Giant Gap CampgroundCampsite24 mi from Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
All campsites in California · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park?
Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park is in Coloma, CA, at GPS 38.8014, -120.8923. It is about 7 mi from Placerville.
Can you camp near Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Ponderosa RV Resort, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 40 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park?
Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Gold Country on Highway 49.
What is there to see near Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Empire Mine State Historic Park (29 mi), Emerald Bay (43 mi), Mormon Station State Historic Park (58 mi) and Sand Harbor (58 mi).
When is the best time to visit Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, September and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)