Mainers are a unique lot. Some of us would spend all day outside if we could, while others prefer the creature comforts of air conditioning and comfy beds. But, if we had to guess we’d say that most of us are a mix. We love the outdoors, but we also love the finer things in life. Included in the “finer things” category? Gems! Which is why Vacationland is the perfect place for those of us who like shiny things with a dose of nature. To find it, head to this unique camping spot which offer the opportunity to sleep under the stars while also finding gems in Maine.
Bethel Outdoor Adventure and Campground has just about every Maine activity you’d want to experience. As long as you’re a lover of all things outside!
Diana Simmons / Google
The operation offers kayaking, canoeing, tubing, SUPing and fishing.
William Penney / Google
Bethel Outdoor Adventure and Campground / Facebook
And all of that is in addition to the fact that you can also camp here.
Sasikkumar Sigamani / Google
Whether you have a tent or an entire RV setup, you’ll want to carve out a few nights of your Maine visit to spend here.
Andrew Richardson / Google
Of course we love the outdoor activities, but what some people might not realize is that there’s a full gem-finding operation here in the form of their daily sluice.
Bethel Outdoor Adventure and Campground / Facebook
The Oxford County area produces a huge selection of precious and semi-precious stones.
Bethel Outdoor Adventure and Campground / Facebook
And best of all you don’t need to take yourself to an actual mine to find your gems. Rock and dirt from the local area has been brought in and visitors can purchase their own buckets to use in the sluice.
Bethel Outdoor Adventure and Campground / Facebook
In the past, visitors have found things like blue and golden beryl, amethyst, tourmaline, rose, smoky and optical quartz, mica, feldspar, apatite and lepidolite.
Bethel Outdoor Adventure and Campground / Facebook
This year a couple found a piece of tourmaline estimated to be worth about $150!
Bethel Outdoor Adventure and Campground / Facebook
But, even if you don’t find your dream gem searching through the sluice is so much fun.
Bethel Outdoor Adventure and Campground / Facebook
And who knows! You just might leave with something special.
Bethel Outdoor Adventure and Campground / Facebook
The Sluice at Bethel Outdoor Adventure and Campground is open from May to October, depending on the weather. The hours are every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Buckets start at $27.50. You can learn more about them on their website or visit them on Facebook. They can be reached on 207-824-4224. Address: 121 Mayville Road, Bethel, ME 04217.
Diana Simmons / Google
William Penney / Google
Bethel Outdoor Adventure and Campground / Facebook
Sasikkumar Sigamani / Google
Andrew Richardson / Google
If you’d like to explore a daytrip for gem finding, consider this option. While there’s no campground, there’s plenty of gem-finding potential!
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